ᐅ What mistakes should be avoided when assembling the IKEA Hemnes?

Hello everyone,

I am about to assemble an IKEA Hemnes furniture piece and want to do it as error-free as possible this time. Since I have heard from others that assembling Hemnes can sometimes be tricky, I am especially interested in: What common mistakes should be avoided during the assembly of IKEA Hemnes to prevent future damage, stability issues, or unnecessary extra work? Are there specific parts or steps in the assembly that require particular care?

I would appreciate detailed advice so I can prepare well and ensure the assembly goes smoothly!

It is important to sort all parts before assembly and to follow the instructions carefully step by step.

Many people make the mistake of not fastening the back panel properly – this greatly reduces stability. Also, anchors should not be inserted too deeply, otherwise the screws will not hold securely.

SETHBLA schrieb:
Many people make the mistake of not fastening the back panel properly – this significantly weakens the stability.

I completely agree – with my first Hemnes wardrobe, the back panels were only loosely attached. This caused me real problems later because the wardrobe started to wobble, and I had to dismantle everything and rebuild it.

What I would also recommend: use a small cordless drill at low speed and place a thin cloth underneath delicate wood surfaces to prevent damage. When assembling for the first time, people often rush, which then causes problems when fitting drawers or doors.

If you are working alone, take your time and avoid assembling under pressure, especially if you have little experience. Mistakes can easily creep in, and then the furniture no longer brings any enjoyment.

emintra schrieb:
Are there specific steps or parts of the assembly that need extra careful attention?

A very important aspect is the precise alignment of the side panels and cross supports. Hemnes is sturdy, but if the parts are assembled crookedly, loads will be unevenly distributed and can cause damage over time. Pay close attention to the fit of the dowels and screws, especially at the corners.

Additionally, you should focus on the fittings for doors and drawers. They need to be installed accurately to ensure smooth closing and proper alignment. Small screws are often confusing—it's best to sort all screws by type beforehand.

Lastly, use the correct tools, especially a Phillips screwdriver that fits well, to avoid stripping the screws. Also, allow enough time for the assembly; taking breaks can help prevent mistakes.

I hope this helps with your project.