“Some assembly required” usually means an evening of tiny diagrams, mystery bolts and a desk that still wobbles. Our furniture assembly service in Philadelphia takes that job off your hands. We unbox it, build it correctly, anchor it where it needs anchoring and leave the room ready to use.
Assembly is one of the most common requests we get, and it’s rarely just one item. Customers often pair a new desk with a set of shelves, a few framed photos and a mirror. Because we arrive with all the tools and hardware the job needs, we can work through the whole list in one visit.
What our furniture assembly service includes
Furniture of all kinds
Store-bought desks, bed frames, dressers, wardrobes, bookcases, TV stands, dining sets and patio furniture. Flat-pack pieces can be especially tricky because a single misplaced panel early on means taking half of it apart later. We build it in the right order and tighten everything properly so it stays solid.
Shelving and bookcases
Good shelving keeps a den, kitchen or home office organized. We install floating shelves, bracket shelves and closet systems, and we secure tall bookcases to the wall so they can’t tip.
Picture, mirror and artwork hanging
Family photos, artwork, large mirrors and mounts. Heavy frames put drywall and plaster at risk, so we fasten into studs or use hardware rated for the weight. Everything hangs level and at the right height.
Wainscoting and chair rail
Wainscoting breaks up a plain wall and adds a traditional, finished look. A chair rail can also give you a ledge for small frames and keepsakes. We plan the layout, install the panels and trim, and get them ready for paint. For more trim and custom woodwork, see our carpentry service.
Signs it’s time to hand it off
You can absolutely build a bookshelf yourself. It’s worth calling a pro when:
- The piece is large, heavy or needs two people to lift safely
- It has to be anchored to plaster walls or masonry, which is common in older Philadelphia rowhomes
- You’re hanging something valuable or heavy above a bed, sofa or staircase
- You have several pieces and limited time, such as when you’ve just moved in
Our assembly process
- Plan the visit. Tell us what you have, ideally with product names or links, and where each piece is going.
- Unbox and check parts. We confirm all pieces and hardware are present before we start, so there are no surprises halfway through.
- Build and secure. We assemble each item, level it, and anchor tall furniture to the wall.
- Hang and finish. Pictures, mirrors and shelves go up where you want them, measured and level.
- Clean up. Packaging is broken down and gathered so the room is usable right away.
What affects the cost of furniture assembly
We quote each job based on what’s involved. The main factors are:
- Number and size of items. A nightstand takes a fraction of the time a wardrobe with sliding doors does.
- Complexity. Pieces with drawers, doors, mechanisms or many parts take longer.
- Wall mounting. Anchoring into plaster, brick or concrete requires different hardware and more time than drywall.
- Access. Narrow stairways and tight rooms can mean building in place.
Share your list when you request a quote and we’ll give you a clear price.
Tips to prepare for your appointment
- Keep all boxes and hardware bags together and unopened if possible.
- Clear the space where each piece will be built and placed.
- Decide where pictures and mirrors will go. Painter’s tape on the wall is a great way to visualize placement.
- If you’re setting up a workspace, think about outlet and cable locations. Our home office service can help with the rest of the room.
Why homeowners choose Home Exchange
We’re a family-run company that has been working on homes and buildings since 1986, and we bring that same care to a single bookcase. You get a crew that shows up prepared, respects your time and keeps to our Done Right Promise. Whether you’ve just moved into a Fishtown apartment or you’re furnishing a guest room in Cherry Hill, we’ll get it built and in place. If your list also includes things like TV mounting, light fixtures or curtain rods, our installation service covers those too.