Flat-pack furniture is affordable and widely available — but assembling it can be time-consuming, frustrating, and surprisingly tricky for larger items. Here's when it's worth hiring a flat-pack assembly professional and what to expect.
When It's Worth Hiring Help
- Large or complex items — wardrobes, bed frames, and modular shelving can take hours and require two people
- Wall-mounting — heavy items like TV stands or floating shelves need secure fixing to the wall, which requires the right tools and wall fixings
- Multiple items at once — if you've bought a whole room's worth of furniture, a professional can assemble everything in a fraction of the time
- Time pressure — if you need it done quickly (moving in, guests arriving), paying for speed is worth it
Typical Costs
Flat-pack assembly is usually charged either per item or by the hour:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Small item (chair, side table) | £20–£40 |
| Medium item (chest of drawers, desk) | £40–£70 |
| Large item (wardrobe, bed frame) | £60–£120 |
| Full room (multiple items) | £150–£300 |
Hourly rates typically range from £25–£45 per hour, with a minimum call-out charge of one hour.
What to Check Before You Book
- What's included — some assemblers include wall-fixing; others charge extra
- Tools — a professional should bring all their own tools; you shouldn't need to provide anything
- Rubbish removal — ask if they take away the packaging (many do, but some charge extra)
- Insurance — confirm they're insured in case of damage to the item or your property
- Experience with your brand — IKEA, Argos, and flat-pack from other retailers all have different assembly systems
Common Problems (and Why a Pro Helps)
- Misaligned holes — forcing parts together when something's misaligned usually means a piece is the wrong way round; a professional spots this before it causes damage
- Missing parts — a professional will check all parts before starting and can often improvise or order replacements faster
- Wall-fixing — wardrobes and tall furniture should be wall-fixed for safety; this requires the right fixings for your wall type (plasterboard, brick, etc.)
- Drawer runners and hinges — these need precise alignment to work smoothly; rushed assembly leads to sticking drawers and wonky doors
IKEA PAX and Modular Systems
IKEA PAX wardrobes and modular systems are among the most common flat-pack assembly jobs. They're well-designed but time-consuming — a single PAX wardrobe can take 2–3 hours for one person, and a full wall system can take a full day. Most assemblers are very familiar with IKEA's system.