Professional furniture assembly costs an average of $90 per hour, depending on the type of furniture, the number of items, and the assembly company. Simple furniture assembly can cost as low as $40, while more complex pieces requiring tools and more expertise can reach up to $140 per hour.
In this article, we will give you an idea of the time it takes to assemble different types of furniture and the labor costs on average. We also share how you can save money when hiring a furniture assembler.
The time it takes to assemble furniture varies depending on the type, complexity of the assembly, and size. For instance, some sofas come pre-assembled, while others need to be put together from scratch.
Furniture type | Average time taken | Labor cost |
---|
Dining chair (per item) | 30 minutes to 1 hour | $50 - $100 |
Office chair | 30 minutes to 1 hour | $50 - $100 |
Recliner | 1 to 2 hours | $50 - $100 |
Rocking chair | 1 to 2 hours | $50 - $100 |
Twin or full bed | 1 to 2 hours | $50 - $100 |
Queen or king bed | 2 to 3 hours | $100 - $200 |
Side table | 30 minutes to 1 hour | $50 - $100 |
Dining table | 1 to 2 hours | $50 - $200 |
Large table | 2 to 3 hours | $100 - $300 |
Standard crib | 30 minutes to 1 hour | $50 - $100 |
Simple shoe rack | 30 minutes to 1 hour | $50 - $100 |
Multi-tier shoe cabinet | 1 to 2 hours | $100 - $200 |
Standard desk | 1 to 2 hours | $50 - $100 |
L-shaped desk | 3 to 4 hours | $150 - $400 |
Bookcase | 1 to 2 hours | $100 - $200 |
Basic sofa | 1 to 2 hours | $50 - $100 |
Sectional sofa or sofa with reclining features | 2 to 4 hours | $200 - $400 |
What’s included in furniture assembly?
Furniture assembly can be as simple as screwing legs to your new couch or attaching a tabletop to a set of legs. Other times, it can require more complex steps like
- assembling multiple pieces by securing them with screws and bolts
- integrating cable management for TVs and other electronics
- ensuring that hinges and supports are secure
- attaching additional features, like drawers, cushions, or panels
- inspecting the assembled furniture for stability and functionality
How can I save money on furniture assembly?
Furniture assembly costs can quickly add up, especially if you have multiple pieces to assemble. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to help you save some money without sacrificing quality or style.
Group assembly projects
If assembling a single dining chair takes about 30 minutes, you will be charged for a full hour of labor. However, if you combine that task with assembling another dining chair or even another piece of new furniture, you can make better use of that hour. If you have shipments of new furniture coming, wait until everything has arrived before finding someone to assemble all your new pieces.
Look out for discount offers and assembly promotions
Keep an eye out for discounts from retailers and local service providers. Many furniture stores frequently run sales or special promotions that include free or discounted assembly with certain purchases. If you are buying furniture from a store, ask them if they offer white glove delivery which typically includes furniture assembly as part of the total price.
Compare quotes from multiple assembly companies
Research local providers or use platforms that connect you with assembly professionals, such as Angie’s List. Provide detailed information about the items you need to assemble, including brand names, types of furniture, and any special requirements you have, such as tight spaces or complicated setups.
Once you receive the quotes, compare the prices and the services included. Look for details like estimated assembly time, additional fees, and customer reviews. You want to ensure you are paying a reasonable price and getting reliable service.
Is a furniture assembly worth the cost?
Whether a furniture assembly is worth the cost is a personal decision that varies from person to person. It depends on your preferences and priorities. The convenience and expertise professional assemblers offer can be invaluable for some, while others may find that the costs outweigh the benefits.
To make an informed choice, let’s look objectively at the pros and cons of hiring a furniture assembler.
Pros of hiring a furniture assembler
Time and effort savings
If you have a busy lifestyle, juggling work, family, or social commitments, assembling furniture yourself can be time-consuming. However, hiring a furniture assembler can save you valuable hours that can be used in other areas of your life.
Cost savings
Many assembly tasks require specialized tools that the average person doesn’t own, such as power drills, socket wrenches, or even specific screwdrivers. If you go ahead and buy them, it can be expensive, especially if you only need them for a one-time assembly job.
Hiring a furniture assembler means you don’t need to invest in tools that may sit unused after the assembly is complete. This saves you money upfront and eliminates the hassle of tool storage and maintenance in the long run.
The complexity of the furniture
Some furniture pieces, like modular sofas or intricate bed frames with multiple components, can be challenging to assemble without proper experience. The manual that comes with them is also very lengthy and difficult to decipher.
A professional assembler is already familiar with these complex designs of different brands, reducing the risk of assembly errors or even damage to the furniture itself.
Enhanced aesthetics
A well-assembled piece looks better and enhances the overall design of your home. Experienced assemblers have an eye for detail and understand how to align and secure furniture pieces for a polished look. They know how to minimize gaps, ensure even spacing, and position components correctly, which significantly affects how the furniture fits into your space.
Cons of hiring a furniture assembler
Cost concerns
The most significant drawback is the cost associated with hiring assembly services. Professional assembly costs can add up quickly depending on the complexity and number of items.
Scheduling and availability
Finding a time that works for you and the assembler can sometimes be challenging. Depending on your assembler’s schedule and availability, you may need to wait longer than expected to assemble your furniture.
We recommend Angi
If you’re considering hiring a furniture assembler, we recommend checking out Angi. They are partnered with Wayfair to make the entire furniture assembly process super easy so you can kick back and enjoy your new furniture without stress.
You can also expect fully equipped, background-checked professionals and say goodbye to the surprise fees and hidden costs that most platforms have. You can also read detailed reviews of local furniture assembly people and their hourly rates.
Your service will be exactly what you paid at checkout, and you can reschedule or cancel your booking online for free up to 24 hours before your scheduled time.