How to Fix a Squeaky Bed Frame: Step-by-Step Guide
Most squeaky beds can be fixed in 20 minutes with basic tools. Here's exactly how to do it.
In This Guide
A squeaky bed drives people crazy. I get it. After handling thousands of bed frames over the years, I've learned that most squeaks come down to the same few problems — and almost all of them are fixable without replacing anything.
Here's how this guide works: I'll walk you through three quick fixes that solve about 80% of squeaky beds. If those don't work, we'll go deeper — I'll show you how to find the exact source of the squeak and fix it, whether it's coming from your mattress, box spring, headboard, or frame.
Why I Know How to Fix This
20+ years handling bed frames. I've seen every way they squeak and every way to fix them.
The 3 Quick Fixes That Solve Most Squeaky Beds
Try these first. In order. Most people don't need to go any further.
Tighten Everything
This alone fixes about half of all squeaky beds. Bolts and screws naturally loosen over time from nightly movement.
What you'll need:
- Wrench (13mm or 14mm for most metal frames)
- Screwdriver (Phillips #2 for most wood frames)
- Allen key (4mm, 5mm, or 6mm for socket head screws)
What to do:
- Remove the mattress and box spring so you can access the frame
- Go around the entire frame and tighten every bolt and screw you can find
- Pay extra attention to:
- Corner joints (where side rails meet headboard/footboard)
- Center support connections
- Slat attachments
- Leg connections
- Tighten firmly but don't overtighten — you can strip threads or crack wood
- Put the bed back together and test it
Squeak gone? You're done. But check again in 1-2 weeks — bolts often need retightening as they settle. If they keep loosening, put a drop of Loctite Blue (threadlocker) on the threads next time.
Still squeaking? Move to Quick Fix #2.
Lubricate the Joints
If tightening didn't work, friction is probably the problem. Two surfaces are rubbing together somewhere.
For metal frames:
- Use silicone spray or WD-40
- Spray all joints where frame pieces connect
- Hit bolt holes and threads
- Get any sliding or adjustable parts
- Wipe away excess
For wood frames:
- Do NOT use WD-40 or any oil on wood — it soaks in, stains, and attracts dust
- Use beeswax, candle wax, or bar soap instead
- Rub directly onto wood-on-wood contact points
- Apply 2-3 coats on stubborn spots
Still squeaking? Move to Quick Fix #3.
Add Padding at Contact Points
If the squeak is still there, you need to create a barrier between the surfaces that are rubbing.
For slats rubbing on the frame:
- Stick heavy-duty felt pads (1/4 inch thick) everywhere slats touch the frame rails
- Available at any hardware store for about $10
For metal-on-metal contact:
- Add rubber washers between bolt heads and the frame
- Wrap fabric or electrical tape around metal hooks
For wood-on-wood contact:
- Cut strips of felt, cork, or old t-shirts
- Insert between the rubbing surfaces
For the bed rubbing against the floor:
- Add furniture pads under the legs
- Use felt pads on hardwood, rubber pads for grip
For the headboard hitting the wall:
- Move the bed 2-3 inches away from the wall, or
- Stick rubber bumpers on the back of the headboard
Still squeaking? Now it's time to find exactly where it's coming from.
Still Squeaking? Find the Exact Source
If the quick fixes didn't solve it, you need to figure out exactly what's making the noise. The squeak can come from four places:
- The mattress (if it has springs)
- The box spring
- The headboard
- The bed frame
Test each one separately.
Test the Mattress
Skip this if you have a memory foam or latex mattress — all-foam mattresses can't squeak because there's no metal in them.
If you have an innerspring or hybrid mattress:
- Take it off the bed and put it flat on the floor
- Lie down and move around — shift your weight, roll side to side
- Press firmly on different areas: corners, edges, center
- Listen for any squeaking
Squeaking on the floor? The mattress is the problem. Jump to "How to Fix a Squeaky Mattress" below.
No squeaking? The mattress is fine. Move to Step 2.
Test the Box Spring
Box springs are actually the most common source of squeaking. They're built cheaper than mattresses and have lots of potential noise points.
- Take the box spring off the frame and put it on the floor
- Sit on it, lie down, roll around
- Press firmly on different spots
- Shake it side to side, then head to foot
- Listen for squeaking
Squeaking on the floor? The box spring is the problem. Jump to "How to Fix a Squeaky Box Spring" below.
No squeaking? Move to Step 3.
Test the Headboard
If your headboard is separate from the frame (not one solid piece), it can squeak where it connects.
- Grab the headboard from different angles
- Push and pull it — slow movements, then faster
- Apply different amounts of pressure
- Listen for noise where it meets the frame or wall
Squeaking? Jump to "How to Fix a Squeaky Headboard" below.
No squeaking? Move to Step 4.
Test the Bare Frame
With everything off, test the frame itself.
- Push on different parts of the frame
- Wiggle it side to side, then head to foot
- Apply real body weight — press hard
- Check corners and joints specifically
- Listen for the squeak
Pro tip
Have someone press down on the frame while you get close to different spots and listen. This helps pinpoint the exact location.
Found it? Jump to "How to Fix a Squeaky Bed Frame" below.
How to Fix a Squeaky Mattress
Bad news
If your mattress is squeaking, you can't really fix it permanently. The coils inside are worn out or rubbing together, and you can't get in there without destroying the mattress.
