How To Reinforce Ikea Furniture

Although IKEA furniture is stylish and affordable, sometimes it needs a little reinforcement to make it sturdy enough to last. Reinforcing IKEA furniture is simple and inexpensive, and takes only a few extra minutes during the assembly process. The trick is to reinforce the furniture as you assemble it so you don't have to go back later and start from scratch. Even if your furniture is already assembled, though, you can follow these steps to make it stronger.

Step 1

Read the assembly instructions for your IKEA furniture, and measure any wood screws that are included with the assembly supplies. Purchase similar wood screws that are at least 1/8 inch longer, but not so long that they will puncture the opposite side of the wood you will be screwing them into.

Step 2

Assemble the furniture following the IKEA instructions. Add a thin bead of wood glue to any slots where wood pieces fit together. Clean up any dripped glue with paper towels or a rag. Allow the glue to dry for at least four hours or overnight before proceeding.

Step 3

Insert and tighten the new, longer screws in place of the IKEA screws. Drill a small starter hole along the hidden edges with the screw gun and 1/8-inch drill bit to add more strength. Screw in and tighten the IKEA screws to reinforce the joint. You can apply wood glue to the screw holes, but this will make disassembly more difficult.

Step 4

Place a steel brace on the underside and/or back corners of your IKEA furniture, and use a pencil to mark where screws will go. Drill starter holes with the screw gun and drill bit. Place the steel braces along pre-marked areas. Insert the remaining screws, and tighten them to add steel braces to the underside corners.

Step 5

To reinforce assembled IKEA furniture, add extra screws along the hidden edges and include steel braces. Drill starter holes along hidden edges with screw gun and drill bit to avoid splitting the wood when you add screws. Insert extra wood screws to the newly drilled holes, and tighten with the screw gun. Place a steel brace on the underside and/or back corners of your IKEA furniture, and use a pencil to mark where screws will go. Drill starter holes, then place the steel braces along pre-marked areas, insert the remaining screws, and tighten. Apply wood glue along hidden edges to add extra strength. Let glue dry overnight.