Furniture usually arrives flat-packed. Here is what that means in practice — what is in the box, how long assembly takes, where to find the instructions, and how to look after the piece once it is standing.
Assembly instructions come with most of our products
86% (2,013 of 2,347) of the items currently listed include a step-by-step assembly instruction file from the production partner that makes them. The count is calculated from the live catalogue, so it moves as pieces are added or sell out instead of going stale.
What matters is the item in front of you. Every product page states, in the assembly line beneath the price, whether that piece needs assembly — and the panel at the bottom of the page lists any instruction files we hold for it.
Where instructions are most consistent
- Furniture — 89% (1,606 of 1,807 items)
- Garden & Outdoor — 81% (289 of 357 items)
- Home Goods — 54% (74 of 138 items)
Home Goods sits lower largely because much of what it covers — decor, small accessories — needs no assembly at all.
Where to find them on the product page
Scroll to the bottom of any product page and open the panel labelled “Assembly instructions and files”. Every instruction file we hold for that item is listed there as a PDF and opens in a new tab. The same sheet is printed and packed in the box with the hardware.
If your item does not have an instruction file
A minority of items do not have a file from the supplier yet — usually because the piece needs no assembly, or the partner has not published one. Email [email protected] with your order number and the item name and we will send the instructions within one business day, or confirm in writing that the piece arrives ready to use.
What is in the box
- Flat-packed panels and parts, numbered or lettered to match the instruction sheet
- All hardware — screws, bolts, dowels and cam locks, bagged by assembly step where the partner packs them that way
- Basic tools, usually an Allen key. You may still want a Phillips screwdriver; for wall-anchored pieces you will also need a drill and fixings suited to your wall
If a hardware bag is missing or short, tell us within 48 hours of delivery and we ship the replacement parts free of charge. Do not force a joint that will not close — on flat-packed furniture that almost always means a part is in the wrong orientation.
How long it takes, and how many people
Typical ranges for two adults working from the printed sheet. Times assume the parts are unpacked and laid out first, which is worth the five minutes it costs.
- Side table, nightstand, small desk — 1 person, 15–30 minutes
- Dining table, coffee table, TV stand — 1–2 people, 30–60 minutes
- Bed frame, bunk bed — 2 people, 60–90 minutes
- Wardrobe, sideboard, bathroom vanity — 2 people, 90 minutes to 2 hours
- Upholstered sofa or accent chair — 1–2 people, 10–20 minutes for legs and feet only
Assemble on a soft surface such as the flattened carton, and leave the hardware finger-tight until the frame is square, then tighten everything at the end. Re-tighten the bolts once after the first month of use, then once a year.
Looking after your furniture
Wood and engineered wood
- Dust with a soft dry cloth. Wipe spills straight away with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately
- Keep out of direct sunlight and away from radiators and air-conditioning vents
- Use coasters under hot or wet items, and lift rather than drag
- Avoid polish and wax on sealed finishes — they build up and dull the surface
Upholstered fabric
- Vacuum weekly with an upholstery attachment on low suction
- Blot spills, never rub, and work from the edge of the stain inward
- Rotate and flip reversible cushions monthly so they wear evenly
- Keep out of prolonged direct sun; fabric fades unevenly around a window
Metal and metal frames
- Wipe with a damp cloth and dry straight away. Skip abrasive cleaners and scouring pads
- Touch up chips on painted steel promptly — bare metal starts to rust once moisture reaches it
Rattan, wicker and woven pieces
- Dust with a soft brush, or vacuum on the lowest setting with a brush attachment
- Keep indoors or under cover. Prolonged rain and strong sun dry the weave and make it brittle
Glass, marble and stone tops
- Use a glass cleaner, or a pH-neutral stone cleaner for marble. Never acidic or abrasive products on stone
- Always use coasters — oil, wine and citrus stain stone permanently
- Wipe spills immediately and never place hot cookware directly on the surface
Outdoor furniture
- Cover or store cushions when they are not in use, and bring them in over winter
- Rinse frames and table tops at the start of the season and check fasteners each spring
Assembly and installation service
We do not currently offer in-home assembly, room placement or installation. Delivery is to your threshold — the carrier brings the item to your front door, garage or first covered area and does not unpack it, carry it inside or assemble it. See our Shipping Policy for the full delivery terms.
If you would rather not assemble a large piece yourself, a local handyman service is usually the quickest route. The instruction sheets are written to be followed by anyone, and every step lists the parts and hardware it needs.
Still stuck?
Email [email protected] with your order number, the product name and a photo of where you are stuck. We answer within one to two business days, and if a part is missing or damaged we ship a replacement at no cost.