Tips To Make Your Flatpack Assembly Easier

Space

Try to give yourself as much space as possible when assembling flatpacks. There is nothing worse than trying to assemble in a small space. Your limited patience will be severely tested if you are constantly banging into walls, or struggling to hammer in a nail. If working in an enclosed area, you can count on assembly taking at least 50% longer. A good rule is clear 2 foot in all directions around the dimensions of the flatpack furniture – this will give you plenty of room to work. Also it is always recommended, where possible, to assemble furniture in the room where it is going.

Tools

Before you even start, make sure that you have all the tools that are required for the job. If you have the right tools, it makes the job so much easier. So if you don't have them, borrow them. Most assembly jobs will need some of the following: good Phillips screwdriver, flat head screwdriver, set of allan keys, hammer, tape, pliers, stanley knife, cordless drill (sometimes), radio.

Unpack boxes first and check all pieces

Unpack all the boxes and lay the various pieces out, putting the same pieces together. Then check everything off to ensure that you have all that you're supposed to have. If you look at the hundreds of individual items and the massive bag of screws and feel hopelessly demoralised, call us - we'll be delighted to do it.

Read the instructions and read again

True, sometimes they could be in double-dutch (or Swedish) but generally, instructions are now easy to read and understand (especially IKEA). At first glance, it always looks daunting but by taking things one step at a time, it is usually much easier.  It is sometimes tempting to plough ahead with things and just flick through the diagrams every so often but that method will normally result in a) various leftover screws and parts at the end, b) a far from perfect assembly job and c) a major row as to why this always happens.

Get help from those around you

Many flatpack instructions say that two person assembly is needed. This is ultra cautious for most items but advisable for the bigger, bulkier items. But if you do have someone who is handy who can help, it can speed things along. Two heads can usually work things out a little quicker and the boring monotonous jobs can be completed twice as quick. Having said that, if that second person is your partner, you may want to think again. Also kids and flatpack do not mix.

Use the packaging

It is a good idea to use the packaging as a mat on the floor. It protects your floor from unwanted scratches, it protects your new furniture from any damage, and it also saves wear and tear on your knees.

Patience

Work methodically. Give yourself plenty of time to complete whatever items you need assembled. Inevitably, if you are rushing, something will be missed or go wrong, and it will lead to frustrations and extra time being wasted. It is also a good idea to take regular breaks. If one part of the assembly is particularly puzzling, if you take a break and get a drink, you come back with a fresh set of eyes and ideas, and whatever issue is more easily resolved.

Screws and Accessories

It can be a good idea to seperate the various screws into different piles, especially in larger assembly jobs or if the screws look alike. A major issue with self assembly is putting wrong screws into the wrong places so this will help avoid that problem. Check that the length of the screw is correct for that particular fitting.

Electric Screwdrivers

With some assembly work, especially on cheaper types of plywood, it is better to use a screwdriver manually, as no matter how careful you are, a drill will damage the wood. However, in most other cases, a cordless drill will quicken the monotonous side of assembly jobs. However, it is important to use a low torque to start with and adjust as needs be.

Quick Tips

• Double check boxes before throwing out in case of missed items.
• Use a damp cloth to clean off any excess glue.
• Knock dowels in completely as this makes assembly easier.
• Use rubber mallet, instead of hammer, for dowels, if possible.
• When opening packaging be careful with the blade that you do not scratch or damage furniture.

• Check box before opening to ensure that you have right item.
• Periodically, check nuts and fittings on furniture, especially beds.

 If all else fails, Flatpack Services will gladly come out to your house and assemble your furniture in double quick time for a reasonable cost.