ᐅ How long does it take to assemble the Ikea Brimnes furniture for the first time?

Hello everyone,

I am considering getting the Ikea Brimnes living room set, but I feel a bit uncertain about the assembly process. Specifically, I would like to know: how long does it typically take to assemble the Ikea Brimnes set when doing it for the first time? I mean the complete set, including the cabinet and possibly the shelving units, assuming that I am reasonably handy but have no prior experience with Ikea furniture.

I am mainly interested in a realistic time frame so I can plan the assembly without underestimating how much time I’ll need to invest. Does anyone have an approximate estimate, or even tips on which steps tend to be the most time-consuming or tricky?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Nonpo schrieb:
How long does it take to assemble the Ikea Brimnes when doing it for the first time?

The assembly time for the Ikea Brimnes set largely depends on the exact components included. If you are putting together the standard wardrobe unit along with one or two shelving units, you can expect it to take around 2 to 4 hours if it’s your first time assembling Ikea furniture.

Important tips for a smooth process:
- Follow the instructions step by step and avoid skipping ahead.
- Sort all parts before you start.
- Use a screwdriver that fits well in the fasteners to save time and avoid frustration.

The biggest time consumers are usually aligning the wooden parts correctly and understanding the sometimes abstractly illustrated steps in the manual. With experience, the assembly time can drop to under 2 hours, but for a first build, 3 to 4 hours is realistic.

This should help you estimate the process.

Nonpo schrieb:
How long does it take to assemble the Ikea Brimnes if you’re doing it for the first time?

I assembled the Brimnes set for the first time a few months ago and can confirm that it does take quite a bit of time without prior experience. For me, it was about 3.5 hours to put together the main unit and a small shelf, including breaks.

It really helps to sort the parts beforehand and to read through the entire instruction manual before starting to screw anything together.

Also, you should have at least two people, even though it’s possible to build it alone – for some steps, holding parts together with a partner makes the process much easier.

Once the main frame is assembled, the rest goes relatively quickly. So – be patient, and it will work out well!

Interesting question, but I find it surprising that 3 to 4 hours are commonly mentioned as the standard assembly time for Ikea furniture.

gekira schrieb:
The biggest time consumers are usually aligning the wooden parts and understanding the sometimes abstractly depicted instruction steps.

This is where the key lies: The instructions are definitely a challenge, but to be honest, you should first be willing to work with minimal tools and manageable components.

In my opinion, the topic is often exaggerated because people immediately think of large, complex furniture – but Brimnes is quite simple.

I assembled the set for the first time in about 90 minutes and would consider my DIY skills average. For someone with very little experience in handiwork, I would expect it to take no more than 2 to 2.5 hours.

The main issue for many is more the mental barrier than the actual task. So: approach it calmly, and it will go faster than you think.

Nonpo schrieb:
How long does it take to assemble the Ikea Brimnes if you’re doing it for the first time?

I completely understand your uncertainty! I once almost gave up during my first Ikea assembly because I found the instructions too detailed and everything seemed really tricky.

From my experience:
- Set aside at least half a day (3-4 hours) if you’re working alone and it’s your first time.
- Allow some flexibility. Some parts might not fit perfectly right away, or you may have to take them apart and try again.

It’s important to take regular breaks and breathe to keep your motivation up. And if you have any questions about the instructions, feel free to ask here in the thread!

I wish you good luck – assembling it can really feel like a little victory afterward!