Flat-pack furniture has become incredibly popular in recent years because of its affordability, convenience, and versatility. With that, comes the serious requirement for furniture assembly specialists in Perth to help you get your flat-pack furniture built and ready to use! Whether you’re moving into a new home or simply looking to upgrade your current furniture, flat-pack options provide a cost-effective solution. However, the process of putting together furniture can often become more overwhelming than you realise! Especially for those without experience or the necessary tools.
This comprehensive guide examines the 10 most common errors people make when assembling furniture. We also look at pro tips on how to avoid them. It’s important to consider the benefits of hiring a Perth handyman service for a smooth and stress-free experience.
1. Not Reading Instructions
One common mistake people often make when putting together furniture is not bothering to read the instructions. Many assume that relying on their intuition or experience will suffice, but this can lead to costly mistakes. Each piece of flat-pack furniture is accompanied by a set of instructions that provide a step-by-step guide for assembly. These instructions typically include diagrams, required tools, and safety precautions.
Failing to read the instructions can result in incorrect assembly, unstable structures, or even potential safety hazards. Make sure you take the time to thoroughly read and comprehend the instructions, so you can ensure that each component is assembled properly with sturdy, long-lasting results.
Top Tip:
Make sure to thoroughly read the instructions, and plan out each step of the assembly before commencing at all. This will give you plenty of time to read the instructions properly and make sure that you’re familiar with what is required throughout the whole assembly process.
2. Rushing Through the Furniture Assembly Process
Rushing through the furniture assembly process is a common mistake that many people make. Whether it’s because of time constraints or impatience, trying to put furniture together quickly often leads to errors. These errors can include screws that are not properly tightened, components that are misaligned, or even steps that are missed altogether.
All of these mistakes can compromise the stability and durability of the furniture. This may even require starting the assembly process all over again. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to allocate enough time for the assembly process; take breaks when needed, double-check each step, and make sure that all connections are secure before moving on.
Top Tip:
If you don’t have ample time to complete the whole process from start to finish in one sitting, don’t start! We understand life gets in the way and you are most likely time short in the first place – but if you start you need to finish it. This just gives you the assurance that you won’t be rushing to get it done and potentially miss steps, which could lead to compromising the safety of the final product. If you are short on time, we have a specialised team of furniture assembly Perth specialists ready to help you!
3. Not Having the Right Tools
Having the right tools is essential for anyone attempting furniture assembly in Perth. Many flat-pack furniture items require specific tools that may not be readily available in every household. Trying to assemble furniture without the appropriate tools can result in frustration, damaged parts, or even personal injury! So before you begin the assembly process it’s important to gather all the tools you’ll need.
This may include screwdrivers, spanners, hammers, and allen keys, etc. If you don’t have the necessary tools, you might want to consider hiring a professional service like Men Behaving Handy, whose experienced team comes equipped with a complete set of tools.
Top Tip:
Generally speaking, all the tools you need come with your furniture. For example, IKEA usually provides you with your allen key. However, before starting, check the first few pages of your instruction manual and there should be everything you need to know about putting your new piece of furniture together. This covers having the right tools!
4. Ignoring the Need for a Clean, Spacious Work Area
Creating a tidy and spacious workspace is often overlooked but is essential for a seamless furniture assembly process. Disorganised or cramped areas can make it difficult to handle parts, follow instructions, or access tools. This can become frustrating, potentially leading to damage to the furniture or even injuring yourself.
Before beginning the assembly be sure to clear the area of any unnecessary items and make sure there is enough room to lay out all the components. This creates a systematic and well-organised approach, making the assembly process much more manageable.
Top Tip:
No one likes being cramped when doing a hands-on assembly job! Make sure that your space is clear, clean and safe to assemble your furniture without the risk of damage! The last thing you want is to scratch your new TV unit or shelves because you didn’t think to clean the work area!
5. Not Checking for Missing or Damaged Parts
Another common error is failing to check for any missing or damaged parts before commencing the assembly process. Flat-pack furniture often consists of multiple components, and it’s not uncommon to have missing or damaged pieces; neglecting to identify these issues beforehand can lead to frustration and delays during the assembly procedure.
