I’ve assembled hundreds of pieces of IKEA, JYSK and other flat-pack furniture. And I keep seeing the same mistakes. In this article I’ll show you how to assemble furniture correctly, quickly and without unnecessary frustration.
Before You Start: Preparation That Saves Hours
Check the Package Contents
Before anything else, lay out all the parts and check the contents against the included parts list. Find a missing screw or piece now – not halfway through assembly. IKEA replaces missing parts for free, but you need to know what’s missing.
Prepare Your Work Surface
Assembling on carpet or a wooden floor? Put something under the pieces – scratches happen fast. Ideally, work on a clean hard floor or an old blanket.
Tools You’ll Need
IKEA provides hex keys, but they’re slow. For faster assembly I recommend:
- Cordless drill/driver with a set of bits
- Rubber mallet for cam lock connectors
- Spirit level – essential for wardrobes and shelves
- Tape measure – check dimensions before fixing to the wall
Most Common IKEA Assembly Mistakes
1. Wrong Order of Parts
Every instruction manual has a logical sequence of steps. Skip one and you’ll have to disassemble half the unit. Read the whole manual before you start.
2. Under-tightened Cam Lock Connectors
The cam lock must click into the correct position and be fully tightened. A loose connector means a wobbly cabinet. Check each one after tightening.
3. Over-tightening Screws into Chipboard
Chipboard has limited strength. An over-tightened screw will strip the thread and the repair is complicated. Tighten firmly, but as soon as you feel resistance, stop.
4. Assembling Without a Spirit Level
A unit that isn’t level will wobble, doors won’t close properly and shelves will tilt. 2 minutes with a spirit level saves hours of adjustment later.
5. Skipping the Back Panel
The back panel (cardboard or HDF) stiffens the whole unit. Without it the cabinet will rack. Fit it correctly and verify the cabinet is square (diagonal measurement test – both diagonals must be equal).
How to Fix a Cabinet to the Wall Properly
IKEA wardrobes (BILLY, PAX, BESTÅ) must be fixed to the wall – this is not optional, it’s a safety requirement, especially if you have children.
- Find out what the wall is made of (brick, plasterboard, hollow block)
- Choose the correct wall plug (see our article on wall plugs)
- Use the included bracket or buy a stronger version
- Fix with a MINIMUM of TWO screws – never just one
When to Call a Professional
- Large configurations (full PAX wardrobe system, kitchen)
- You don’t have the right tools or the physical ability
- You want confidence that it’s assembled and wall-fixed correctly
- You simply don’t have the time or patience
A single PAX wardrobe takes me 45–60 minutes. A complete IKEA children’s room I can do in one afternoon.
How to Deal with Chipped Edges?
During transport or assembly, the laminate on an edge sometimes chips off. Solution: a special touch-up marker or wax pencil in the colour of the furniture (IKEA sells these directly for their products).
Don’t want the hassle of assembling it yourself? Call me – I’ll come, assemble it and fix it to the wall. Done right, done on time.