IKEA and furniture assembly in Singapore

Furniture assembly in Singapore, including IKEA and other flat-pack furniture, is a common handyman job priced per piece or by size. Wardrobes, bed frames and items that need wall anchoring take longer and may cost more. Before booking, list each item with its model name, check whether wall fixing is needed and ask what the price includes.

What furniture assembly covers

A typical assembly job means unpacking, assembling and positioning flat-pack furniture according to the manufacturer's instructions. Many companies also remove packaging, though some charge for disposal. Wall anchoring, drilling, moving heavy pieces up stairs and disassembling old furniture are often extras.

Assembly time varies a great deal. A small side table may take minutes, while a large wardrobe with sliding doors and internal fittings can take hours. The model name and the number of boxes help a company estimate the job.

Share the right details

The more you share, the more accurate the quote. Send the brand and product name, a link or photo of the product, the number of boxes and the room it is going into. For IKEA items, the product name and article number from the receipt or box are especially useful.

Mention access too. Lift availability, stairs, narrow corridors and the floor level all affect how long the job takes. If items are still in a delivery van or in a different room, say so.

Wall anchoring and drilling

Tall furniture such as wardrobes, bookcases and chests of drawers can tip over if not secured, which is a real risk for households with children. Many manufacturers include wall-anchoring hardware and instructions. Ask the handyman to anchor tall items where the manufacturer recommends it, and confirm whether this is included in the price.

Anchoring involves drilling into the wall. In an HDB flat, drilling should follow HDB's guidance on renovation and noise; the HDB information on renovations sets out the current rules. Ask the handyman how they check for hidden pipes and wiring before drilling, and tell them about any concealed services you know of.

How assembly is priced

Companies price assembly per piece, per item size, by the hour or as a package. A low starting rate usually applies to small, simple items. Larger items, anchoring, disposal and transport may be added on top.

The published rates further down this page come from company websites in the HomezyPro directory, one matching rate per company with its source and capture date. Check each source for the item size covered, minimum charges and what counts as an extra.

• Is the price per piece, by size or by the hour?
• Is wall anchoring included, and is drilling extra?
• Is packaging removal or disposal included?
• Is there a minimum charge or a transport fee?
• Is GST included?

DIY or hire a handyman?

Many people assemble small items themselves. A handyman makes most sense for large wardrobes, bed frames with lift mechanisms, items that need anchoring and jobs with several pieces. It also helps if you lack tools or time, or if mistakes would be costly.

If you start assembling and run into trouble, stop before forcing parts together. Take photos of the stage you reached and share them with the handyman, along with the instructions. Some companies may charge more to fix or finish partly assembled furniture.

Moving house with assembled furniture

When you move, large flat-pack furniture often needs to be taken apart and reassembled, because it will not fit through doors or lifts in one piece. Ask whether the handyman or the moving company will do this, and keep the original instructions and spare parts. Label the screws and fittings for each item in separate bags.

Reassembled furniture may not be as sturdy as it was the first time, especially particleboard with worn screw holes. Ask the handyman to check joints and replace damaged fittings where needed. If an item has already been moved several times, consider whether reinforcement or replacement is the better option.

Preparing for the visit

Clear space in the room for the boxes and the assembled item. Keep all parts, screws and instructions together, and check the boxes against the parts list if you can. Decide where each item will go before the handyman arrives.

After assembly, check that doors and drawers open smoothly, that the item is level and stable and that any anchoring is firm. Point out problems before the handyman leaves. Keep spare parts and the instructions in case you need to adjust or move the item later.

For other handyman jobs, such as mounting a TV or shelves, the TV mounting guide and the handyman services guide cover what to ask.

Furniture assembly questions

How much does IKEA furniture assembly cost in Singapore?

It depends on the item, size and extras such as wall anchoring. The table on this page lists the lowest published assembly rates from directory companies, with sources. Check each source for the items covered and minimum charges.

Should a wardrobe be anchored to the wall?

Tall furniture can tip over, so manufacturers often recommend anchoring and include the hardware. Ask the handyman to anchor it where recommended, and check whether drilling is included in the price.

How long does it take to assemble a wardrobe?

It varies with the size, doors and internal fittings. A large wardrobe with sliding doors takes much longer than a small cabinet. Share the product name with the company for an estimate.

Will the handyman take away the packaging?

Many do, but some charge for disposal or leave flattened boxes for you to recycle. Ask before booking so you know what to expect.