Put it together like a Pro - it's Furniture Assembly time

by ABODE home solutions

Assembling furniture is often considered the least enjoyable aspect of decorating. Wouldn’t it be great if all our furniture arrived fully assembled? Unfortunately, most major furniture retailers offer items that require assembly, and while IKEA is the most prominent example, even stores like Restoration Hardware sell flat-pack options. Regardless of your budget, it’s tough to escape the assembly dilemma.

If you’re looking for a way to assemble furniture without the associated headaches, there’s a straightforward solution: hire someone like ABODE home solutions to do it for you :)  But if you want to savor the satisfaction of seeing your HEMNES 6-drawer chest in its place by your own handywork, approach assembly like a pro. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Think Before You Buy

Before clicking that “purchase” button, consider the assembly process. Reading online reviews and testimonials can give you insight into what to expect, ensuring there are no unwelcome surprises when your package arrives. If a complex project feels beyond your skill level, seek out items that come partially assembled. Sometimes you only need to connect a couple of pieces—take Ikea’s LISABO table, for instance, where each leg attaches with just one screw, making it a quick and easy task.

Be Realistic

Certain items, particularly upholstered bed frames, may be best left to the professionals. Upholstery is often secured over wooden frames, with connection points that can be obscured or misaligned by the fabric. Dressers, while not overly complicated, can be tedious. A full-size dresser with six drawers can involve up to 300 pieces, with each drawer requiring separate assembly and alignment with the main unit.

Assemble in the Right Location

While it may be tempting to assemble furniture in your cozy living room, it’s best to do so in the space where it will ultimately reside—especially for heavier pieces. Moving large items can scratch walls and floors, and it’s simply more practical to assemble them in their final spots.

Open the Box Carefully

Protect your furniture and floors from damage right from the start. Open the box gently to avoid mishaps with scissors or box cutters and use the box itself as a protective layer for your floors during assembly.

Read the Instructions

Before diving in, thoroughly read the assembly instructions—not just once, but twice. Familiarizing yourself with the process upfront can save time and prevent mistakes later on. Don’t hesitate to refer back to the instructions as you work.

Set Yourself Up for Success

After unpacking, take a moment to identify and organize all the parts. Group similar items and lay them out in order. Professionals often use plastic cups to store small hardware, like nuts and bolts, preventing them from rolling away. Pay attention to the orientation of each component; finished edges typically face up or out, and variations in hole spacing or quantity can indicate the correct positioning. Look out for any arrows in the instructions that show the proper alignment of parts.

Safety First

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, furniture-related accidents account for about a quarter of all injuries. If you have small children, it’s crucial to anchor heavier items to the wall using straps or brackets. Large, bulky pieces, like wardrobes, can be particularly dangerous to assemble, as their structural integrity may not be fully established until the final steps. If you’re unsure whether a piece requires two people for assembly, check the instructions.

And perhaps the best advice of all: don’t try to go it alone. Finding a helper can make a significant difference. While enlisting professional assembly services may not grant you the satisfaction of building something yourself, you’ll still enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your strengths lie in the art of delegation.