Assembly Instructions for Oak Bedroom Furniture

The Approach

• Leave the bed for last because it is the largest piece of furniture that occupies the most floor space. Keep the room as clear as possible and check each box to make sure all parts and hardware are there. Assemble one piece at a time to avoid mixing up the parts. Gather the tools -- a Phillips and flathead screwdriver, a power drill if necessary and a hammer for tapping hardware into place. Purchase an excellent quality wood glue to use at all of the connecting joints during the assembly.

The Dresser

• Assemble the dresser first. Connect the back to the two side panels, and then connect the front using the screws, dowels or other hardware. Tighten all the screws and parts and then apply a bead of wood glue to the top edge of the dresser's base, on which the dresser top will rest. Place the dresser top onto the dresser base and attach from the underneath using the hardware specified to connect the two parts. Attach the dresser mirror to the back of the dresser by connecting it to the hardware with screws.

  Assemble the individual drawers -- this is where wood glue will matter the most. The drawers will receive the most stress -- pulling out and pushing in -- during daily use, so it is important to reinforce every seam with wood glue. After screwing and nailing the parts together, use a Phillips screwdriver to attach the handles through the front of the drawers and then set it aside to allow the wood glue time to dry.

The Wardrobe Cabinet

• Assemble the wardrobe cabinet in a lying-down position. Start with one of its side walls and stand it up horizontally on its side with its front edge facing down. This makes it easier to attach the back panel without having to move the unit first. Use the hardware and wood glue to connect the top of the cabinet to the top end of the side wall, and then the bottom of the cabinet to the bottom end of the side wall. Move to the other side of the unit and connect the other side wall in the same manner. Tack or screw the back panel in place all around the edges to close in the unit and to give it stability.

  Stand the wardrobe cabinet up and insert the shelves and assemble and insert its drawers. Connect the doors using the door hinges and screws and attach the doorknob or handle.

The Nightstands

• Because nightstands are typically the same in a bedroom set, you may want to complete their assembly steps at the same time. Connect one side panel to the top and bottom parts of the nightstand with the front of the unit facing down. Connect the other side and then secure the back using nail tacks or screws. Assemble and insert the drawer or install the cabinet door or doors, depending upon the design of your nightstand.

The Bed

• Lean the headboard against the wall with the bed frame hardware facing out. Insert the bolts through the headboard's screw holes and into one end of the mattress support frame bar with the mattress support edge facing inward. Screw the other bar in place on the other side of the headboard and check that all bolts and nuts are tightened.

  Support the footboard as you lift the other end of one of the mattress support frames, insert the bolt through the footboard's holes and into the mattress support frame; tighten the bolts and nuts. Repeat on the other side and then check that all bolts and nuts are tightened well. Place the box spring onto the frame, followed by the mattress and then dress up the bed with coordinating bedding. Reposition all of the oak bedroom furniture pieces in the best places in the room and enjoy your bedroom set for many years to come.