Ready to assemble furniture can be a ready made nightmare without proper preparation. Use these tips before, during, and after construction for flawless results.
"Ready to assemble! Quick and easy! No special tools required!" These claims are boldly printed on prefabricated furniture boxes, encouraging do-it-yourselfers to tackle furniture construction. Complicated instructions, unlabeled parts, and jumbled hardware, however, can turn ready to assemble furniture into a ready-made nightmare for aspiring handymen. Whether you are assembling a desk, bookshelf, table, dresser, chair, cart, or other item, following these tips before and during construction lessens frustrations and helps you achieve professional results.
Assembly Tips: Before You Begin
Before selecting prefabricated furniture, note its measurements and double check that the piece will fit in the appropriate area of your home. The box is much smaller than the finished product, but once assembled, it is difficult to return the furniture.
First, choose a spacious, open area near where the piece will be located. It is easier to move parts than to relocate the furniture after it is fully assembled, depending on its size and weight. When removing pieces from the box, check each one for cracks or flaws, such as improperly drilled holes, and count multiple parts. If there are any problems or missing pieces, contact the manufacturer with the part number, model number of the finished piece, and a description of the problem to arrange a replacement. Most manufacturers replace defective pieces free of charge.
Lay all the parts out so their labels are visible, leaving a generous space for the actual assembly. If the piece will take several hours to construct and may not be finished that day, try to assemble it where the unfinished work will not be disturbed or disarrayed. Note which tools are necessary, such as a hammer or screwdriver, and have them within easy reach. An electric screwdriver is particularly useful for large projects. It is best to use any tools the kit provides, such as a hex key, because they may be specially sized for that piece of furniture.
After identifying each part and verifying that there are no immediate problems, thoroughly preview the instructions. Some instructions include detailed diagrams as well as written steps, while others are merely exploded views of multiple steps at once. Previewing the instructions guarantees that there will be no surprises as the piece is half-finished, and you can rearrange the parts in order of use for greater accessibility.
Assembly Tips: During Construction
Prefabricated furniture kits rarely supply excess pieces, so it is important to proceed carefully to prevent accidental damage. If working with a partner, one person can read the instructions and hand over the appropriate parts while another does the actual assembly. Two people can also work concurrently on repetitive steps, such as assembling multiple drawers. If working alone, you should gather the necessary parts for each step before proceeding to avoid awkward positions or damaging the half-completed project while you reach for another piece.
Thoroughly dust each piece before it is added to the project. This allows you to clean even the tightest corners effortlessly, and excess dust or particles will not interfere with glue or while aligning the piece. Do not, however, remove identifying labels or stickers before the project is finished. If you make a mistake, you will need to identify each piece again as you disassemble it, and some stickers can damage the finish when removed. If they are in unobtrusive, invisible areas, it may not be necessary to remove labels at all.
After each step is finished, test that it is properly completed. Compare your project to the instruction's diagrams, and test any doors or drawers to be sure they open correctly. Double-checking during construction eliminates the need to disassemble the project because of careless errors.
Many types of ready to assemble kits are equipped with cardboard backing, often with perforated holes for cords or cables. When nailing these backs onto the frame, start with each corner and then fill in the sides after the back is carefully aligned. This helps properly space the nails to provide the most support and cleanest appearance.
Assembly Tips: Finishing Touches
Advanced assemblers may wish to personalize a prefabricated kit with unique handles, adding or removing casters, or adjusting shelf heights. These are all easy adaptations, but be sure to assemble the furniture as directed first to discover any problems or hidden difficulties. After you are familiar with the procedure, personalization is a snap.
After the piece is finished, remove visible labels and protective coverings. Double-check that all doors, drawers, and other moving parts operate well, and carefully move the furniture into its final position. Keep extra parts for repairs or as backups for different projects, and file the instructions away for future use. You may need them if you disassemble the piece during a move, and if you sell it, the new owners will appreciate the documentation. Furthermore, if it becomes damaged, you can still contact the manufacturer for replacement parts.
Ready to assemble furniture can be quick and easy to construct by following common sense tips before, during, and after construction. By taking the time to inventory parts, preview instructions, and double-check each step, your furniture will astonish visitors with its clean lines and professional appearance. By doing it yourself, you not only assemble desks, shelves, and dressers, but you assemble a home to take pride in.
