Drawer unit assembly in Exeter
Professional drawer unit assembly services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Drawer unit assembled properly with smooth-running drawers and everything square. No wonky carcass or binding drawers - just functional desk-side storage that actually works.
Drawer Units: Deceptively Awkward
Looks simple in the instructions, right? Then you build it and the drawers don't slide properly, or they catch on the front, or the whole thing wobbles because it's not square. Drawer units punish mistakes - get one runner slightly misaligned and you'll know about it every time you open that drawer.
💡 Pro tip: Quality drawer runners make all the difference. If you're buying new, spend a bit more on units with metal runners rather than plastic - they last longer and run smoother.
Professional Build vs DIY Assembly
Here's what separates a properly built drawer unit from a wonky one:
| ✅ Built Properly | ❌ DIY Assembly |
|---|---|
| Carcass perfectly square | Slightly twisted, drawers bind |
| Runners aligned and level | One drawer smooth, others catch |
| Drawers close flush | Fronts stick out at angles |
| Stable, doesn't rock | Wobbles on uneven floor |
What's Included
🔧 Assembly
- Carcass built square and solid
- All drawer runners aligned perfectly
- Drawers assembled and tested
- Wheels fitted if included
📦 Positioning
- Placed under or beside desk
- Levelled on your floor
- Clearance checked (desk legs, cables)
- Easy access maintained
Pricing Guide
| Drawer Unit Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 drawer unit | 1 hr | £60 |
| 4-5 drawer unit | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-£85 |
| Multiple units | 2 hrs | £110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Perfect For
✅ Home office setup - storage where you need it
✅ Under-desk filing - paperwork out of sight
✅ Craft/hobby desks - organised supplies
✅ Small offices - maximise space
Why Choose Us for Drawer unit assembly in Exeter?
Built square with smooth-running drawers
Positioned perfectly under or beside desk
Drawer runners aligned properly
Wheels fitted if needed
What to Expect
Step 1: Unpack & Check
Open the flatpack, check all parts and fixings are there (sometimes stuff's missing), lay out components for assembly.
Step 2: Build Carcass
Assemble the main body, making absolutely sure it's square before tightening everything - this is critical for smooth drawer operation.
Step 3: Fit Drawers
Install drawer runners perfectly level, assemble drawer boxes, fit fronts, and test every drawer runs smoothly without catching.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to tackle drawer unit assembly yourself? Here's how to avoid the common pitfalls:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Screwdriver (electric makes life easier)
- Rubber mallet (for tapping things square)
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Square (right-angle guide)
📐 Getting the carcass square
- Assemble loosely first - don't tighten anything yet
- Measure diagonals corner to corner - should be identical
- If not equal, push the longer diagonal until they match
- NOW tighten all fixings
- Check with a square before moving on
💡 Aligning drawer runners
- Measure from the BOTTOM of the carcass, not the top
- Mark runner positions with pencil
- Use a spirit level to get them horizontal
- Front-to-back alignment matters too - use the carcass edge as a guide
- Test with drawer box before screwing permanently
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Tightening the carcass before checking it's square
- Eyeballing runner alignment (use measurements)
- Forcing drawers if they bind (adjust, don't force)
- Not leaving clearance for castors/wheels
💡 Pro trick: If drawers are tight, rub a candle or bar of soap on the runner edges. Acts like a lubricant and helps them slide smoothly.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Full office setup? Get drawer units assembled alongside desk building, shelving, and cable management - everything done in one visit.
IKEA delivery? They'll drop it in your hallway and leave. I can collect from your nearest IKEA (Exeter to Bristol is doable) and assemble on the same visit if that's easier.
Old drawer unit falling apart? Sometimes it's worth repairing rather than replacing. I can tighten up loose joints, replace broken runners, or square up a wonky carcass if the unit's otherwise solid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drawer units do you assemble?
Anything from IKEA, Argos, Wayfair - the usual suspects. Most are flatpack with metal or plastic drawer runners. Some have wheels (for under-desk), some are freestanding. Doesn't matter what brand - if it's got assembly instructions, I can build it.
Why not just build it myself - they're only small?
You absolutely can. But drawer units are fiddly - getting the runners level so drawers slide smoothly is annoying, and if you don't square up the carcass properly, the drawers bind. I've built hundreds, so I know the tricks to get them running sweet first time.
Can you fix drawers that are already assembled but don't run smoothly?
Usually yes. Often it's runners not aligned, carcass not square, or drawer fronts catching. I can adjust runners, square up the frame, or plane down catching bits. Quicker than rebuilding from scratch.
Do I need to buy specific drawer units or will any work under my desk?
Check the height - most desks are 72cm high, so your drawer unit needs to be under 70cm to fit underneath. Also check depth - some desk frames have supports that block deeper units. Send me your desk model and I'll advise what fits.
How long does drawer unit assembly take?
Basic 2-3 drawer unit is usually 45 minutes to an hour. Bigger units with 5+ drawers might take 90 minutes. More drawers means more runners to align, so it takes longer.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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