ᐅ What are the specific considerations when assembling Ikea Hemnes bedroom wardrobes?

Created on: 11 Aug 2018 09:37
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Eljohann40
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Eljohann40
11 Aug 2018 09:37
Hello everyone, I am currently planning to get a Hemnes bedroom wardrobe from Ikea and while reviewing the assembly instructions and some user reviews, I came across a few specific details to keep in mind during assembly. Therefore, I would like to ask the community: What structural characteristics and common challenges are there specifically when assembling the Ikea Hemnes bedroom wardrobes that one should be aware of based on your experience? I am especially interested in whether there are certain standard assembly steps that require extra care, if the parts are well pre-drilled, and if there is anything special regarding stabilization or door installation. I look forward to your detailed tips and advice so that I can approach the project well prepared.
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marix
11 Aug 2018 10:12
Hello Eljohann40, I can share some important details based on my experience with Hemnes. First of all: Hemnes cabinets are generally solidly built, but most of the components are made from solid pine wood, which affects the weight and handling during assembly. This means that you should definitely move the individual parts with two people, especially the side panels and doors. Also, the holes and cutouts are well pre-drilled, which makes the assembly much easier.

A special feature is the type of door mounting: Hemnes doors often come with special hinges that require very precise installation because the hinge mechanism provides a smooth, self-closing function. Adjusting the doors is therefore crucial for the final result. It’s advisable to follow the instructions carefully and adjust multiple times rather than tightening everything too quickly.

Regarding stabilization: Hemnes cabinets usually have a rear brace that you attach at the very end. This is essential to prevent the cabinet from wobbling later on. Make sure all connections fit properly before attaching the back panel.

In summary:
- Solid wood parts, heavier than particleboard
- Mostly accurate pre-drilling
- Door hinges require precise installation and fine adjustment
- Attach rear braces at the end for stability
I hope this helps!
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lumar58
11 Aug 2018 10:45
In short: The doors need to be properly adjusted; otherwise, they won’t close correctly. Insert the back panel last to avoid instability. The wooden parts are quite heavy, so it’s better to work with two people.
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Samuel
11 Aug 2018 14:03
Hi everyone! I just wanted to add that aligning the doors on the Hemnes models can be a real challenge for many. I always take it with humor and recommend having a small screwdriver handy – the hinges are almost like little mechanics you have to gently adjust 😄.

Also, I think it’s great that the wood is really sturdy and doesn’t feel cheap like some other Ikea stuff. But that also makes it heavy, and you can really feel the solid build when carrying it.

By the way, a tip from my experience: only fully tighten the back panel at the end, so you can still make adjustments along the way.
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Eljohann40
11 Aug 2018 16:27
marix schrieb:
Adjusting the doors is therefore crucial for the final result.

I completely agree! It’s especially important to me during the initial assembly because my apartment is quite small, and I want to avoid making adjustments on site if possible. Do you have any tips on the best way to adjust the door hinges, like which order to follow before tightening everything permanently?
lumar58 schrieb:
And the wooden parts are quite heavy – better to work with two people.

I’m taking that advice seriously as well. I’m still waiting for some help with the assembly, which unfortunately isn’t always immediately available. How about you – are there any special tools or aids you would recommend using?
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marix
11 Aug 2018 17:18
Regarding door adjustment: It’s best to first tighten the hinges lightly, so they are snug but not fully tightened. After that, you can usually adjust the screws horizontally and vertically to ensure the doors are flush and parallel with the cabinet. Small gaps between the door and frame are normal and can be corrected with some patience.

As for the procedure: first install the doors loosely, then fully align them, and only after that tighten everything completely. This way, you avoid having to reopen everything after tightening.

When it comes to tools, a Phillips screwdriver is usually sufficient. If you use a cordless drill, be very careful not to overtighten the screws.

And I want to emphasize again that doing this with two people is much more enjoyable and less stressful. A second person is a great help when lifting and aligning the doors.