Blog · 30 October 2026
Bought a second-hand IKEA wardrobe? How to put it back together properly
A used PAX or BESTÅ is good value, but it comes without a manual and often with just a bag of loose screws.
A second-hand IKEA wardrobe can be rebuilt perfectly well if it has been taken apart carefully. When you collect it, check that all the panels, doors and fittings are there, and take a photo of the wardrobe before it is dismantled. For most furniture, the manual is available as a PDF on the IKEA website, and you can reorder small fittings there. Bear in mind that a used wardrobe may not sit quite as tightly as a new one.
What to check at pick-up
- Ask the seller to leave the wardrobe standing until you arrive, and take a photo of the layout.
- Check the back panel: it is thin and often damaged.
- Check that the corners and the holes for the fittings have not torn out.
- Count the doors, hinges, drawers and drawer runners.
- Put the fittings for each wardrobe in its own bag.
- Transport the panels flat, with a blanket in between.
Manual and missing parts
Look up the product name on the IKEA website and download the manual. It includes an overview of all the parts, each with a number. If you are missing small fittings, you can reorder them using that number. Read more in our article on missing parts.
Rebuilding it
A wardrobe that has been assembled before has holes that have become slightly looser. This means rebuilding it needs extra attention: set it square, secure the back panel carefully and fix the wardrobe to the wall. The wall plugs for your wall are almost never included with a second-hand wardrobe.
Having it assembled
We do not assemble second-hand furniture as standard. We only do so if our schedule allows. We assess each request separately and will quickly let you know whether we can take the job. Include the product name, the dimensions and a photo of all the parts with your request.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do you also assemble second-hand IKEA furniture?
Sometimes. We only accept second-hand furniture if our schedule allows, and we assess each request separately. Please send the product name and a photo of the parts.
Where can I find the manual for an old IKEA wardrobe?
For most furniture, the manual is available as a PDF on the product page on the IKEA website.
What if something turns out to be missing during assembly?
With a second-hand wardrobe, that is a real risk. We then assemble what can be done safely. Finishing the job requires a second appointment, which is charged separately.
Want it assembled?
Fixed price upfront, pay after assembly
Upload your order list or a screenshot of your basket and you will receive a clear price by email. No call-out fees, no start-up fee.
Contact
Free, no-obligation quote
Upload your order list or describe what you need assembled. You will receive a clear price by email.
Available Monday to Sunday, 09:00 to 18:00
- 5.0 on Google, 7,000+ assemblies
- Fixed price upfront, from €79
- No call-out fee or starting rate
- Pay after the assembly
- Our own assemblers, since 2014
How it works
- Send your order list or a screenshot
- You receive a fixed price by email
- We assemble, you pay afterwards