Before opening any packaging it’s crucial to meticulously examine all the components – take note of any missing or damaged parts and, if necessary, contact the retailer. The meticulous attention to detail paid by a reliable handyman service ensures that your furniture is assembled using all the necessary parts, saving you time and potential frustration.
Top Tip:
Probably the most important top tip… This one is non-negotiable! Before you start, you MUST (seriously) double check that everything is in the box, all screws, connectors, and furniture are in the flat-pack package! Once you are satisfied that you’ve got everything, make sure to double check that the actual structure is not damaged!
6. Improperly Securing Connectors and Fasteners
One of the key elements of furniture assembly is correctly fastening connectors and fasteners. Neglecting this step can mean having unstable furniture that poses a safety hazard. Insufficiently tightened screws or loose connections can compromise the structural integrity of the furniture and potentially lead to accidents or premature damage.
When assembling furniture, it is crucial to take the necessary time to ensure that all connectors and fasteners are securely tightened. Make use of the appropriate tools and carefully follow all the instructions.
Top Tip:
Never do half a job! Once you’ve started this process and you’re halfway through, it’s important that you do not cut corners. Improperly securing connectors can lead to a not so stable piece of furniture which can result in compromising your safety! Make sure that all connectors, fasteners and screws are all tightly secured in place!
7. Disregarding Safety Precautions
Safety should always be the top priority when putting together furniture. Neglecting safety measures too often leads to personal harm or damage to the furniture. It’s vital to adhere to the safety guidelines outlined in the instructions, including wearing protective equipment, being cautious when dealing with sharp objects, and working in a well-ventilated space.
At Men Behaving Handy, each team member places great importance on safety throughout furniture assembly in Perth, creating a secure environment for both themselves and your furniture.
Top Tip:
This one is important, especially if you’re not a construction minded individual! As we mentioned previously, safety needs to be your top priority! Disregarding safety precautions doesn’t only put you at risk down the line, but those around the furniture will also potentially be in harm’s way!
8. Overlooking the Importance of Levelling
Levelling is an often overlooked but crucial step in the process of assembling furniture. When furniture is not level it can cause stability issues, uneven weight distribution, and potential damage to the floor. Neglecting to level your furniture can result in an uncomfortable experience and can mean future adjustments or repairs will be needed.
Take the time to ensure that your furniture is level, with an easy-to-use spirit level making sure that all legs or supports are adjusted correctly.
9. Incorrectly Installing Drawers and Doors
One of the last steps in putting together furniture is the installation of drawers and doors. This particular phase demands accuracy and a keen eye for detail to guarantee proper alignment and functionality. If drawers or doors are installed incorrectly, difficulties can unfold when opening or closing them.
It’s crucial to carefully follow the provided instructions when tackling furniture assembly in Perth, taking the time to ensure they are aligned correctly and operate smoothly.
Top Tip:
Our Perth furniture assembly specialists all say that this is one of the most important parts of assembling flat-pack furniture! Putting on doors the wrong way doesn’t only require you to take it apart again and do it the opposite way, but you may have also drilled unnecessary holes in your piece of furniture which might affect the aesthetics!
10. Neglecting to Clean and Maintain the Furniture
Once you have successfully assembled your furniture, it’s important to regularly clean and look after it. Failing to do so can result in a buildup of dirt, dust, or stains that may prove difficult to remove in the future. By properly cleaning and maintaining your furniture, you can ensure its long-lasting durability and attractive appearance.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance. It is important to use suitable cleaning products and avoid abrasive materials that could potentially damage the furniture’s finish.
The Role of a Professional Furniture Assembly Service
Although assembling furniture yourself can be satisfying, it often also presents difficulties and even risks. Opting for a professional service like Men Behaving Handy for furniture assembly in Perth has some serious benefits, with a skilled team offering the required know-how, tools, and expertise to guarantee a smooth and trouble-free assembly process.
Contact our Perth Furniture Assembly Experts
By entrusting your Perth furniture assembly needs to our specialists, you can save time, avoid potential mistakes and frustrations, and enjoy your furniture without worry. Contact us today and we will be more than happy to help you put your beautiful piece of furniture up for you safely, quickly, and exactly how you want it!