I build flat pack furniture most weeks - from budget Amazon specials to premium John Lewis pieces. After hundreds of builds, I know which brands are worth your money.
The Quick Verdict
| Brand | Build Quality | Instructions | Hardware | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA | Good | Excellent | Good | ★★★★★ |
| John Lewis | Very Good | Good | Good | ★★★☆☆ |
| Wayfair | Mixed | Mixed | Varies | ★★★☆☆ |
| Argos | Mixed | Okay | Basic | ★★★☆☆ |
| Amazon Basics | Basic | Poor | Basic | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Unknown brands | Poor | Poor | Poor | ★☆☆☆☆ |
IKEA - The Gold Standard
Why they're best:
- Instructions actually work - No words needed, clear diagrams, logical sequence
- All parts present - Missing pieces are rare
- Good engineering - Cam locks, dowels, and connectors that work
- Consistent quality - Same standard worldwide
- Replacement parts available - Even years later
The ranges:
- Budget (KALLAX, BRIMNES) - Simple particle board, fine for most uses
- Mid-range (MALM, PAX) - Better construction, proper backs
- Premium (HEMNES, BJÖRKUDAL) - Solid wood elements, lasting quality
Downsides:
- Trip to Bristol or logistics for delivery
- Some pieces need two people
- Premium ranges are actually expensive
My take: If IKEA makes what you need, buy it. The quality-to-price ratio is unmatched.
John Lewis/Partners
What you get:
- Better materials than budget options
- Reasonable instructions
- More classic styles
- Premium price tag
The reality:
- Often rebranded items from other manufacturers
- Fit and finish is good
- Assembly difficulty varies
- Worth it if you want the style and can pay
My take: Good if you want something nicer than IKEA. Check reviews for specific items.
Wayfair
The wild card. Wayfair is a marketplace - quality varies dramatically.
Good:
- Huge range
- Some genuine bargains
- Good returns policy
Bad:
- Wildly inconsistent quality
- Some items are absolute rubbish
- Instructions often poor
- Hardware sometimes missing or wrong
Warning signs:
- Very cheap prices (usually for a reason)
- No brand name on the listing
- Stock photos that don't match reality
- Few or no reviews
My take: Check reviews carefully. Sort by lowest rating and read the bad ones. If they mention missing parts, poor hardware, or weak construction - avoid.
Argos
Surprisingly decent for basics.
Their own brands:
- Habitat - Better quality, modern design, reasonable
- Argos Home - Budget but functional
- Heart of House - Traditional styles, variable quality
What to expect:
- Serviceable furniture for the price
- Instructions usually clear enough
- Hardware does the job
- Won't last forever but fine for bedrooms, kids' rooms, etc.
Tip: Habitat range is genuinely good. The basic Argos Home stuff is fine for rentals or rooms that don't get heavy use.
Amazon / Amazon Basics
Mixed bag leaning towards disappointing.
Amazon Basics:
- Cheap
- Simple designs
- Often flimsier than expected
- Instructions sometimes terrible
- May arrive damaged
Third-party sellers:
- Even more variable
- Some are rebranded cheap Chinese goods
- Returns can be hassle
When it's okay:
- Very simple items (basic shelf, small desk)
- Temporary furniture
- You don't mind if it only lasts a year
When to avoid:
- Anything load-bearing
- Wardrobes and beds
- Items you want to keep
Brands to Be Cautious About
Generic Amazon/eBay sellers:
- Often the same cheap goods with different listings
- "SONGMICS", "VASAGLE", etc. - budget Chinese brands
- Can be okay for simple items, poor for complex ones
Very cheap deals:
- That £79 wardrobe isn't comparable to a £200 one
- You get what you pay for
Unfamiliar names with no reviews:
- Just don't
What Makes Flat Pack Furniture Good?
Good quality flat pack has:
- Solid hardware - Metal cam locks not plastic, proper screws not sheet metal
- Decent board - Thicker particle board (18mm not 15mm), or MDF/plywood
- Proper backs - Thick backs add rigidity; flimsy backs = wobbly furniture
- Clear instructions - Logical sequence, accurate diagrams
- Excess hardware - A few spare parts means they planned for mistakes
Budget flat pack skimps on:
- Board thickness (wobblier result)
- Back panels (often paper-thin)
- Hardware (strips easily, breaks)
- Quality control (missing parts)
My Recommendations by Item
Wardrobes
Best: IKEA PAX (customisable, solid) Good: John Lewis own brand Avoid: Cheap Amazon options
Beds
Best: IKEA (especially MALM, HEMNES) Good: Dreams flat pack Avoid: No-name brands (you'll feel the difference)
Desks
Best: IKEA BEKANT (office use), MICKE (home) Good: Argos Habitat range Okay: Amazon Basics for simple desks
Bookcases/Shelving
Best: IKEA BILLY, KALLAX Good: Argos options Okay: Budget brands for light use
TV Units
Best: IKEA BESTÅ Good: John Lewis, Habitat Okay: Most brands (less stress on construction)
Final Advice
Before you buy:
- Read reviews (especially 1-2 star)
- Check dimensions carefully
- Look at what material it's made from
- See if spare parts are available
Assembly tip: If the instructions are rubbish, search YouTube for that exact model. Someone's probably made a video.
Need assembly help? I build all of these brands weekly. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.
