IKEA Furniture Assembly: 7 Mistakes Most People Make
Why IKEA furniture is harder than it looks
IKEA instructions are intentionally wordless and rely entirely on pictures. Miss one step and you're taking the whole piece apart to fix it. Here are the most common mistakes.
Mistake 1: Not sorting hardware first
Before you start, sort all screws, bolts, and cam locks by type. This takes 5 minutes and saves 30.
Mistake 2: Over-tightening cam locks
Cam locks (the round disc connectors) should only be turned until snug — a quarter turn past resistance. Over-tightening splits the particle board.
Mistake 3: Assembling in the wrong room
Build the piece in the room it lives in. Large wardrobes and bookshelves often won't fit through doorways once assembled.
Mistake 4: Ignoring step order
IKEA steps are sequenced for a reason. Skipping ahead usually means backtracking later.
Mistake 5: Not checking for level
Wardrobes and shelves need to be level or doors won't align. Use a level on the frame before attaching the back panel.
Mistake 6: One person for a two-person job
Beds, wardrobes, and large bookshelves need two sets of hands. Trying to hold a 7-foot panel vertical while fastening it alone leads to damage.
Mistake 7: Missing or wrong parts
Check the parts list immediately after opening the box. Manufacturers have a process for sending replacements — much easier before you start than halfway through.
Save time: let us handle it
FixFox assembles all major furniture brands — IKEA, Wayfair, Amazon, Costco. We bring all tools, dispose of packaging, and do a stability check on every piece.