Furniture Gliders as Replacements for IKEA Malm

A furniture glider protects flooring from scratches and reduces friction when heavy carcase units such as chests of drawers or wardrobes are moved.

When original gliders are missing or worn out following furniture assembly or a house move, professional replacement is essential to avoid floor damage. Particularly with solid or fully loaded furniture, a substantial amount of weight rests on the narrow edges of the side panels. This article is aimed at fitters and tradespeople seeking functional replacements for IKEA Malm chests of drawers, detailing the technical requirements for retrofitting gliders.

Key Considerations for Compatibility

When selecting gliders compatible with IKEA Malm or similar carcase furniture, three core factors must be considered: the subfloor characteristics, the furniture material, and the dimensions of the contact surface.

The side panels and plinths of standard chests of drawers are generally made from chipboard or MDF with a thickness of 15 mm to 19 mm. A glider acts as a shock absorber between the furniture piece and the floor. Selecting an inappropriate fixing system can cause the edge of the engineered wood to split.

Glider Material and Flooring

The choice of gliding material is dictated entirely by the flooring in the room:

• Hard floors: For parquet, laminate, vinyl, or tiles, Felt gliders are the technical standard. Felt absorbs fine dust particles without scratching the floor and dampens impact noise.
• Textile floors: On carpets, felt creates excessive friction. Here, rigid plastic gliders are used, sliding smoothly over textile fibres.

Sizing and Thickness

For heavy carcase units, such as a fully loaded chest of drawers, standard gliders are often insufficient. Thick felt gliders with a material thickness of 3 mm - 5 mm are necessary to cushion the weight permanently without compressing completely after a few months.

The width of the glider must match the thickness of the furniture edge. On a 15 mm thick side panel, a round glider should have a maximum diameter of 14 mm to prevent it from protruding. Alternatively, rectangular or square formats are positioned along the edge to distribute the load across a larger area.

Suitable furnica Parts as Replacements for IKEA Malm

The furnica range offers diverse solutions compatible with IKEA Malm carcases. Selection depends on the specific finish of the furniture and the desired fixing method.

By shape:

• Rectangular felt gliders: Excellent for long, continuous plinth edges on chests of drawers, offering a large contact surface for optimal load distribution.
• Round felt gliders: Ideal for point-load fitting at the four corners of the carcase or beneath vertical uprights.
• Square felt gliders: Frequently used on wider plinth feet or as replacements for factory-fitted plastic blocks.

By finish and colour: To ensure an unobtrusive installation, the glider colour should match the furniture finish. If the glider protrudes slightly or the furniture is raised, the visual appearance remains uniform.

• For dark finishes (e.g. black-brown or wenge), Black felt gliders are the most visually fitting choice.
• For white or very pale carcases, White felt gliders blend seamlessly into the overall look.
• For wood finishes such as oak or beech, Brown felt gliders are recommended as a discreet option.

Fitting and Retrofitting Furniture Gliders

Fitting gliders to existing carcases requires precision to avoid compromising the stability of the bottom panel.

Tools required:

• Rubber mallet (for nailed gliders)
• Bradawl or hole punch (for engineered wood)
• Flat-nose pliers (for removing old fittings)
• Folding rule
• Degreasing cleaning agent (e.g. isopropanol)

Step 1: Carcase Preparation

Heavy furniture must be completely emptied prior to fitting. Remove all drawers to reduce weight and prevent the carcase racking when tilted. Carefully lay the chest of drawers on its back, using a blanket as an underlay to prevent scratches to the finish.

Step 2: Removal of Old Gliders

Any remnants of old gliders must be removed entirely. Pull out nailed plastic gliders carefully and straight using flat-nose pliers. Avoid levering sideways, as this can break out the chipboard.

Step 3: Cleaning the Surface

This step is essential when applying self-adhesive gliders. The edge of the bottom panel must be free of dust and grease. Wipe the edges with a cloth and a mild, volatile solvent, allowing the surface to dry completely.

Step 4: Positioning and Securing

• Self-adhesive gliders: Peel off the backing film and position the glider centrally on the edge. Press firmly for approximately 10 seconds to establish initial bond strength. Fit a glider every 150 mm - 200 mm to prevent the bottom panel from sagging.
• Gliders with nail or screw: Mark the position. Maintain a distance of at least 3 mm from the outer edge to prevent the wood from splitting. Pilot the hole lightly with a bradawl. Drive the glider in straight using light taps with a rubber mallet. Do not use a metal hammer, as this will destroy the plastic head of the glider.

Step 5: Uprighting and Load Testing

Return the chest of drawers to its upright position. Ideally, carry this out with two people to avoid applying shear forces to the newly fitted gliders. Do not drag the unit across the floor whilst tilted. Once standing level, the drawers can be reinserted. The unit's own weight will provide final bonding pressure for self-adhesive gliders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which gliders are needed for a narrow hallway chest of drawers? A narrow chest has a smaller footprint, distributing weight over fewer square centimetres. Thick felt gliders (at least 4 mm thickness) or screw-in plastic gliders are recommended to withstand this higher point load.

Can nailed gliders damage the side panels? Yes, if installed incorrectly. On standard 16 mm chipboard, the nail must be placed precisely in the centre. Pre-punching the hole reduces material tension and prevents the melamine coating from chipping.

Are chair felt gliders suitable for chests of drawers? Technically yes, provided the load capacity and dimensions match. However, chair gliders often feature swivel joints or rounded edges to accommodate chair leg angles. For flat-standing chests of drawers, flat, rigid gliders are the statically correct choice.

How often should gliders be replaced under heavy furniture? This depends on how frequently the item is moved. Under static furniture like wardrobes, high-quality gliders last for years. If moved regularly (e.g. for cleaning), inspect the felt every 12 to 18 months for compression and wear. Once compressed below 1.5 mm, replacement is advisable.