Furniture Installation

Chicago is expensive in terms of cost of living. Although the utilities are 5% less costly than the US average, the basic necessities can blow your budget. The fact stands true for furnishing a home or apartment. You'll need between $ 3,000 and $ 8,000 to furnish an apartment in Chicago. That's a lot of money (and effort, considering you hand-pick items) that you wouldn't want to go to waste.

So, if you're planning to add new life to your Chicago home with updated furniture, you need to know about the common installation mistakes people tend to make. This information will help you keep your new furniture in top shape, save your walls from unwanted drilling holes, and avoid any potential safety hazards.

Let's get started.
 

Overlooking Proper Assembly Instructions

One of the most common mistakes people make when installing furniture is failing to read the instructions properly or skipping them altogether. Many assume they can simply put things together based on intuition and end up missing essential steps, which leads to improper assembly.

Skipping over proper assembly instructions can result in wobbly chairs, unstable tables, and other potential hazards.

The good thing is that every furniture piece comes with a manual that discusses how to put the piece together. It's there for a purpose; use it.

Working with Inexperienced Installers

It's okay to want to save money where possible. But at what cost? Hiring an inexperienced installer or trying to do it yourself, especially for complex furniture pieces, can be a recipe for disaster. Remember that your safety and the longevity of your furniture are at stake here.

However, in Chicago furniture installation experts like Pickens Kane help make the process smooth and hassle-free. Whether you're setting up a home office or furnishing an entire apartment, they've got the experience to get the job done right.

Working Without the Right Tools

Speaking of tools, using the wrong ones or ignoring the necessary tools can lead to serious installation mistakes. Don't try to improvise with what you have on hand - a hammer might seem like a reasonable substitution for a rubber mallet, but it can cause damage to the furniture or your walls.If you're planngng on DIY-ing the installation process, you'll need a set of basic tools, including:
  • A measuring tape - to ensure precision and avoid incorrect measurements
  • A level - to make sure your furniture is straight and stable
  • Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips) - for screws of different sizes
  • Allen wrenches - for hex bolts commonly used in furniture assembly
  • A drill machine - for drilling holes if needed

Additionally, if you're working with heavy or complex furniture, it's always best to have a partner to help with the installation process.

Disregarding Weight Limits

Every piece of furniture has a weight limit, whether a couch, bed, or shelf. This is not just for safety purposes but also to maintain the structural integrity of the furniture.

Overloading your furniture with too much weight can lead to breakage or collapse, which not only can cause harm to you and your family and damage your floors and walls. Always check the weight limit specified by the manufacturer and distribute the weight evenly for added stability.

For instance, if a wall-mounted shelf has a weight limit of 50 pounds, stay within that limit by adding heavy objects on one side and leaving the other empty.

Not Measuring Properly

One of the most crucial steps when installing furniture is measuring the furniture and your space accurately.

Many people tend to eyeball or estimate measurements, leading to pieces being too big for a room or not fitting through doorways or hallways. It can result in damage to the furniture, walls, and floors.

For larger furniture pieces like sofas or beds, measure the room's dimensions and consider any obstacles that may hinder the installation process. It's also essential to measure doorways and hallways to ensure the furniture can fit through without causing any damage.

If you're installing an entertainment unit, you'll have to make sure there's an electrical outlet close to it.

Ideally, it's best to measure multiple times and double-check before making any cuts or drilling holes.

Neglecting Wall Support

Certain types of furniture, such as heavy bookcases or cabinets, require wall support to prevent tipping over. Many overlook this step, thinking their floors are enough to support the weight.

Not securing your furniture properly to the wall can lead to serious safety hazards, especially if you have children or pets in the house who may climb or pull on the furniture.

To avoid any unfortunate incidents, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for wall support. Use anchors or brackets to secure your furniture to the wall and distribute weight evenly.

You can pick an anchoring kit from your local hardware store. It'll include two brackets tethered by a steel cable, screws, and drywall anchors.

Not Checking for Defects Before Installing

Last but not least, before starting the installation process, always check for any defects or damages on your furniture. It's easier to return or replace a damaged piece beforehand than dealing with it after the installation.

Look for any cracks or scratches that might make your furniture look worn out or affect its functionality. Also, check if all the necessary parts and hardware are included in the package. You must also pay attention to the finish and color of the furniture to make sure it matches your expectations.

If you notice any defects, contact the manufacturer or retailer immediately for a replacement or refund. Don't attempt to install furniture that's already damaged, as it can lead to further issues.

Final Thoughts

Furniture is an investment that's supposed to last for years. You can't afford to make installation mistakes that can potentially damage your pieces, harm yourself or your loved ones, and cost you more money in the long run.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following proper assembly instructions, you can ensure a successful and safe furniture installation every time. If you need clarification on any step of the process, feel free to seek professional help for a stress-free and hassle-free experience.