At one time or another in our life, we all face our first flat pack furniture project. The six-foot wardrobe is delivered, and the box is only four inches deep. Take a deep breath and remember MFI was not nicknamed “Made For Idiots” for nothing. You can do it. Hopefully your first project is a smaller project, such as attaching legs to chairs, or constructing a simple coffee table, but the principles are the same.
First Steps - Open the packaging carefully. Do not be tempted to use a Stanley knife or box cutter as this may also slash the wood beneath.
Lay out the pieces and check the contents list. Everything should be there, including a bag of assorted screws and fittings, and handles if applicable. Layout out the smaller fittings in groups, like with like, so that you can see that everything is present and correct. It will save you hunting for the last small screw you need in a muddle of assorted hardware.
Now is a good time to get all the tools you will need to hand. The instructions will tell you exactly what you will need. It will certainly include a couple of screwdrivers;
Starting to Build - Starting with instruction 1, lay out the necessary pieces and begin. Watch the diagrams and follow them. Don’t be tempted to follow your own logic, or somewhere you will miss out a vital preparatory step. Be warned, flat pack furniture does not easily undo for you to retrace your steps.
Step-by-step follow each instruction, and gradually your masterpiece will take shape. There is always a helpline number if you get really stuck, or if you need to report something missing.
Don’t worry if you have a bag full of spare bits left over. The fittings tend to be generic to suit a number of different projects, so it doesn’t mean you have to use them all.
Your patience and time will be rewarded with a lovely piece of furniture, which will be strong and long lasting. The money you have saved, and the sense of achievement are well worth mastering this DIY skill. Now, how about that 7-drawer chest to match?
Most of the modern furniture from Crawleys Furniture requires a little self-assembly, but by reading these guidelines, you will have no problem. View our range of bedroom, living room, dining room and other furniture for the home or office at http://www.crawleysfurniture.co.uk - including our modern furniture ranges at http://www.crawleysfurniture.co.uk/
