How Much Does Furniture Assembly Cost?

Average Furniture Assembly Service Cost

Furniture Assembly Rates

Paying for a furniture assembly service usually costs between $40 to $75 per hour, but rates depend on where you live. The prices in New York City might not be the same as those in Houston or Dayton, Ohio. In some areas, rates can run as low as $35 per hour and as much as $90 per hour. This is consistent with the cost of hiring a handyperson, which is about $60 to $65 per hour.

The assembly cost also depends on the time it takes to install each piece. It takes about two hours to set up a bed, while it generally takes six to 10 hours to install a swing set outdoors.

Custom furniture costs more, anywhere from $500 to $25,000, and requires hiring a furniture builder who can both design and assemble the finished piece rather than a furniture assembly service.

Furniture Assembly Rate by Number of Items

Another factor influencing the average cost to assemble furniture is the number of pieces you get assembled at once. A furniture assembly pro may charge a flat rate for every piece, while some may give you a discount the more pieces you have assembled at once. 

For example, suppose it costs around $150 to assemble one large piece of furniture like an entertainment center. In that case, you may get a second large piece of furniture assembled for an additional $130 instead of paying double.

Furniture Assembly Price List

The furniture size is another important factor in arriving at the total assembly cost. Small furniture—like stools, chairs, and end tables—is easier to assemble, resulting in lower prices. On the other hand, building tables, chests, or desks is more complex and costs more. Get a quote from a handyperson near you for your next project.

Chairs

The cost to assemble most chairs is on the low end, costing $70 on average and taking about an hour or less. However, more complex or high-tech chairs might cost more than your average wooden dining room chair.

Tables

Most tables are also reasonably simple to assemble but may take more time based on their size. The average labor cost to assemble a table is around $70, though a large dining table may cost as much as $300.

Beds

Bed assembly costs around $120 to set up a frame. Storage beds often cost the most at $160, while full or queen bed frames fall on the lower end of the price spectrum. Beds, along with dressers and shelving units, have several hardware parts that need to go together to finish the assembly. The more complex the piece of furniture, the greater the cost.

• Bunk bed: Bunk bed assembly costs $160 on average. However, specific models are heavy and may require more than one person to assemble. As a result, the overall cost of assembly will be higher. Call a furniture assembly service for an estimate.

• Canopy bed: Canopy bed assembly costs likely range from $90–$160, but prices depend on the frame size and setup complexity. Since canopy beds have more parts, they cost more than the average bed to assemble.

TV Stands and Entertainment Centers

The cost to assemble a TV stand or entertainment center depends on the size, but the average price is $230. Large entertainment centers with cabinets, extensive shelving, or ones you need to attach or build into the wall will cost more than a simple media stand.

Office Furniture Assembly Costs

As the world shifts to more remote work and home offices become more popular, office furniture is a must-have for many homeowners. If you need help assembling your new office furniture, see the table below to understand how to budget.

Desk Chairs

A simple, solid desk chair might cost $40 or less to assemble, not counting a minimum fee. More complex versions take longer to set up. Your furniture assembly service near you will charge between $35 and $90 per hour for this job, and it’ll take around an hour or less to complete.

Cubicle

Cubicle installation costs around $550but could cost up to $1,000 if you need multiple installations. You'll likely have to pay extra for desk assembly, and the cost to assemble a desk increases the more complex the model.

IKEA Assembly Cost

IKEA offers furniture assembly starting at $40, but the average cost is closer to $110. The total price depends on the type of item and number of products, though their service doesn’t offer assembly for every one of their products. However, most furniture assemblers are familiar with IKEA products and can put together most of their items in no time.

Most IKEA flat-pack or ready-to-assemble furniture is easy to assemble yourself since it comes with simple parts and a detailed manual. Even still, large items can be tricky when you don't have the time or patience to assemble them on your own. In those cases, hiring a professional to do the job can be beneficial.

Wayfair Assembly Cost

Depending on the type of Wayfair furniture you have, the assembly could cost anywhere from $40 to $450. Generally, you won't pay more than approximately $110 to $150 for a single piece of furniture, but assembling multiple items costs more.

DIY Furniture Assembly vs. Hiring a Professional

It’s certainly possible for you to assemble flat-pack furniture on your own, but getting a professional assembler to do it has its perks. Here’s a list of reasons why hiring a professional may be worth the cost.

• Experience: They can tackle any difficulties that may arise during the assembly.

• Gear: Some furniture assembly calls for more sophisticated tools that pros have experience using.

• Safety: Professionals ensure the safety and stability of the furniture, as well as eliminate any personal safety risks on your behalf.

• Hassle-free: They can minimize your stress.

How to Hire a Furniture Assembly Pro

There are a few things to consider as you search for a furniture assembly professional to hire. These include your budget, comparing quotes, and reading online reviews to ensure you choose the best pro in your area. Make sure you research and contact at least three experts to find the best match for your needs.

FAQs

How much should you tip for furniture delivery and assembly?

Furniture and delivery tipping isn't expected, but people who tip usually give $10 per person. Additionally, you can tip $20 per person if the service is excellent, the drop-off location is challenging like going up multiple flights of stairs, or if the piece is especially tricky to assemble.

How hard is it to assemble IKEA furniture?

IKEA tries to make its furniture assembly as easy as possible, but certain pieces are easier to assemble than others. If you like building furniture and putting it together, it probably won’t be a difficult job for you. If you don’t like following diagrams and pictures, the item is bulky or heavy, or you need assistance lifting the piece, it may be in your best interest to hire a furniture assembler to take care of the project.

How long does furniture assembly take?

Assembling furniture could take about one to four hours based on the design complexity, number of parts, and other factors. Hiring professional assemblers is the easiest way to complete the task quickly and correctly. They unpack the boxes, check the parts for damage, assemble the pieces using their tools, and dispose of the boxes.