Furniture Assembly
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01/10/25, 16:19
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Furniture Assembly
Overview
• Build flat‑pack furniture from boxed components into a stable, level unit ready for everyday use.
• Skill level 2 / 5 (confident beginner).
• Typical duration 2–3 hours for a double wardrobe or similar.
Safety First
Wear cut‑resistant gloves to avoid splinters and sharp cam‑lock tabs.
Use knee pads or a folded blanket when kneeling on hard floors.
Keep the work zone clear of children and pets—small screws are choking hazards.
Lift heavy panels with a helper to protect your back; bend knees, not waist.
Unplug power tools when swapping bits and never drill near hidden cables without a detector.
Tools & Materials
Item | Purpose |
Phillips & flat‑head screwdrivers | Drive furniture screws and cam locks |
Hex/Allen keys (often supplied) | Tighten knock‑down bolts |
Cordless drill/driver with clutch | Speed up screw driving—set clutch low to avoid overtightening |
Rubber mallet | Seat wooden dowels without bruising veneer |
Spirit level & tape measure | Align carcass and set shelves evenly |
Stud/cable detector | Locate safe fixing points for anti‑tip straps |
Wall plugs, screws & brackets | Secure tall units to masonry or studs |
Soft blanket or cardboard sheet | Protect floor and panel faces |
Step‑by‑Step
1. Unpack and sort components
Why: Confirms all parts are present and prevents mixing similar screws.
2. Build the main frame on a padded surface
Why: Protects finishes and maintains square geometry.
3. Insert shelves and structural braces
Why: Adds rigidity before the unit is lifted upright.
4. Stand the carcass and secure back panel
Why: The back panel locks the frame square and prevents racking.
5. Fit doors, drawers or sliding tracks
Why: Ensures smooth operation and balanced gaps.
Pro‑tip: Adjust European hinge screws—top screw for side‑to‑side, rear screw for in‑out depth.
6. Anchor the unit to the wall
Why: Prevents tip‑over accidents, especially with children.
Pro‑tip: Drill into a stud where possible; otherwise use heavy‑duty metal cavity anchors rated 40 kg+.
7. Final tighten, clean and dress
Why: Locks joints, removes fingerprints and sets shelves at desired heights.
Pro‑tip: Rub a wax candle on drawer runners for silent glide.
Completion Checks
Unit stands level; no wobble when rocked gently.
Doors align with even 2–3 mm gaps; drawers glide smoothly.
Cam locks fully seated; no visible screw heads above surface.
Anti‑tip bracket firm—unit cannot be pulled forward at the top.
Work area clear of spare fasteners and packaging.
When to call a pro instead
If instructions are missing, panels exceed safe manual‑handling weight, or the unit requires integrated lighting, plumbing or complex sliding‑door alignment, hire an experienced furniture assembler who carries specialist jigs, heavy‑duty wall‑fixings and can guarantee a flawless, damage‑free install.
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