Blog · 6 October 2026
How long does IKEA assembly take? Guide times per item
From a bookcase to a wall of wardrobes: roughly how long an experienced assembler takes, and what makes the difference.
An experienced assembler usually needs one to three hours for a PAX wardrobe with doors, depending on the number of frames, the doors and the interior fittings. Smaller items such as a bookcase or chest of drawers are quicker, while a complete wall of wardrobes with sliding doors takes half a day. If you do it yourself for the first time, you can easily take two to three times as long. With a fixed price, the duration makes no difference to you.
What determines the time?
- The number of components: drawers and doors take more time than the frame itself.
- The type of doors: sliding doors need more adjustment than hinged doors.
- Wall fixing: drilling into concrete takes longer than into wood.
- The space: a low ceiling or a cramped room makes the job more fiddly.
- The preparation: are the boxes already in the right room?
Doing it yourself takes longer than you think
The IKEA instructions are clear, but every step is new when you do it for the first time. Sorting out the fittings, undoing a wrongly assembled panel and adjusting doors take the most time. An assembler knows the sequence and brings the right tools.
More on this in our article Assemble a PAX wardrobe yourself or have it done?
Why time doesn’t matter with a fixed price
With an hourly rate, you pay for every minute, even if the job goes badly. With a fixed price, overruns are not your problem. That is why we give you one price in advance, based on your order list. How it is calculated is explained on our prices page.
How quickly can someone come?
We usually schedule an appointment within a few working days, and by arrangement also in the evening or at the weekend.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to assemble a PAX wardrobe?
For an experienced assembler, usually one to three hours for a wardrobe with doors. Sliding doors and a lot of interior fittings make it longer.
Can a whole bedroom be done in one day?
In most cases, yes. For a large wall of wardrobes with a bed and chests of drawers, we plan in enough time.
Will I pay more if the assembly takes longer?
No. You receive a fixed price in advance. Only if parts are missing and a second appointment is needed will that be charged separately.
Want it assembled for you?
Fixed price in advance, 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