A chest of drawers is one of the most practical and essential pieces of furniture in any home. Whether you’re upgrading your bedroom storage or furnishing a new space, assembling your own chest of drawers can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of patience and the right tools, you can have your new chest of drawers standing in no time. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your assembly is smooth and stress-free.
Tools You'll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools to assemble your chest of drawers. Most flat-pack furniture comes with basic tools, but having the following on hand can make the process easier:
- Screwdriver (both flathead and Phillips)
- Allen (hex) key (often provided in the kit)
- Hammer or mallet
- Measuring tape
- Drill (optional, but can speed things up)
- Spirit level (for ensuring everything is straight)
Step 1: Unbox and Organise
Start by unboxing all the components. Lay out each piece on a flat surface, and make sure you have everything listed in the instruction manual. Group similar parts (e.g., side panels, drawer fronts, screws, etc.) together so you can easily find them when needed.
Pro Tip:
Don’t throw out the packaging until you're completely finished. It’s common to find small screws or other components hidden in the bottom of the box.
Step 2: Identify the Parts
Most chest of drawers kits will include:
- Side panels (left and right)
- Top and bottom panels
- Drawer sides, fronts, and backs
- Drawer runners
- Back panel
- Feet or base
- Screws, nails, and fittings
Refer to the instruction manual to identify each piece and check that you have the correct quantity of screws, bolts, and dowels. Familiarise yourself with any special connectors like cam locks or wooden dowels before you begin.
Step 3: Assemble the Frame
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Attach the Side Panels: Take the two main side panels and attach them to the top and bottom panels. Use the provided screws or dowels to connect them. It’s essential to ensure that the panels are aligned properly at right angles to avoid issues later.
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Secure the Back Panel: Most chest of drawers will include a thin back panel made of plywood or MDF. Position it into the grooves at the back of the frame. Secure it with nails or screws as per the instructions. This step is crucial as it helps stabilise the entire structure.
Pro Tip:
Check for any pre-drilled holes in the panels. These will guide where screws and connectors should go, ensuring a proper fit.
Step 4: Install the Drawer Runners
Drawer runners allow the drawers to slide in and out smoothly. Each drawer runner typically comes in two parts: one for the frame and one for the drawer.
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Attach the Runners to the Frame: First, screw the runners onto the inside of the side panels. Make sure they are level and aligned evenly to ensure smooth drawer movement.
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Attach the Runners to the Drawers: Once the frame runners are in place, attach the corresponding part of the runner to the sides of the drawers.
Pro Tip:
Install the runners for one drawer first and test its movement before attaching the rest. This will help catch any alignment issues early on.
Step 5: Assemble the Drawers
Each drawer will consist of:
- A front panel
- Two side panels
- A back panel
- A bottom panel
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Attach the Drawer Sides to the Front Panel: Start by securing the two side panels to the inside of the drawer front. Make sure the edges are flush and aligned.
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Attach the Drawer Back: Once the sides are attached, screw in the back panel of the drawer.
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Insert the Bottom Panel: Most drawer bottoms slide into a groove at the bottom of the sides. Once it’s in place, secure it with nails or screws if required.
Pro Tip:
Before inserting the drawers into the frame, double-check that all screws are tightened and the runners are correctly aligned.
Step 6: Attach the Feet (If Applicable)
If your chest of drawers comes with feet or a base, this is the time to attach them. Most kits will require you to screw the feet into pre-drilled holes at the bottom of the frame. Ensure they are level so your furniture doesn’t wobble once upright.
Step 7: Insert the Drawers
Now that the frame is assembled and the runners are in place, it’s time to insert the drawers. Start by lining up the drawer runners with the ones on the frame. Slowly slide the drawer in, ensuring it glides smoothly. If the drawer sticks or feels uneven, double-check the alignment of the runners.
Repeat this process for each drawer, testing the movement to make sure everything works as it should.
Step 8: Final Touches
With the chest of drawers fully assembled, give it a quick once-over:
- Tighten any loose screws or bolts.
- Use a spirit level to check that the chest is standing upright.
- Adjust drawer runners if necessary to ensure smooth operation.
If your chest of drawers came with additional accessories, such as handles or knobs, now is the time to install them. Simply screw them into the pre-drilled holes in the front of each drawer.
Pro Tip:
If the furniture will be placed on a wooden or tile floor, consider adding felt pads to the bottom of the feet to prevent scratches.
Step 9: Secure to the Wall (Optional, but we Highly Recommended This)
For safety, especially if you have children, it’s a good idea to anchor your chest of drawers to the wall. Most kits will include brackets or straps for this purpose. Use a drill to attach one part of the bracket to the wall and the other to the back of the chest.
This prevents the chest from tipping over if someone leans on it or pulls out multiple drawers at once.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A chest of drawers assembled and ready to use. Whether you’re storing clothes, linens, or anything else, this practical piece of furniture can be assembled quickly with a bit of organisation and patience. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely, and if in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
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