ᐅ How long does it take to assemble a large Pax wardrobe system?

Created on: 2 Oct 2024 07:36
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BLAMAN
Hello everyone, I am currently planning to assemble a large Pax wardrobe system from IKEA and would like to know how much time one should realistically allocate for this. Specifically, it involves a combination of several units placed side by side, including doors, shelves, and possibly drawers. I have some experience with furniture assembly, but Pax is known to be quite extensive and sometimes a bit tricky. What is a realistic time frame to complete the full assembly of such a large wardrobe system when working with two people? Are there differences depending on the configuration? Thank you in advance for your insights!
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DUVIN
3 Oct 2024 07:12
Regarding your questions: Yes, it means per module for each cabinet carcass. So for three carcasses, you need to multiply the time by three.

For soft-close doors, you’ll need about 45 minutes per door, depending on how precisely you adjust the hinges.
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Filippo
3 Oct 2024 09:48
I would like to add a few technical details that are often underestimated, especially with large Pax wardrobe systems:

First: The assembly starts with carefully leveling the individual modules on a flat floor. Especially if the floor is not perfectly even, it is advisable to use wooden shims or adjustable feet to compensate for height differences.

Second: Connecting the carcasses requires not only correct positioning but also the proper tightening of the screws – if too loose, the unit won’t be stable; if too tight, there is a risk of damaging the wood. I recommend using a cordless drill with a torque setting for this.

Third: Soft-close hinges on the doors are convenient but require some time to adjust, as the hinges can be calibrated on several axes (depth, lateral, and height adjustment). For three doors, expect at least 2 hours just for the adjustment.

Fourth: In my experience, it works best to fully assemble all carcasses first, then position and screw them together before mounting the doors. This helps to avoid any rework.

And a question for you: Do you plan to use a sliding door option or traditional hinged doors? The type of door also affects the time required.

If you like, I can send you a rough checklist for assembly that details the individual steps.
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BLAMAN
3 Oct 2024 10:06
Filippo schrieb:
And a question for you: Are you planning to use sliding doors or traditional hinged doors? The type of door also affects the timing.

Thanks for the additional information, Filippo! I have decided on traditional hinged doors with soft-close, as I don’t find sliding doors suitable for my wall size. A checklist for the installation would be really helpful for me.

Does anyone have tips on how to use the instructions most efficiently? I assume everything is included there, but you can save time if you approach it correctly.
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klo61
3 Oct 2024 10:50
BLAMAN schrieb:
Does anyone have tips on how to use the manual most efficiently?

Great question! I can share a few tips on how to use the assembly instructions optimally:

- Read the entire manual through once before you start assembling. Also, study the technical drawings carefully.
- Sort the screws and fittings in order, as indicated in the manual—this helps avoid searching for parts.
- Follow the steps one by one and stick to the sequence. For example, with Pax, first build the carcass, then connect parts, then install the doors.
- Use tools like a cordless screwdriver with torque control for even tightening, but don’t overtighten.
- If you’re unsure, double-check rather than forcing something together.

This approach can save time and prevent frustration.
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Domau0
4 Oct 2024 07:08
I would like to add a few details from my own experience. If you have three large carcasses with hinged doors and soft-close, the assembly will – as mentioned before – take between 7 and 10 hours in total.

An important point is preparation:
- Make sure you have enough space for assembly, preferably close to the final location.
- Align the carcasses accurately using a spirit level; even small deviations can cause the doors to misalign later.

Adjusting the soft-close hinges on the doors is often the most time-consuming part. There is a risk that you will need to readjust several times until the doors close smoothly and without play.

A small tip from me: Keep the instructions open and take a close look at the step-by-step illustrations – sometimes the details are more helpful than long text.

As Filippo already asked: Do you plan to fix the wardrobe permanently to the wall? This increases stability significantly, takes some extra time, but is worth it.
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BLAMAN
4 Oct 2024 08:44
Domau0 schrieb:
Are you planning to permanently fix the wardrobe unit to the wall?

Yes, attaching it to the wall is planned because I have read that this significantly improves stability, especially with large Pax wardrobe units. How much additional time should I roughly allow for this?

Thank you all for the helpful contributions! Your assessments are very useful for my planning.