How to Assemble a Kit Furniture: Tools, Steps and Helpful Tips
Share
Assembling a piece of furniture in kit form can be a good solution to save on assembly costs and to have the satisfaction of having done it yourself. Here is a detailed tutorial that will guide you step by step in assembling a piece of furniture in kit form, with the necessary tools and some useful tips to obtain the best result.
Necessary tools
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Cross-head and slotted screwdriver : for screwing in screws and bolts.
- Drill/driver : This can be useful to speed up assembly, especially if there are a lot of screws.
- Rubber hammer : to gently fit parts together without damaging them.
- Level : To make sure the furniture is straight and well balanced.
- Tape measure : to measure distances and position the various pieces with precision.
- Allen key : Often supplied in the kit, but it is useful to have a set on hand.
- Sandpaper : To smooth out any rough edges.
- Clamps (optional) : To hold parts in place while gluing or fastening.
Preparation
-
Workspace : Prepare a space that is large enough and well-lit to work without risking losing pieces. Use a blanket or rug to protect the floor and furniture pieces.
-
Check the contents of the package : Open the box and verify that all the parts listed in the manual are present. Also check the screws, pins, guides and any accessories. This will avoid unpleasant surprises during assembly.
-
Read the instructions : Although it may seem tedious, reading the instructions carefully before starting is essential. Familiarize yourself with the steps and parts of the furniture to get an overview of the assembly.
Step-by-step assembly
-
Identify the main pieces : Start by separating the main parts of the furniture (for example, the larger boards that make up the frame). Group similar pieces together to make the job easier.
-
Set the first elements :
- Typically, you start from the base of the cabinet. Position the main boards (such as the side panels and the base) and secure them with the pins or screws indicated in the manual.
- Use a manual screwdriver or a screwdriver to tighten the screws, being careful not to overtighten to avoid damaging the material.
-
Assembly of internal parts :
- Follow the instructions to assemble the internal shelves or racks, using the supports and guides provided.
- If drawers are planned, assemble them separately following the instructions and then insert them into the guides once the furniture structure is completed.
-
Snap the parts together with pins and dowels :
- Some furniture requires you to insert wooden or plastic dowels into the pre-drilled holes. Make sure they are secure, but avoid using too much force.
- If there are parts that require a hammer to fit, use a rubber mallet to avoid damaging the wood surface.
-
Assembly of the doors (if present) :
- Install the hinges onto the doors and then secure them to the cabinet. Once installed, adjust the position of the doors using the hinge adjustment screws to ensure they close properly.
-
Check stability :
- Before placing the furniture in its final location, check that all the screws are well tightened and that the structure is solid.
- Use a level to make sure the cabinet is perfectly straight. If not, adjust the feet (if applicable) to level the cabinet.
Helpful Tips
- Don't rush : Follow each step calmly, without rushing the process. Assembling a piece of furniture can take time, especially if it is a large piece of furniture.
- Moderate tightening : Do not over-tighten screws, especially in chipboard furniture, as this can damage the material. If using a screwdriver, set the power to low speed.
- Be careful with the edges : Use sandpaper to smooth out any sharp or rough edges before assembling the parts. This will make the furniture look more finished.
- Keep the instructions : Keep the assembly manual in a safe place even after you finish the job, you may need it in the future to disassemble the furniture or to reassemble it in case of moving.
- Assistance when needed : If the furniture is large or heavy, it may be helpful to have another person help you lift or hold the pieces while you assemble it.
Final finish
- Cleaning : After completing assembly, wipe with a soft cloth to remove any traces of dust or sawdust.
- Safety : If the furniture is tall and at risk of tipping over (such as bookcases or wardrobes), secure the upper part to the wall with special anchors, often included in the kit.
With these steps, you should be able to assemble your kit furniture without too much trouble. The important thing is to be patient and follow the instructions precisely. Good luck and enjoy the final result!