Why Choose Our Furniture Assembly Service?
All Retailers Covered
IKEA, Argos, Wayfair, John Lewis, Made.com, Dunelm, Amazon - if it's flat-pack, we build it.
18+ Years Experience
Thousands of items assembled across Exeter - from Billy bookcases to complex wardrobes.
Same-Day Service Available
Need it done urgently? We offer same-day assembly for many items across Exeter.
Fixed, Fair Pricing
No hourly rates. Quote given upfront based on item complexity. No hidden fees.
Furniture Assembly Services We Provide
1. IKEA Furniture Assembly
IKEA is by far the most common request. After 18 years, I know every quirk of their instruction manuals:
- Wardrobes (PAX, BRIMNES, HEMNES) - £80-£150 depending on size
- Beds (MALM, HEMNES, TARVA) - £60-£100
- Bookcases (BILLY, KALLAX) - £45-£75
- Desks (BEKANT, MICKE, ALEX) - £50-£85
- Dining Tables (NORDEN, LERHAMN) - £55-£90
- TV Units (BESTÅ, HEMNES) - £65-£120
- Kitchen Units (METOD system) - £POA (complex jobs)
Exeter IKEA Tip: The nearest IKEA is in Bristol (45 miles). I've assembled hundreds of IKEA deliveries for Exeter residents who've ordered online. Pro tip: their delivery service often leaves boxes in awkward places - I'll move them to the assembly location as part of the service.
2. Argos Furniture Assembly
Argos flat-pack is generally simpler than IKEA, but still benefits from professional assembly:
- Habitat Range - Modern designs, decent quality - £50-£100
- Heart of House - Budget-friendly furniture - £45-£80
- Children's Furniture - Bunk beds, storage - £55-£110
- Office Furniture - Desks, chairs, filing - £45-£85
Exeter Argos Locations: There are Argos stores at Guildhall Shopping Centre (city centre) and Marsh Barton Retail Park. I can collect from either location if you haven't arranged delivery - saves you the hassle of getting it home.
3. Wayfair Furniture Assembly
Wayfair furniture tends to be heavier and more complex than IKEA:
- Solid Wood Furniture - Takes longer, heavier pieces - £80-£140
- Large Wardrobes - Often 2-person jobs - £100-£160
- Corner Units - Tricky angles, specialist assembly - £75-£125
- Garden Furniture - Gazebos, outdoor storage - £65-£150
Common Issue: Wayfair packaging can be excessive. I'll take away all cardboard and packaging as part of the service (saves you a trip to Exton Road recycling centre).
4. Other Retailers
I regularly assemble furniture from:
- John Lewis - Premium quality, detailed instructions - £60-£130
- Made.com - Stylish modern furniture - £70-£140
- Dunelm - Good value, straightforward assembly - £45-£95
- Amazon - Varies wildly in quality - £45-£120
- Next Home - Well-made, clear instructions - £55-£110
- B&Q/Homebase - Storage, shelving, garden - £50-£100
What's Included in Our Assembly Service
Every Assembly Includes:
- ✓ Complete assembly following manufacturer instructions
- ✓ All packaging removed and recycled responsibly
- ✓ Item placed in your desired location
- ✓ Wall mounting/securing if required (safety fixings for wardrobes, etc.)
- ✓ Leveling and adjustments to ensure perfect fit
- ✓ Any minor fixes needed (tightening, alignment)
- ✓ Cleanup of assembly area
- ✓ Instruction manual kept for your records
Typical Assembly Times
Based on 18 years of experience, here's how long different items typically take:
| Item Type | Typical Time | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Bookcase (Billy-style) | 30-45 minutes | £45-£60 |
| Standard Desk | 45-60 minutes | £50-£75 |
| Double Bed Frame | 60-90 minutes | £60-£90 |
| TV Unit / Entertainment Centre | 60-90 minutes | £65-£95 |
| Large Wardrobe (2-3 doors) | 90-150 minutes | £90-£140 |
| PAX Wardrobe System | 2-4 hours | £110-£170 |
Real Exeter Assembly Stories
The Heavitree House Move
A family moving from London to a Victorian terrace in Heavitree ordered an entire IKEA bedroom set online. The delivery driver dumped 23 boxes in their living room. I assembled a king bed, two wardrobes, a chest of drawers, and two bedside tables in one day. The narrow Victorian stairs meant we had to assemble the wardrobes in situ - good thing I've done this hundreds of times before!
The Wonford Nursery
Expecting parents in Wonford ordered a complete nursery setup from Wayfair - cot, changing table, wardrobe, and shelving. The cot instructions were in five languages (none very clear). Having assembled probably 200+ cots over the years, I knew exactly which screws went where. Most importantly: I made sure all wall-mounting was secure - baby furniture MUST be wall-mounted for safety.
The St Thomas Student House
Student landlord in St Thomas needed six identical desks assembled for a rental property near the university. Bulk job discount applied - £240 for all six instead of £300. Got them all done in an afternoon. The students moved in the next day and had fully functional study spaces ready to go.
