Here is how to reinforce particle board furniture the right way.
Time 1 hour
ComplexityBeginner
CostLess than $25
Introduction
Here is how to reinforce particle board furniture the right way.
At some point in our lives, we have all purchased ready-to-assemble (RTA) or “flat-pack” furniture. You know, the Ikea furniture, or other big box furniture that requires assembly and is commonly made of laminated particle board.
What Is Flat-Pack Furniture?
Flat-pack products are sold in separate parts and flat-packed in cardboard boxes (hence the term “flat-pack”) for ease of shipping and to take up less space in retail stores. This combination of factors reduces the price and makes the flat pack furniture more appealing. Unfortunately, not all flat-pack furniture is created equal.
Why Reinforce Flat-Pack Furniture?
The whole secret to furniture being strong and solid is in the joints or any connection where pieces come together. The main reason flat-pack furniture fails is that it is mostly made of particleboard, which is not as strong as solid wood.There is no glue or adhesive incorporated into the assembly process, which then guarantees it will fall apart easily.
You can reinforce flat-pack furniture and make it stronger in a number of simple ways. The question is when should you do it?Before the furniture is put together or after it is already assembled? Both can be done with slightly different approaches that will lead to stronger flat-pack furniture – that will last!
Where you reinforce flat-pack furniture and what you choose to reinforce it with is strictly a judgment call. There can be different ways to reinforce the same piece. The important part is to know your options and then incorporate the reinforcement in a way that doesn’t ruin the look and style of your piece of furniture.
By incorporating any or all of these tips to strengthen the connections/joints, you will ensure your furniture lasts as long as you wish.
Tips
- Use construction adhesive, CA, or polyurethane glue when joining a painted or laminated and finished surface.
- Use wood glue to join raw wood surfaces.
- Use screws with matching finish washers for exposed screws.
- To stabilize the whole unit, remove the back panel and reattach using glue in addition to the nails.
- Bar clamps will make the process easier by securely holding things in place while the glue dries.
- To prevent splitting, be sure to pre-drill for any screws or dowels you are going to add.
Tools Required
- #2 Phillips screwdriver or drill w/ #2 Phillips tip
- Assorted drill bits
Materials Required
- Assorted L-brackets
- CA glue (Super Glue)
- Polyurethane glue
- Screws
- Wood glue
Watch How to Reinforce Flat-Pack Furniture
Project step-by-step (6)
Step 1
Reinforce Flat-Pack Furniture During Assembly
Add wood glue to dowels
Many flat-pack units, including most RTA kitchen cabinets, call for dowels to connect sections or pieces. Dowels expand and contract depending on the time of the year or the amount of humidity in the environment. This movement leads to dowel connections falling apart and loosening over time.
To ensure dowels do their job for a long time and stay in place, add a few drops of glue into the hole and around the dowel before it is inserted. You want a little bit of glue to squeeze out, as this guarantees you have enough in the hole.Â
Use a wet rag to clean up any excess glue and avoid drips of glue drying and becoming unsightly. Leaving glue behind may also leave a visible difference in the finish.
Step 2
Add wood or CA glue to slots in bases, backs and drawersÂ
Use the appropriate glue to secure your base or backing. If the unit is already put together, run a small bead of CA glue along the edges of routed slots, and the glue will find its way to glue that area. Think of slotted areas where the piece of furniture comes together, this becomes a target area for adding glue.
Step 3
Add CA glue over the screws
I also like to add a couple of drops of thin CA glue right into any exposed screws. It is clear and will also work its way in preventing those screws from falling out or loosening over time.
Step 4
Reinforce corners and shelves with L-brackets
Strategically install 90-degree metal corners/L brackets at corners. Places to consider would be at the very top of the unit or at the very bottom. Legs will also benefit from reinforcement with 90-degree “L” brackets. Carefully consider where you can position these so they are least visible.Â
Mark and pre-drill pilot holes for the screws so the material doesn’t splinter. Pre-drilling will also make it easier to install screws by hand in tight or difficult-to-reach areas. Feel free to add a couple of drops of glue in the pre-drilled holes and secure your screws.
Step 5
Reinforce Flat-Pack Furniture After It’s Assembled
I would never recommend taking apart a piece of old furniture that has already been assembled to reinforce it. The likelihood of damaging it and weakening it even further is very high. But you can still incorporate some of these reinforcement steps after the piece is put together and standing. Again, just be strategic.
Use the right kind of glue for the material being glued and keep in mind you want the reinforcing methods to be hidden as much as possible and not take away from the piece of furniture— just make it stronger.
Step 6
FAQs
Is it possible to paint Ikea furniture?
Yes, you can. The secret to painting Ikea furniture is in the prep and using the right kind of paint. Especially, if it is a laminate. You will want to lightly sand and scuff the surfaces to be painted so the new paint has something to grab onto. This is called “teeth“ in the paint world. Priming before using your paint color of choice will also help with the bonding adhesion of the paint. For a smooth finish, I also recommend a foam roller.
What is CA Glue?
Cyanoacrylate glue is the industrial name for quick-bonding super glues commonly called “Super Glue“ or “Crazy Glue.“ CA glues can be used to combine anything from metal to plastic and even human skin. CA works quickly by using the moisture in the air to cure. It is a highly reactive adhesive requiring caution as well as care.
Once it begins to cure, CA glue forms a permanent bond with the joined material. You may purchase CA glue in three viscosities, or thicknesses: thin, medium and thick viscosity. Thin CA glue is very runny and dries almost instantly. Medium CA is a bit thicker and runs with more control. Thick CA runs slowly and takes the longest to dry.
- Caution! CA Glue will glue skin to skin. If this does occur, do not pull the skin apart as you may rip it – yes, it is that strong. Instead, apply acetone and slowly pry the glued skin apart.
Is all flat-pack furniture a candidate for reinforcing?
Absolutely! Any and all flat-pack furniture can benefit from reinforcing with a combination of glues, screws and corner brackets.
