IKEA furniture is designed for DIY assembly. But the reality is that a 3-meter PAX wardrobe or a METOD kitchen with 8 cabinets can easily take an entire weekend. When does it make sense to do it yourself, and when should you hire a professional? In this article, we compare both options.
DIY assembly: the advantages
- No labor costs: You only pay for any tools you need to purchase.
- Set your own schedule: No appointment needed, start whenever it suits you.
- Learn how it works: You understand exactly how your furniture is put together, useful if you need to move or modify it later.
DIY assembly: the disadvantages
- Time-consuming: An average DIYer takes 2 to 4 times longer than a professional.
- Tools required: A screwdriver isn't enough. For a METOD kitchen you need a drill, level, torx bits and more.
- Mistakes are costly: A crooked suspension rail or incorrectly drilled hole can damage your furniture or wall.
- Physically demanding: Lifting and mounting large cabinets and kitchen boxes at height is hard work.
- No warranty: If you assemble it yourself and something goes wrong, you're responsible for repair or replacement.
Professional assembly: the advantages
- Time savings: A professional assembler does in one day what takes you a weekend.
- Professional result: Level, straight and sturdy. No crooked cabinets or loose doors afterwards.
- Fixed price: You know the cost upfront, no surprises.
- Workmanship guarantee: With a professional assembler, you have recourse if something isn't right.
- No hassle: No mountains of cardboard, no instruction sheets, no frustration over missing screws.
Professional assembly: the disadvantages
- Cost: You pay for labor. Expect €50 to €150 per hour or a fixed price per project.
- Scheduling: You need to book an appointment and be home during assembly.
- Less control: You have less influence over how each part is assembled, though you can discuss this upfront.
When to DIY
DIY assembly is a good option if:
- It's a single piece of furniture (e.g., a MALM bed or KALLAX shelf).
- You have experience with IKEA assembly and the right tools at home.
- You have the time and enjoy assembly as a project.
When to hire a professional
Hiring a professional is wise if:
- It involves a kitchen, built-in wardrobe or large cabinet system.
- You lack assembly experience or the right tools.
- You don't want to risk damaging expensive furniture.
- You have limited free time and prefer to delegate assembly.
Cost comparison
Below is an indication of what you save or spend with each option:
- PAX wardrobe (2m): €250 – €500.
- METOD kitchen (8 cabinets): €600 – €1000+.
- Bathroom cabinet: €100 – €200.
Request a quote
Want to know what your IKEA furniture assembly will cost? Send us your IKEA planner or product link, postal code and any photos. We'll send you a fixed price quote within one business day.