ᐅ What is the best way to assemble IKEA Brimnes furniture on your own?

Hello everyone, I’m looking for advice on how to assemble the IKEA Brimnes on my own. Specifically, I’m interested in the most practical way to put together the individual parts – meaning the side panels, back panel, and drawers – without constantly needing extra help. I have basic DIY skills and know how to use simple tools, but I lack experience with furniture of this size and construction.

I find it especially challenging to hold the large side panels steady while installing the screws. Also, fitting the drawer runners properly feels a bit tricky to manage alone. Has anyone got experience that clearly explains the workflow and the sequence of steps? Or maybe some tips on how to handle the weight of the components more easily?

I would appreciate a practical guide or at least some recommendations on the best order to assemble, tools to use, and any common pitfalls to watch out for.

Hello Remzi6, first of all, I think it’s great that you described the challenge in such detail. I have assembled the Brimnes on my own before and would like to share a few tips that might help you. To stabilize the side panels, you can use some tension straps or elastic bands to hold them in place while you screw everything together – this way, both your hands are free. It is also important to carefully follow the assembly instructions step by step and, above all, mark the parts before screwing to avoid any mix-ups. For the drawers, it’s best to attach the metal runners to the side panels first and assemble the drawers while lying on their side before sliding them into the cabinet. This makes the process much easier. Last but not least, a small cordless screwdriver will be your best friend – not too much torque, though, as wood chips might splinter. I hope these tips are helpful! If you like, I can provide more details on individual steps.

Use ratchet straps to secure the side walls. First assemble the base frame, then install the rear wall last. Tighten screws evenly and carefully. Assemble the drawers separately, then insert them.

Hello Remzi6, I would like to share with you a detailed, step-by-step process that I have had good experiences with:

- Preparation: Lay out all components on the floor and check for completeness. Sort the screws by type and size.
- Tools: A medium-power cordless screwdriver with adjustable torque, a small hammer, a flathead and a Phillips screwdriver, as well as a tape measure are recommended.
- First, assemble the two side panels together with the bottom and top panels. It is advisable to place the side panels on crates or stacks so that they are easily accessible but do not tip over.
- I recommend leaving the connection between the side panels and the back panel open for now, as the back panel stabilizes the entire structure in the end.
- To hold the side panels in place while screwing, you can use a helper substitute trick, for example: I use two sturdy sawhorses or even stacks of thick books to support the parts.
- Attach the back panel last, after all other parts have been fitted. This provides the necessary stability.
- Now for the drawers: Assemble them by first attaching the metal slides to the sides. From my experience, it helps to fasten the slides only hand-tight initially and fully tighten them after assembly to allow adjustment of alignment.
- When sliding in the drawers, make sure they are aligned properly so the runners do not catch.

If you like, you can let me know if you are having specific problems at certain steps or with which part of the assembly you are currently struggling. Then I can address your situation more precisely.

FAZAR schrieb:
To hold the side panels in place while screwing them in, you can use a helper substitute trick, for example: I use two sturdy sawhorses or even stacks of heavy books to support the parts.

Thank you for the detailed post, FAZAR. Could you please explain exactly how you attach the back panel at the end? I have the impression that it’s difficult to secure once the carcass is assembled. Do you use any specific tools or positioning methods for that? How do you make sure the back panel doesn’t slip and can be aligned precisely? It seems tricky especially when working alone.

Remzi6 schrieb:
Could you perhaps explain exactly how you attach the back panel at the end? I feel like it’s difficult to secure once the frame is standing.

Sure, Remzi6. The back panel is indeed the most challenging part when assembling alone. Here’s my method:

- Lay the almost finished frame on its side on the floor, with the back facing up. This way, you have full access.
- The back panel is usually a thin particle board, which you fix in place with small nails or screws.
- Before attaching the back panel, align it precisely and temporarily secure it with painter’s tape on the edges to prevent slipping.
- Prepare a slightly elevated surface (e.g., a table or sturdy blocks) to place the frame on so you can comfortably work at the bottom.
- Screw or nail the back panel gradually, working from one corner to the other to fix the panel evenly and avoid warping.

If you keep the frame upright, the back panel is usually too heavy to hold, and it’s easy to bend the structure. This technique saves effort and also prevents misalignment.

If you don’t have enough space to lay the frame on its side, try securing it with stable supports and use an adjustable clamp block to hold the back panel in place while you set the nails.