IKEA table spare parts: repairing and stabilizing your furniture

A wobbly table is often due to a worn-out pad or a loose screw. This is not inevitable. Most stability problems can be solved with a spare part or a simple adjustment.

Why is your IKEA table wobbling?

The problem often comes from contact with the floor. Plastic pads wear out, crack, or disappear during a move. The table loses its balance and scratches the floor.

Check your protective pads. If the plastic is crushed, replace it. For ADILS legs, the pad is crucial to prevent the metal from damaging the floor. A new pad instantly restores stability.

If the wobbling persists, check the fixings. Daily vibrations loosen the bolts. Tighten each anchor point with an Allen key, without over-tightening.

How to stop a tabletop from sagging?

This is a common problem with LAGKAPTEN desks (and the former LINNMON series). The honeycomb core eventually gives way under the weight of monitors. The tabletop then curves in the center.

The solution is structural. Add a central support. An ADILS leg fixed exactly in the middle of the tabletop stops the sagging and stiffens the entire workspace.

If you prefer not to have a visible leg, screw a wooden slat along the entire length under the tabletop. This creates a frame that straightens the structure.

Why are your table legs moving?

A leg that "dances" indicates structural play. The culprit is often the eccentric housing. This zinc alloy part locks the furniture but is subject to high pressure.

If the housing breaks or wears out, the leg rotates. Replace it with a new housing. This is a standard IKEA part that is easy to change.

If the hole in the wood is too wide, the screw spins in place. This is frequent on LACK tables. Fill the hole with hardening wood filler. Let it dry before screwing the leg back in.

How to unblock an extendable table?

On EKEDALEN or BJURSTA models, the rails get dirty. Dust and crumbs block the slide. If you force it, you risk bending the mechanism.

Vacuum the rails and clean them with a damp cloth. Then apply a dry silicone lubricant. Avoid thick grease, as it attracts dust.

Also check the locking pins. If they are bent, the tabletop no longer aligns. Replace the pin to restore smooth sliding.

How to stabilize an INGATORP or DOCKSTA table?

The INGATORP relies on a central leg. If it rocks, tighten the screws of the lower structure. Lubricate the butterfly mechanism to eliminate squeaks.

The DOCKSTA has a "Tulip" design. If the tabletop moves, the support plate is loose. Carefully turn the furniture over and tighten the internal screws.

Avoid dragging these models across the floor. Always lift them. Friction damages the leg-top junction and creates permanent play.

How to disassemble your table without breaking everything?

The classic mistake during a move is to force the parts, which breaks the wooden dowels.

Never pull abruptly on a tabletop. First, release the eccentrics with a half-turn. Then pull the tabletop straight, without using a lever motion.

Store the hardware in a bag taped under the tabletop. Take photos of the assembly before disassembly to facilitate reassembly.

Pro tips for saving your furniture

The toothpick trick
A screw no longer holds in the chipboard? Insert two toothpicks coated with white wood glue into the hole. Cut the excess flush. Let dry for one hour. The screw will then anchor into compressed, solid wood.

The dowel secret
For absolute stability, place a drop of wood glue in the hole before inserting the dowel. Warning: the furniture becomes permanent and can no longer be disassembled without breaking the panel.

The tool upgrade
Replace the provided Allen key with a hexagonal bit (4mm or 5mm) mounted on a ratchet. The tightening will be more consistent, and you will avoid rounding the screw heads.

How to repair a damaged tabletop?

For solid wood (INGATORP), sand the scratch with 120 grit, then 240, following the grain. Then apply STOCKARYD oil.

For melamine (MALM), never sand. Use a magic eraser for stains and a touch-up marker of the exact color for scratches.

If the panel has swollen with water, dry the area. Place a dry cloth over the swelling and use a hot iron (without steam). Press briefly to reduce the volume.

Where to find parts for vintage models?

If your model is discontinued, IKEA still uses standards. M8 threading is very common for legs. You will find compatible ones in hardware stores.

3D printing is also an option for plastic parts (screw covers, supports). Files are often available on sites like Thingiverse.

Finally, check the "As-is" section in-store to recover parts from furniture of the same model.

To identify the exact reference of your screws or bolts, consult your assembly instructions. Spare parts are available at the bottom of the page.