IKEA Furniture Assembly Checklist
Created by Cheli
Step-by-step guide to assemble common IKEA furniture, from preparation to final touches.
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Checklist Items (23)
Prepare Workspace
Clear a spacious area, lay protective covering, and gather all tools before starting.
Clear the area
Remove any furniture, rugs, or obstacles from the assembly zone to give yourself room to work.
Lay down protective flooring
Place cardboard, a moving blanket, or a drop cloth to protect both the floor and the furniture parts.
Gather necessary tools
Collect a Phillips screwdriver, flat-head screwdriver, Allen key (usually included), hammer, tape measure, and a level.
Unbox and Inventory Parts
Open the boxes, lay out all components, and verify you have everything listed in the instruction manual.
Open all boxes carefully
Use a box cutter or scissors to slit tape, avoiding damage to the panels inside.
Lay out all components on the floor
Spread panels, shelves, doors, and hardware on the protective covering, keeping similar items together.
Check each part against the parts list
Refer to the parts diagram in the manual and confirm each piece is present and undamaged.
Sort hardware into separate containers
Place screws, dowels, cam locks, and other fasteners into small bowls or magnetic trays to avoid losing them.
Read Instructions
Locate the instruction booklet, skim through the steps, and note any warnings or special requirements.
Find the instruction booklet
The booklet is usually taped to the inside of one of the boxes or placed on top of the parts.
Flip through to understand overall steps
Quickly browse the illustrations to get a sense of the assembly sequence before diving in.
Highlight any warnings or special notes
Look for icons indicating wall anchoring, weight limits, or required tools; mark them with a sticky note.
Assemble Frame/Base
Build the basic structure by connecting side panels to the bottom panel using cam locks and dowels.
Attach side panels using cam locks
Insert the cam lock into the side panel hole, align with the bottom panel, and turn the cam to lock.
Insert dowels into pre-drilled holes
Tap the wooden dowels into the marked holes on the panels; they help align and strengthen joints.
Secure with screws
Use the included Allen key to tighten the cam lock screws, ensuring a firm joint without over-tightening.
Check that the frame is square
Measure diagonally from corner to corner; if both measurements are equal, the frame is square. Adjust if needed.
Attach Panels and Shelves
Install shelves, back panel, doors, and drawers according to the instruction diagrams.
Install shelf pins
Press the metal or plastic shelf pins into the pre-drilled holes at the desired height for each shelf.
Place shelves and level
Set the shelf on the pins, then use a small level to confirm it sits flat; adjust pins if needed.
Attach back panel
Align the back panel with the grooves, then secure it with the provided nails or screws, tapping gently.
Attach doors
Position the door hinges on the side panel, screw them in, then hang the door and adjust for even gaps.
Attach drawers
Insert the drawer slides into the cabinet, place the drawer onto the slides, and test smooth movement.
Final Touches and Safety Check
Tighten all fasteners, verify stability, clean up, and enjoy your new furniture.
Tighten all connections
Re-check each cam lock, screw, and bolt with the appropriate tool to ensure nothing has loosened during assembly.
Verify stability
Gently push the furniture from different sides; it should feel solid. If it wobbles, re-tighten joints or check for missing parts.
Clean up
Recycle cardboard, dispose of plastic wrap, and return tools to their storage place.
Enjoy your furniture
Take a moment to appreciate your work, place items on shelves, and enjoy the functional piece you built.