IKEA furniture assembly cost: Which items cost more to build?

When it comes to stylish, affordable furniture, IKEA can’t be beat. But those famous flat boxes hide a not-so-fun surprise: complicated assembly instructions. It’s no wonder NTU engineers use IKEA furniture to test their most advanced robots - assembly is that challenging!

The good news? There are now professional assembly services that offer affordable prices. In fact, most IKEA assembly help costs between $80 to $100, depending on your furniture type. So if you've just brought home those IKEA boxes and don’t want to go down the DIY route, this guide explains exactly what you’ll pay professionals to handle the assembly for you, which factors affect your price, and how to get the best value

Price list for IKEA furniture assembly

While assembling flat-pack furniture 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, such as tables and chairs, only need one Tasker for assembly, keeping costs low and the process straightforward. However, larger pieces, such as wardrobes or entertainment centres, often require two people to align panels and properly 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

Location is an essential factor in the cost for two reasons.

First, the mileage charge is accounted for by location. A typical service included in IKEA assembly is the pickup and delivery of flat-pack furniture. Prices depend on how accessible the delivery address is from the Tasker’s area. 

Second, states have different rates, as seen in this table:

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

Post a task for IKEA furniture 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 maximize 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.