IKEA furniture assembly cost: Which items cost more to build

When it comes to affordable home improvements, IKEA has become the go-to solution for millions across the UK. Those stylish, budget-friendly furniture pieces look perfect in the showroom, but the reality of DIY assembly tells a different story. In fact, a recent survey shows that 84% of millennials admit to not knowing any DIY skills. 

The good news? You can now hire professionals to build your IKEA furniture for you without breaking the bank. Most assembly services charge between £35 and £100, depending on how complex your furniture is. 

So if you’ve just purchased IKEA furniture but feel anxious about those instruction sheets, this guide cuts straight to what matters most: exactly what you’ll pay professionals to handle the assembly for you, which factors affect your final price, and how to get the best value for your money.

Price list for IKEA furniture assembly

While assembling a flat-pack wardrobe might seem straightforward in theory, knowing what to expect cost-wise can save you from bill shock later. In the table below, you can find the typical pricing structure for different IKEA furniture types to budget appropriately and find the right professional for your needs.

Factors affecting IKEA furniture assembly costs

Minimum fee

Most flat-pack assembly services charge a minimum fee, no matter the size of the furniture or the intricacies of assembling it. A minimum fee helps Taskers by covering the basic tools and overhead for the task.

Furniture size

One major factor affecting the assembly of flat-pack furniture is size. This is particularly important in the transportation of goods. The size of the vehicle depends on the size of the furniture. It is also essential to estimate the number of people needed to carry and assemble the furniture. 

Larger pieces of furniture, like beds, bookcases, wardrobes, and even outdoor furniture, might need bigger vehicles for transportation and another Tasker to support in assembly. This affects the following factors.

Task difficulty

Most basic IKEA items like tables and chairs only need one Tasker for assembly, keeping costs lower and the process straightforward. However, larger pieces such as wardrobes or entertainment centres often require two people working together to properly align panels and manage heavier components.

Suppose you're looking to install a complete IKEA kitchen setup. In that case, you’ll need to budget for a team of skilled professionals with expertise in cabinet mounting, countertop installation, and possibly plumbing connections. These specialized installations typically cost significantly more than standard furniture assembly.

Location

Your location plays a crucial role in determining what you'll pay for professional IKEA assembly services. The primary factor is travel-related expenses, which include:

• Assemblers typically factor mileage into their pricing. The farther they need to travel from their base location, the more you can expect to pay.
• Properties with limited parking, multiple flights of stairs without elevators, or narrow hallways often incur additional fees as these situations require extra time and effort.
• For London properties within the Congestion Zone, assemblers usually add this fee (approximately £15) to your total bill.
• If your assembler is collecting your furniture from IKEA before bringing it to your home, the distance between these locations will impact your final cost.

A man crouching to install drawer rails on a white dresser. (Source: iStock)

Post a task for IKEA assembly

Whether your IKEA furniture is big or small, you can find someone to assemble it for you on Airtasker. Booking a Tasker requires little effort. Just click “Post a Task” and follow the instructions on how to fill out the request form.

Here are some details you might need to include:

• Your schedule
• Your budget
• Your location
• The IKEA furniture you purchased
• The location of the IKEA warehouse

While there is no need for certifications in professional IKEA assembly, it’s crucial to consider the tasker’s experience. If you want to maximise your money, ensure their abilities are up to your standards. They should accomplish the job as efficiently as possible. Here’s a to-do list when hiring a Tasker:

• Get multiple quotes to get the most reasonable offer.
• Look for testimonials. Read the reviews of previous clients first! 
• Agree on a fixed rate for the time it takes to accomplish the task.
• Ask about VAT, refunds, or additional charges.