Our tips for assembling your IKEA furniture like a pro

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Even though we like to joke around, let’s admit it—IKEA has done something incredible: they've put a screwdriver in the hands of millions of people.

But as cool as Swedish furniture can be, let’s be honest, sometimes it takes a few tries before figuring out the puzzle. 

I already mentioned this in our guide on how to take apart IKEA furniture (which, by the way, is even harder than assembling it), but it can sometimes be a real headache, especially with bigger pieces.

Luckily for you, with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be assembling your furniture like a pro.

That's why I asked the handymen experts in Ikea furniture assembly on our website to share their best secrets.

Preparing to assemble your IKEA furniture, the right way

The number one mistake of an amateur DIYer: I take the instructions, start assembling, and realise at the end that my furniture is wonky.

Preparing ahead of time is key to avoid nasty surprises, and it’ll also help you move much faster. There’s nothing worse than having to take it all apart and start over!

Read the assembly instructions from start to finish

It might sound obvious, but many headaches when assembling IKEA furniture stem from a lack of preparation. This is especially true for the assembly instructions, which can sometimes be hard to follow.

Start by reading through the manual from beginning to end. The goal is to understand the drawings, the parts you’ll need, and the tools required for each step.

Only start assembling the furniture when you can mentally picture the whole process!

Make space—you’re going to need it

Even if your furniture doesn’t take up much space, you’ll still need to spread out the different parts, create a pile for screws, and another for tools.

Start by placing a rug or towel on the floor. This will protect both your furniture and your flooring. Do this in the room where the furniture will go, as moving it after assembly can be tricky.

Place the box on the rug and get ready for the ritual of unpacking… and finally, we can start!

Assembling your IKEA furniture: Let’s get to it!

Feeling mentally prepared for the challenge? Let’s get started on this furniture.

Grab the toolbox: what you’ll need

Yes, you’ve probably heard that IKEA provides tools with its furniture, but if this is your first time, you’ll quickly realise—it’s no hammer, no screwdriver… just a multipurpose Allen key that’ll get you through a quarter of the build.

A small, basic toolbox will do for most pieces. Essentially, you’ll need:

• A hammer

• A set of screwdrivers

• A spirit level (there are apps for that)

• A tape measure

Optionally, you could also use wood glue. This will help hold everything together nicely. But be careful—once it’s glued, disassembling the furniture later will be tricky… so no room for mistakes here.

Unpacking the boxes: do it carefully

One careless knife swipe and disaster strikes. IKEA packaging is minimal: a little cardboard around your furniture, and that’s about it.

To avoid scratching your new desk, place the box on the floor and carefully cut the tape.

Open up all the corners to easily remove the furniture pieces. The box will also be easier to dispose of (and our jobbers can take the boxes away too!). Place all the furniture parts on the rug, and organise the screws and "accessories" into small containers so you don’t lose them.

Assembling the furniture step by step

Let’s do this.

Important point number one: Don’t improvise! There’s a reason so many of us fail to assemble furniture that looks simple—we think we’ve got it figured out, start building without checking the steps, and end up with a table with three legs.

Follow each step carefully and double-check that everything will align properly for the next one.

Use a hammer to insert the wooden dowels. If the dowels are tough to fit, you can widen the holes a bit with a drill. Just go slowly to avoid making the hole too large.

If you decide to use glue, try to apply it at the end (if possible). You shouldn’t need it, but it can be useful for drawers, for example.

Don’t worry if you have parts left over at the end—it’s normal! IKEA includes extras for those of us who lose screws along the way.

The easy solution: Let an expert assemble your furniture

No time or interest in assembling your IKEA furniture? Don’t want to deal with the comments like, "Is this why you’ve been unreachable all afternoon?"

Our jobbers are here to make your life easier without breaking the bank.

1. - Sign up for Yoojo or log in to your account
2. - Request an IKEA furniture assembly to find a tasker capable of assembling your IKEA pieces.
3. - We connect you with the best available tasker... you just have to pick the one you like.

 Tip: YouTube videos on IKEA furniture assembly

Did you know? There are assembly videos for nearly every IKEA item.

Head over to YouTube and simply enter the name of your furniture in the search bar to find what you need.

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