Here's what you can do:
Rotate the Mattress
The squeak might be from uneven wear in one spot.
- Rotate the mattress 180 degrees (head to foot)
- If it's two-sided, flip it over too
- Test for squeaking
Do this every 3 months anyway to extend mattress life.
Add a Thick Mattress Topper
A 2-4 inch memory foam topper creates a buffer between you and the worn springs. It absorbs pressure and muffles sound. Won't fix the problem permanently, but can buy you time.
Replace It
If rotating doesn't help and the squeak keeps getting worse, the mattress is done. Those squeaky springs are also failing to support you — squeaky usually means saggy.
Pro tip
When you replace it, consider all-foam or latex. No metal = no squeaking, ever.
How to Fix a Squeaky Box Spring
Box springs are more fixable than mattresses.
Rotate It
- Rotate 180 degrees (head to foot)
- Do NOT flip it — box springs have a top and bottom
- Test for squeaking
Lubricate the Springs
If it has actual coils inside:
- Flip it upside down
- Cut a small hole in the fabric backing with a utility knife
- Spray WD-40 or silicone on all visible springs
- Let it dry a few minutes
- Roll it around to distribute the lubricant
- Staple the fabric closed
Pad the Edges
A lot of box spring squeaking comes from the edges rubbing against the bed frame.
- Place fabric, felt, or cork between the box spring and frame
- Focus on edges and corners
- Test for squeaking
Replace It With Something That Can't Squeak
If nothing works, replace the box spring with a bunkie board or solid foundation. These are just flat platforms — no springs, no moving parts, nothing to squeak.
Good to know
Modern foam mattresses don't need traditional box springs anyway.
How to Fix a Squeaky Bed Frame
You already tried tightening, lubricating, and padding in the quick fixes. Here's what to do if those didn't work:
Add Rubber Washers at Every Bolt
Rubber absorbs vibration and prevents metal-on-metal contact.
- Loosen each bolt one at a time
- Slip a rubber washer between the bolt head and the frame
- Retighten
- Repeat for every bolt
- Test for squeaking
Rubber washer assortment packs cost about $5-8 at any hardware store.
Use Thread Locker on Bolts That Keep Loosening
If bolts won't stay tight:
- Remove the bolt
- Apply a drop of Loctite Blue to the threads
- Reinstall and tighten
- Let cure 24 hours before heavy use
Why Loctite Blue?
It's medium-strength — it stops vibration loosening but you can still remove bolts with hand tools later.
Fix Stripped Screw Holes
If screws won't grip because the hole is stripped:
For wood frames:
- Stick wooden toothpicks or matchsticks in the hole
- Coat them with wood glue
- Break off flush with the surface
- Let dry 24 hours
- Reinstall the screw — it'll grip the new wood
For metal frames:
- Use Loctite Form-A-Thread kit, or
- Install a helicoil thread insert
Check for Structural Damage
If nothing fixes the squeak, look for:
- Cracks in the wood at stress points
- Separation at corner joints
- Breaks at welded joints (metal frames)
- Visible bending in support beams
- Stripped holes that won't hold screws anymore
When to replace
If you find structural damage, it's time for a new frame. Particleboard and MDF frames usually aren't worth extensive repairs — they don't last long anyway. Solid hardwood and heavy-gauge metal frames are worth saving. (Read more about why bed frames fail.)
How to Fix a Squeaky Headboard
Tighten the Mounting Hardware
- Pull the bed away from the wall
- Find all bolts connecting headboard to frame (check inside and outside the rails)
- Loosen all bolts
- Add a lock washer to each
- Apply Loctite Blue to threads
- Retighten evenly on both sides
Pad the Frame Connection
If the squeak is where headboard meets frame:
- Wrap foam tape around connection points
- Add rubber bumpers at brackets
Pad the Wall Contact
If the headboard bangs against the wall:
- Attach rubber bumpers or felt pads to the back of the headboard
- Or move the bed 2-3 inches from the wall
Tools and Materials Checklist
Tools
- Adjustable wrench or 13mm/14mm wrenches
- Phillips screwdriver
- Allen key set (4mm, 5mm, 6mm)
- Flashlight
- Staple gun (for box spring fabric)
Materials
- Silicone spray or WD-40 — $8-12
- Beeswax or candle wax (for wood) — $5-10
- Loctite Blue threadlocker — $6-8
- Heavy-duty felt pads — $10-15
- Rubber washer assortment — $5-8
Total kit cost: about $40-50
Prevent Future Squeaks
Maintenance Schedule
- Tighten hardware regularly — monthly for metal frames, every few months for wood
- Rotate your mattress every 3 months
- Check felt pads and washers once a year, replace if worn
- Keep humidity consistent — wood expands and contracts with humidity changes, loosening joints
What I Tell People About Squeaky Beds
Key Takeaways
- Try the quick fixes first. Tighten, lubricate, pad. Takes 20 minutes and solves most problems.
- Don't assume it's the frame. Box springs cause more squeaks than anything else. Test each component separately before you spend hours on the wrong thing.
- Right product, right surface. WD-40 on metal. Wax on wood. Never the other way around.
- Cheap frames aren't worth major repairs. If it's particleboard or thin metal and the quick fixes don't work, just replace it.
A squeaky bed is annoying, but it's almost always fixable. Start with the easy stuff. Most people never need to go further than that.