How to Assemble IKEA Furniture and Other Items Like a Pro

As a professional handyman here in The Woodlands, TX, I’ve assembled just about everything you can imagine—flat-pack furniture, heavy-duty garage shelving, kids’ swing sets, even backyard grills. I know how frustrating it can be to open a box from IKEA, Wayfair, or Amazon and see a pile of parts and a confusing manual. That’s why I want to share a few tips to help you assemble furniture and other items like a pro—or, better yet, give me a call and I’ll take care of it for you.

These are some of the most common items I’m called to put together for homeowners:

• IKEA Furniture – BILLY bookcases, MALM dressers, PAX wardrobes
   
• Wayfair, Walmart & Amazon furniture
   
• Grills – Weber, Char-Broil, Traeger, and others
   
• Playground Equipment – Backyard Discovery, Lifetime, etc.
   
• Garage Storage Systems & Metal Shelves
   
• TV Stands, Desks, Beds, and More
   

Before I start, I always clear a wide area to work. I lay out a rug or soft mat to protect furniture parts and make sure I have room to spread everything out.

Even if I’ve built a similar item before, I always take a few minutes to read the instructions. Every product is a little different, and rushing in blind usually leads to backtracking.

I open the box, lay out all the parts, and count the hardware. It’s better to find out if something’s missing before you’re halfway through.  If the pieces are labeled, I try to lay them out so I can easily see the label.  

While most kits come with small tools, I use my own set to save time and frustration:

• Cordless drill (with adjustable torque) - PRO TIP - A lot of stuff comes with an Allen wrench to assist you in the assembly process.  If you can, cut the short end of it off, and chuck the long in into your drill.  
   
• Allen wrench set - the ones that come with the furniture are usually junk.  They are made out of soft metal and can easily strip out.  I always use my own.  PRO TIP - almost everything out there uses metric sizes.  
   
• Rubber mallet - AKA the persuader...  :)
   
• High-quality screwdriver - I really like this one from Stanley.  
   

PRO TIP - I wait to fully tighten screws until everything is lined up properly. That way, I can make adjustments without forcing parts into place.

For bigger items—like tall shelves, wardrobes, or playsets—I always recommend having help. It makes things safer and a lot easier to manage.

I always assemble grills on a flat surface, double-check all gas connections, and follow safety instructions to the letter—especially with propane models.

I anchor heavy-duty shelving units into wall studs and use a level to make sure everything’s even. Proper installation makes a big difference when you’re storing tools or paint.

Playsets need to be safe and secure. I anchor them to the ground, tighten every bolt, and recommend regular safety checks after installation.

Let’s be honest—some of these projects just aren’t worth the stress. I’m happy to handle the entire assembly for you, so you can relax and enjoy your new furniture, grill, or playset without the hassle.

If you’re in The Woodlands, TX and need help with assembly, I’m here to make it easy.

Call or text me today at (281) 827-2614 to book your service.

Need other stuff done too?  I can do just about anything.  Here is a link to my Handyman Services page.  

Adam Taylor The Handyman

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