Flat-pack furniture goes wrong in predictable places. Start by laying out every panel and fixing, and reading the instructions once through before tightening anything — half the “defective” kits are missing a step from page two, not missing parts. Assemble on carpet or a blanket so finished faces don’t pick up grit scratches.
The classic errors: driving screws tight at each step (leave everything slightly loose until the frame is square, then tighten in sequence), hammering dowels into the wrong twin holes on a mirrored panel, and fitting the back panel before the unit is square — the back is what locks it square, so it’s your last chance to adjust.
Keep the little Allen key. Cabinet hinges and fixings on flat-pack loosen with use, and two minutes of tightening a year keeps doors hanging true.
Short on time rather than capability? CMG Bridge assembles furniture across Staten Island — $125 covers the first hour, Monday to Saturday.