Exeter Property Challenges We Navigate
Victorian & Edwardian Properties
Exeter has thousands of Victorian and Edwardian properties (especially in Heavitree, St Leonards, Pennsylvania). These beautiful homes have their quirks:
- Narrow Staircases - Large wardrobes often need to be assembled upstairs
- Uneven Floors - Adjustable feet essential for wardrobes and units
- High Ceilings - Great for tall wardrobes, but wall mounting requires care
- Solid Walls - Need proper wall plugs for mounting (I always carry the right fixings)
Modern Estates (Cranbrook, Monkerton)
Newer properties around Exeter have different considerations:
- Plasterboard Walls - Need special cavity anchors for heavy items
- Lower Ceilings - Height restrictions for some wardrobes
- Wide Staircases - Easier to get large items upstairs
- Open Plan Living - Furniture placement more critical for room flow
Student Accommodation (St David's, Pennsylvania)
University areas have specific needs:
- Quick Turnaround - Often needed before term starts
- Budget Furniture - Argos and IKEA basics most common
- Bulk Jobs - Multiple rooms in one property
- Storage Solutions - Maximizing space in smaller rooms
Common Furniture Assembly Mistakes (And How We Avoid Them)
1. Missing Parts
The Problem: Manufacturers sometimes forget screws, dowels, or cam locks.
Our Solution: I carry a comprehensive kit of spare parts. If something's missing, I probably have it. Saves you waiting weeks for replacement parts.
2. Wrong Tools
The Problem: Using wrong tools strips screws and damages furniture.
Our Solution: Professional tools including electric screwdrivers with correct torque settings. Your furniture will be assembled properly, not forced together.
3. Not Reading Instructions
The Problem: "How hard can it be?" Famous last words before assembling panels upside down.
Our Solution: I follow instructions methodically. Decades of experience means I can spot instruction errors (yes, they happen) and correct them.
4. No Wall Mounting
The Problem: Tall furniture (wardrobes, bookcases) can tip over. Dangerous, especially with children.
Our Solution: All tall furniture is wall-mounted as standard. I find the studs in the wall or use appropriate wall anchors. Safety first, always.
5. Forgetting Floor Protection
The Problem: Dragging furniture across wooden floors causes scratches.
Our Solution: I work on protective sheets and lift furniture into position. Your floors stay pristine.
Pricing Guide
Simple Pricing Structure
I quote based on item complexity, not hourly rates. You know the cost upfront - no surprises.
- Small Items (bedside tables, small bookcases) - £45-£60
- Medium Items (desks, standard wardrobes, beds) - £60-£100
- Large Items (large wardrobes, complex units) - £100-£170
- Multiple Items - Bulk discount usually applies
- Same-Day Service - £20 premium if available
Get Your Exact Quote: Send me a photo of the box or item name, and I'll give you a fixed price within the hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you charge by the hour or per item?
Per item with a fixed quote given upfront. I base the price on item complexity, not how long it takes me. This means you pay the same whether it takes me 45 minutes or 90 minutes - fair pricing based on the job, not the clock.
What if parts are missing from the box?
I carry a comprehensive spare parts kit with the most common screws, dowels, cam locks, and Allen keys. In 18 years, I've needed to order replacement parts maybe 10 times - and when that happens, I'll come back to finish the job at no extra charge.
Can you assemble in upstairs rooms?
Absolutely - most of my work is upstairs (bedrooms). In fact, for Victorian properties with narrow stairs (common in Exeter), I often assemble large wardrobes in the bedroom rather than trying to get them up the stairs fully built.
Do you take away the packaging?
Yes, included as standard. I'll break down all cardboard, bag up polystyrene and plastic, and take it away for recycling. Saves you a trip to Exton Road recycling centre or waiting for your next collection day.
How quickly can you come?
Usually within 2-3 days for normal bookings. Same-day service is often available for simple items if I'm in your area. Emergency service (need it done today) carries a £20 premium but I'll do my best to fit you in.
What areas of Exeter do you cover?
All of Exeter and surrounding areas including Heavitree, Pinhoe, Whipton, Alphington, Topsham, Exminster, Stoke Hill, Pennsylvania, St Thomas, Wonford, St Leonards, Newtown, and the city centre. Also covering nearby towns like Topsham, Exmouth, Dawlish, and Crediton.
Do you need me to be there the whole time?
Not necessarily. Many clients give me access and go to work/run errands. I'm DBS checked and fully insured. Just need to be there at the start (to show me where you want items) and briefly at the end (to check you're happy).
What if the furniture is damaged when delivered?
I'll spot this immediately when opening the box. Take photos, report to the retailer, and help you with the returns process. Don't worry - I won't assemble damaged furniture. Most retailers (especially IKEA) are good about sending replacements.
How to Book
Three easy ways to get your furniture assembled:
Call or Text
Phone 07766 501664 or send a text with the item details. I'll give you a fixed quote within the hour.
Send Photos
Snap a photo of the box/packaging (or send the product link) via text or WhatsApp. I'll identify the item and quote accordingly.
Book Online
Use the contact form on our website. Include item details and preferred dates. I'll respond within 2 hours (usually much faster).
Why Hire a Professional?
Many people think "I can save money by doing it myself." Here's why hiring a professional often makes more sense:
- Time Savings - What takes you 3 hours takes me 45 minutes. Worth it if your time is valuable.
- Done Right First Time - No missing parts, wrong panels, or stripped screws.
- Proper Tools - Professional-grade equipment makes a huge difference.
- Wall Mounting - Essential for safety, requires experience to do properly.
- No Stress - You don't spend your Saturday swearing at pictogram instructions.
- Heavy Lifting - Large wardrobes are genuinely two-person jobs.
- Local Knowledge - I understand Exeter properties and their quirks.
Plus, if you're moving house, the last thing you want after a stressful move is to spend the weekend building furniture. Let me handle it while you settle in.
Other Services We Offer
While I'm there assembling furniture, many clients ask about:
- TV Mounting - Perfect time to wall-mount your TV on that new unit
- Shelving Installation - Add floating shelves to complement new furniture
- Picture Hanging - Get everything on the walls while I'm there
- Small Repairs - Fix that squeaky door or loose handle
See our full services page for everything we offer.