Why does my bed frame squeak, and how do I stop it?

Squeaks almost always come from loose hardware or wood-on-wood and metal-on-metal contact. First, tighten every bolt and bracket, since fasteners work loose over months of movement. If noise remains, add felt pads or a thin cloth between the slats and the frame, and between the frame and the mattress foundation, to cushion rubbing points. A missing or weak centre support leg on a queen or king is another common culprit worth checking.