DIY or Hire a Furniture Assembler? 6 Easy Questions to Help You Decide

Should you build it yourself or hire a furniture assembler? If you just bought a wardrobe, bed frame or desk, it’s a fair question. Some flat-pack pieces take 20 minutes. Others take a full afternoon, two people and a lot of patience. This guide walks through six questions that help you decide when DIY makes sense and when it’s worth it to hire a furniture assembler in London, Ontario.

1. How big and complex is the piece?

A small side table, a simple bookcase or a single chair is usually a good DIY job. The instructions are short and the parts are light.

Large pieces are different. Wardrobe systems, storage beds, bunk beds, sectional sofas, standing desks and outdoor structures like pergolas can have hundreds of parts and several heavy panels. They also often need to be squared, levelled and anchored to the wall. For those jobs, many people choose to hire a furniture assembler so the piece is built right the first time.

2. Do you have the right tools?

Most flat-pack furniture ships with a small Allen key. That works, but it’s slow, and it’s easy to over-tighten or strip a screw. A proper job usually needs a drill or driver with the right bits, a level, a stud finder, a rubber mallet and sometimes a second set of hands. If you’d have to buy or borrow tools for one project, that cost adds up.

3. How much time do you really have?

Manufacturer time estimates assume you’ve built that exact item before. For a first-timer, a large wardrobe or bed can easily take much longer than the box suggests, especially if a step has to be undone. If you’re setting up a new home, moving in on a deadline or working full-time, your evenings and weekends may be worth more than the cost to hire a furniture assembler.

4. Does it need to be anchored to the wall?

Tall dressers, bookcases and wardrobes can tip over if they aren’t secured. Health Canada recommends anchoring furniture to the wall with anti-tip devices, using wall studs or heavy-duty anchors. Anchoring means finding studs, choosing the right hardware for drywall, plaster or concrete, and drilling in the right spot. If you’re not comfortable with that, it’s a strong reason to get help.

5. Is there a warranty or a return you want to protect?

A mis-drilled hole, a cracked panel or a hinge put on backwards can be hard to fix. Following the manufacturer’s steps exactly protects the piece and keeps your options open if something turns out to be defective. When the item is expensive, like a full PAX wardrobe system or an office setup, it often makes sense to hire a furniture assembler who has built that product before.

6. Is it more than one piece?

One bookcase is a quick project. A whole bedroom set, a nursery, a home office or a new condo full of furniture is a different job. When there are several items, a professional can often finish in a few hours what might take you several weekends.

When DIY makes sense

• The item is small, light and has short instructions.
• You already own the tools and enjoy the process.
• It doesn’t need to be anchored or levelled.
• You have time and a second person to help lift.

When to hire a furniture assembler

• Wardrobes, closet systems, storage beds, bunk beds and large desks.
• Anything that must be anchored to the wall.
• Several pieces at once, like a move-in or a full room setup.
• Outdoor items like pergolas, gazebos, patio sets and BBQs.
• When you’d rather spend the afternoon doing something else.

How it works with Triple Home Service

If you decide to hire a furniture assembler, the process is simple. Send us your item list or a photo of the boxes, pick a time that suits you (we work Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM), and we’ll assemble, level and check every piece. We build furniture from IKEA, Wayfair, Amazon, Costco, Structube and most other retailers. See our furniture assembly service, or read about IKEA furniture assembly and bed frame assembly.