A Simple Guide to Assembling Flatpack Furniture

Assembling flatpack furniture doesn't have to come with a headache, stress or an argument (we've all been there). Here's some of our top tips on assembling your own flatpack furniture that will make the process smoother and more efficient.

Prepare Your Building Workspace

Make Room

Flatpack furniture can come in all shapes and sizes, but it is always important that you create an adequate space for your assembly. It is no good doing it in confined areas as this can lead a poor build and frustration when you run out of room. We always advise that if you can overcompensate, then do - just in case you need that extra space. You may need it for unforeseen things like the packing debris!

Protect the Furniture

Also be sure to protect the furniture during the build. You may want to assemble your furniture on a carpet or moving pads in order to prevent scuffs or scrapes. Although, be careful with deep shag carpet, these can make large amounts of tiny hardware (e.g. screws) vanish – very easily done!

Get Organised

We advise that all hardware (screws, bolts, keys) is stored in a tray at the beginning of the assembly process so that you know where it is, the last thing you want is to lose a vital screw which could scupper the build. It is good to lay all the items out on the floor so that you are able to clearly link each piece to the instructions.

Carefully Read & Review The Assembly Instructions

Read Instructions Through First 

Start by reading the flatpack furniture assembly instructions in order to get an idea of the process and the order that the construction will happen. Many people find visualising the end result helpful, going through the process with which things are going to happen, this minimises the risk of you going wrong.

No Cheating

Don’t try and be clever and skip ahead or assemble steps 7 & 8 before 1 & 2. There are sequences in place for a reason, so stick to them. Pay close attention to each piece, sometimes there are minor differences between pieces, but if you get these mixed up it can mean you have to undo what you have done.

If in doubt request help. Not everyone is blessed with good flatpack assembly skills so give us a call or ask a friend to give a hand.

Should I Glue The Units?

There is much debate over this point and both sides are half-right. If you are new to assembly, using any glue is likely a very bad idea. Many DIY flatpack builders make the odd mistake along the way. They will put a piece in the wrong place or face it the wrong way. To correct this mistake partial dis-assembly is required.

Glue might cause literally the destruction of some furniture parts if disassembled. To damage a piece of furniture while assembling is quite common. If glued, you will not be able to replace that one damaged piece cheaply, you would likely have to buy the whole piece again. Therefore use glue with caution.

Other things to consider are:

• Will it be moved?
• Is it structurally sound enough, even with glue?
• Is it safe to move it, when fully assembled?
• Will it fit through any entrance or doorway in assembled form?

All of Furniturebox’s items do not require any glueing, therefore we advise not to. However, if you are a confident flatpack builder and want to sure something up then you are more than welcome to.

Apply General Building Principles

If you have done any DIY construction or assembled furniture before, you will be very familiar with these. Measure twice when installing cabinets, wall units, etc.

• While building, make sure parts are correct by visually matching pieces to the pictogram.
• Look at the number of holes, placement of holes, edges for cues.
• Make sure pieces face in correct directions.
• Make sure everything is flush, level and square as you build.
• Fully tighten bolts, fasteners, cams but not before it’s all put together. Tightening should be one of the last steps.
• Do not over tighten and try not to strip threads or heads of bolts.

If you screw up, you will need to be able to remove and re-attach these to complete your project.

Call or Message Us If You Need Help

If you are an inexperienced builder there may be some things that you come across which you are unsure about – there is no shame in this.

At Furniturebox we are on hand to offer any assistance we can so simply call or email us and we will be able to help.

Find Out More About Flatpack Furniture

Flatpack furniture has revolutionised the way we all buy furniture for our homes, the most important change being that it's more budget friendly. Sellers of flatpack furniture have reduced costs from manufacturing to transport costs and that gets passed on to the customer. 

Read more about the history of flatpack furniture here.