Use This Simple Trick For Longer-Lasting IKEA Furniture

It always happens eventually. Your beloved LACK table from IKEA, a mainstay of your living room, has begun to wobble after a few years or months of ownership. A couple of spilled coffees later, some frustration begins to set in. What if there was a way to make your IKEA furniture last longer, be more stable, and withstand the test of prolonged daily use (or misuse)? There is a solution — wood glue. 

A versatile and powerful adhesive, wood glue can make a substantial difference in the stability and lifespan of your IKEA furniture. When applied to the joints and grooves during assembly, wood glue strengthens the connections, reducing the chances of wobbling and enhancing the overall durability of the piece. It will provide structural integrity to those bits that need reinforcement to ensure your furniture can withstand all kinds of everyday movements — from pulling out MALM drawers 365 days a year to kids jumping on their KRITTER beds.

Selecting the appropriate type of wood glue is paramount for the effectiveness of this trick. Opt for a high-quality glue that is suitable for bonding wood surfaces. Look for glue that is strong, fast-drying (but not instant, so you can have enough time to assemble before it bonds), and specifically designed for woodworking. A popular option is polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue for its low cost, versatility, ease of cleaning, and strength. Brands like Gorilla Wood Glue and Titebond 3 Ultimate are great PVA varieties because they are also waterproof, food-safe, and affordable. 

If you're building new IKEA furniture, implementing this trick from the get-go would be the most proactive measure. However, reinforcing your already-built IKEA furniture with wood glue is also a straightforward process. To do this, you will have to first carefully disassemble the parts of your IKEA furniture that require support. Lay out the pieces, ensuring a clean and organized workspace. Then, using a brush, apply a generous amount of wood glue to the connecting joints and grooves. 

Once complete, reassemble the furniture according to the original instructions. If you don't have those, you can easily find them on the IKEA website under Product Information, then the Documents tab, all on the Product Page of your furniture piece. During the assembly process, ensure the glued joints and grooves are properly aligned, and tighten the screws securely. Give the glue some drying time to bond per the manufacturer's instructions. Once the glue is completely dry, carefully inspect the piece for stability — test for any loose connections and fix them accordingly.

With a little extra care during assembly, you can significantly enhance the durability and lifespan of your IKEA furniture. Investing in the right wood glue and applying it correctly during assembly is the most important step in this hack. So, go ahead, strengthen those joints, and enjoy furniture that endures the rigors of daily life with grace and durability. No more wobbles for your IKEA LACK table.