If it comes in a box with an instruction manual (or sometimes without one), I can build it. Here's a breakdown of the furniture types I assemble most often across Byron Bay, Ballina, and the Northern Rivers.
IKEA Flatpack — Full Range
IKEA is by far the most common brand I assemble in the Northern Rivers. Since there's no IKEA store locally, most people order online and have it delivered — then realise just how many boxes and bags of hardware they're dealing with. I've assembled hundreds of IKEA items and I know the range inside out.
The most common IKEA jobs I do are PAX wardrobes (including the sliding door systems, which are fiddly to get right), BESTA TV and storage units, MALM bedroom furniture (beds, chests of drawers, bedside tables), KALLAX shelving units, HEMNES bookcases and cabinets, and ALEX desk combinations. I also handle IKEA kitchen cabinet assembly for people doing DIY kitchen installs — the METOD system is good quality but the assembly and installation is time-consuming if you haven't done it before.
One thing I've learned with IKEA — always check that all parts and hardware are in the box before I start. Missing dowels or cam locks are surprisingly common, and it's better to discover that before you're halfway through the build.
Officeworks and Fantastic Furniture
Officeworks desks and chairs are another regular job, particularly for people setting up home offices in Byron Bay. The standing desk frames from Officeworks need careful assembly to make sure the motorised lift mechanism works smoothly and the desk is perfectly level. Fantastic Furniture items tend to be more budget-focused — the assembly instructions aren't always the clearest, which is where experience helps. I've assembled enough of their range to know the common pitfalls and get them built properly the first time.
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture assembly is especially important in Byron Bay where outdoor living is a huge part of the lifestyle. I assemble pergola kits, outdoor dining settings, daybed sets, modular outdoor lounges, and garden storage units. Outdoor furniture often involves heavier components and the assembly needs to be solid because it's exposed to wind and weather. I make sure all bolts are properly tightened and locking washers are in place so nothing comes loose in a storm. For pergola kits and larger structures, I also check that the anchoring is appropriate for the location — particularly important in exposed coastal spots around Byron Bay and Lennox Head.
Gym Equipment
Home gyms have become massive in the Byron Bay area — no surprise given the fitness culture here. I assemble all types of home gym equipment including multi-station gyms, power racks, cable machines, spin bikes, rowing machines, and treadmills. Gym equipment assembly is one of those jobs where getting it right is critical for safety — a poorly assembled squat rack or cable machine can cause serious injury. I make sure every bolt is torqued to specification and all safety pins and catches work correctly. If the equipment needs to be anchored to the floor or wall, I handle that too.
Kids' Playsets and Trampolines
This is another category where proper assembly is a safety issue, not just a convenience thing. I assemble cubby houses, swing sets, climbing frames, trampolines, and basketball hoops across the Northern Rivers. Trampolines are deceptively tricky — the spring tension needs to be applied evenly and the safety net must be properly attached. Swing sets and climbing frames need to be anchored securely into the ground so they can't tip over when kids are swinging or climbing. I take extra care with anything kids are going to play on because the consequences of shoddy assembly are serious.
