There’s something exciting about getting new furniture delivered, until you open the first box and see 47 wooden dowels, a bag of screws, and an instruction manual that somehow makes a bookshelf look like rocket science.
If you’ve ever searched for “furniture assembly service Singapore” at 11pm surrounded by wardrobe parts, you’re not alone. Let’s break down when it makes sense to DIY and when you’re better off calling in some help.
The Case for DIY Assembly
It’s satisfying. There’s genuine pride in building something with your own hands, even if it’s a simple shelf unit. For smaller items like a side table, a basic bookcase, or a TV bench, the process is straightforward and can even be fun.
It saves money (sometimes). If you’re handy with an Allen key and have a couple of hours to spare, doing it yourself costs nothing extra. Most flat-pack instructions are clear enough, and there are YouTube videos for almost every popular model.
Good for simpler items:
- Coffee tables and side tables
- Small shelving units
- Basic bookcases
- Shoe racks and storage benches
- Simple drawer units
What you’ll need: A Phillips screwdriver, an Allen key (usually included), a rubber mallet, and patience. A power drill helps but isn’t essential for most items.
The Case for Hiring a Professional
Complex builds take hours. A full wardrobe system with sliding doors, internal organisers, and soft-close hinges can easily take 3 to 5 hours for a first-timer. A pro can do it in half that time, or less.
Wall mounting is tricky. Many tall furniture pieces need to be anchored to the wall for safety, especially wardrobes, bookcases, and tall drawer chests. If you’ve got concrete walls (standard in most HDB flats and condos), you’ll need a hammer drill and the right anchors. Get it wrong and you risk damaging the wall, or worse, a heavy unit falling over.
Mistakes are costly. Cross-threaded screws, panels attached the wrong way round, or misaligned doors can mean starting over or even buying replacement parts. Once you’ve drilled a hole in the wrong spot on a wardrobe frame, there’s no undoing it.
Best to hire for:
- Large wardrobe systems (especially with sliding doors)
- Modular storage combinations
- TV and media unit setups
- Kitchen cabinet installations
- Any item requiring wall anchoring on concrete
- Multiple items on the same day
How Much Does Furniture Assembly Cost in Singapore?
Some furniture retailers offer their own assembly add-ons, but prices can add up quickly, especially for larger items or multiple pieces. Independent assembly services are often more affordable and flexible.
A typical price comparison:
| Item | DIY Time | Pro Time | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelving unit (4x4) | 1 to 2 hrs | 30 to 45 min | $30 to $50 |
| Wardrobe (2 doors) | 3 to 5 hrs | 1 to 2 hrs | $60 to $100 |
| 6-drawer chest | 1 to 2 hrs | 30 to 45 min | $30 to $50 |
| TV/media unit combo | 2 to 4 hrs | 1 to 1.5 hrs | $50 to $80 |
Prices are estimates and vary by service provider.
Tips If You Decide to DIY
- Open all boxes first and check you have all the parts before starting.
- Read the full instructions from start to finish before touching a single screw.
- Work on a soft surface (a flattened cardboard box works) to avoid scratching panels.
- Don’t over-tighten screws. Flat-pack furniture uses particleboard, which strips easily.
- Recruit a helper for anything taller than you. Trying to hold a wardrobe frame upright while screwing it together solo is a recipe for frustration.
The Bottom Line
For small, simple items, DIY is perfectly doable and can save you some money. But for larger builds, especially wardrobes, wall-mounted units, or anything involving multiple boxes, hiring a professional saves you time, stress, and the risk of costly mistakes.
At Forhad Handyman Services, we assemble flat-pack furniture across Singapore every day. We know the quirks of every wardrobe, shelving unit, and TV console out there, and our rates are significantly lower than most competitors. We’ll even take away the packaging when we’re done. Drop us a message for a quick quote. We usually respond within the hour.