Assembling RTA furniture can be challenging. From finding the right tools and tightening bolts to deciphering the manual, this article will help you easily assemble flat-pack furniture.
In this guide, you’ll find 10 tips to help you assemble your flat-pack furniture set, from preparation and organization to double-checking your work as you go.
1. Prepare Your Workspace
This first step is usually the most important. It involves finding a clean and spacious area to work in.
Your workspace should be well-lit and preferably free from kids and pets. You can spread a blanket, towel, or tarp to protect the floor, table, or other surface from scratches.
Organizing your workspace will ensure that your tools and furniture components are kept in one place, reducing the chances of misplacing anything.
2. Get the Right Tools
Most flat-pack furniture comes with basic tools. However, it is not often the best idea to rely on these tools. They are often the least expensive tools possible: small and inefficient.
You’ll be better off using your own standard toolkit. The toolkit should include the following:
- Wrench
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Mallet
- Screwdriver
- Allen Wrench Set
Using the right tools makes your work easier and also reduces the risk of damaging parts due to improper or insufficient equipment.
3. Organize Your Tools and Hardware
Don’t rush into the assembly process. Getting everything in order first will help you avoid assembly errors and the hassle of finding the right part each time you need it.
According to Jennifer Egusquiza, the Operations Manager at Central Florida Anytime Handyman LLC, you should first “open the box and make sure you have every single part available, including all screws. Second, lay out all your pieces in order.”
Once you’ve opened the flat-pack furniture box, you should pour out the parts and screws in one corner of your workspace. Then, check the instruction manual to confirm you have all the needed components and tools for the job.
After, group the hardware (screws, bolts, etc.) into small parts according to type and size. For better organization, consider sorting your hardware into small bowls. This will prevent them from rolling away and keep things neat.
| Tip: To make your work easier, familiarize yourself with the components and know which part is which. That way, you won’t have to wonder which one is the 3” screw and which one is the 5/8” screw. |
4. Read the Instruction Manual
You need to follow the instructions in the manual and not just jump into the assembly process. Read the instructions carefully and more than once if necessary.
Jennifer weighs in on this, saying, “Read the directions entirely before even beginning the assembly process.”
Flat-pack furniture manuals are usually designed to be easy to interpret and follow. This does not mean you won’t run into instructions that may not make sense to you at first (especially if the manual uses only minimal text or only diagrams).
If you find a step too complex, you can check online for help or, even better, hire a furniture assembly expert to complete the job.
Flat-pack furniture can be tricky, and missing or misinterpreting a step can cause major issues later. Take the time to go through the whole process, paying attention to any warnings or diagrams.
5. Find a Partner (If Needed)
Flat-pack furniture assembly is usually a one-person task. The compact nature and packaging make it easy to assemble and disassemble them alone. However, for larger or heavier pieces, it is advisable to find a partner for the job.
This makes it easier to assemble and manipulate the furniture. Plus, it makes the work more enjoyable since you have someone to talk to. It helps if your partner is mechanically inclined or experienced with DIY projects, but it’s okay if they’re not.
Two heads are supposed to be better than one. Some flat-pack furniture is designed to be assembled by at least two people. For larger items like wardrobes, beds, or bookshelves, it’s better to have a helper.
A partner can be helpful for smaller pieces, too, especially if you’re new to furniture assembly or DIY projects. Your partner can hold furniture parts in place while you screw or bolt them together.
6. Be Patient
Flat-pack furniture assembly projects shouldn’t be rushed. Due to the compact size, it is easy to underestimate how long a project will take. Most people plan inadequately and usually end up having to postpone when they start and realize that their allocated time is not enough.
To be on the safe side, always plan for extra time. If you think the project will take an hour, plan for two hours. It is better to finish before schedule than to leave your project halfway done and have to come back to it.
You should also take your time to follow each step carefully. If you rush through the steps, you can make mistakes that can be time-consuming to fix. Instead, be patient and take your time to enjoy the process.
7. Tighten All Bolts
If you’re assembling flat-pack furniture, you should always make sure all screws are well-tightened. This will prevent misalignment and maintain the structural stability of the furniture.
You can start by tightening your screws partially. Once you’re sure your furniture pieces are well-aligned and there are no mistakes, you can go back and fully tighten them evenly.
Don’t over-tighten or else you can damage the material or strip the screws. Likewise, under-tightening your bolts can cause your furniture to wobble, which can affect its longevity and functionality over time.
8. Start With the Largest Pieces
To make your flat pack furniture assembly project faster and easier, you should first identify the biggest pieces. These parts form the foundation or backbone of your item and will provide a structure you can build on.
Tackling the larger pieces eliminates clutter and makes it easier to see the bigger picture. You can then attach the smaller pieces to the already-laid base.
9. Double-Check
If you don’t want to waste your time, you should pause at intervals to inspect what you’ve done so far and be sure you’re on the right path. You should review the instructions and confirm each piece is right where it should be.
A quick check can save you the trouble of having to undo and redo entire sections simply because you installed some parts backward or in the wrong order. When double-checking, you can shake your item a little to check for instability or bolts that are not properly screwed.
10. Hire a Professional
Assembling flat-pack furniture is not always as easy as it appears. It can be time-consuming and frustrating.
For the less mechanically minded, sorting through all the parts, screws, manuals, and other components is about as enjoyable as solving a tricky Sudoku puzzle blindfolded. A professional can get the job done faster and safely.
Jennifer notes, “The instructions are not as clear for the average do-it-yourselfer, making it more difficult than it should be. You definitely need to hire someone to help you with this type of assembly.”
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