When it comes to furnishing your home, you might assume that furniture assembly and full installation are the same thing. After all, they both involve putting furniture together, right? Not quite.
In this post, we’ll break down the difference between furniture assembly and full installation, so you can make the right decision when hiring a professional. Especially if you’re in Oakville or nearby, this guide will help you understand what to expect and what to ask for when booking a service.
What Is Furniture Assembly?
Furniture assembly refers to putting together furniture that comes in parts or flat-packs. Think IKEA, Wayfair, or Walmart furniture.
Common Types of Furniture That Require Assembly:
- Desks
- Chairs
- Beds
- Bookshelves
- Dressers
- Tables
- Wardrobes
- TV stands
What’s Included in Furniture Assembly:
- Unboxing all components
- Reading and following instruction manuals
- Using tools (e.g. Allen keys, screwdrivers, drills)
- Assembling the furniture piece as per manufacturer instructions
- Cleaning up packaging (sometimes optional)
Pros of Furniture Assembly Services:
- Quick and cost-effective
- Ideal for standard, ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture
- Great for renters or temporary setups
Limitations of Furniture Assembly:
- Doesn’t include securing to walls (unless requested)
- No modification or custom fitting
- Limited to the furniture provided — no carpentry or layout changes
What Is Full Installation?
Full installation goes beyond just putting furniture together. It includes placing, securing, customizing, and even wiring up or integrating furniture into your home space.
What Full Installation May Include:
- Furniture assembly (if needed)
- Wall mounting (e.g. wardrobes, cabinets)
- Securing items for child safety
- Cutting or modifying for a perfect fit
- Cable management for desks or entertainment units
- Integration with lighting, electronics, or smart home systems
- Anchoring heavy items to studs
- Placement based on room layout or design plans
Examples of Full Installation Projects:
- Built-in wardrobes
- Wall-mounted media units
- Modular closet systems
- Murphy beds
- Home office setups
Pros of Full Installation:
- Custom-fit and professionally aligned
- Safer and more durable (especially with children at home)
- Tailored to your room’s design and layout
When You Should Consider Full Installation:
- You’re working with heavy or wall-mounted items
- You want furniture integrated into your space
- You’re dealing with uneven walls, tight spaces, or a complex setup
- You need both aesthetic and functional installation
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Furniture Assembly | Full Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Basic build per instructions | Build + placement + customization |
| Time | Usually 30 mins to 2 hours | 2–5 hours or more depending on project |
| Tools | Basic tools like screwdriver, drill | Advanced tools + measuring + anchors |
| Wall Mounting | Not included (unless added) | Commonly included |
| Cost | Lower | Higher but more complete |
| Ideal For | Flat-pack furniture | Custom/built-in or mounted pieces |
Which One Do You Need?
If you’ve bought a flat-pack bookshelf or desk, then furniture assembly is the way to go. But if you’re planning a complete media wall, custom closet, or TV mounting setup, you’ll want full installation to ensure safety and the perfect fit.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure — a good handyman will help you figure it out during the consultation.
FAQs
Q1: Is furniture assembly cheaper than full installation?
Yes. Furniture assembly is typically faster and less involved, so it costs less.
Q2: Can I ask for wall mounting with my furniture assembly?
Yes, but it’s usually treated as an add-on. Always confirm this before booking.
Q3: How long does full installation take?
It depends on the size of the project, but expect anywhere from 2 to 5 hours or more.
Q4: Do I need to provide tools?
No. A professional handyman brings all the necessary tools for both assembly and installation.
Q5: Do you offer furniture assembly and installation in Oakville?
Yes, HOO offers both furniture assembly and full installation services in Oakville and nearby areas.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between furniture assembly and full installation depends on your space, your furniture, and how you want it set up. If you want a quick build, go for assembly. If you need something more complete and built-in, choose installation.
Need help in Oakville? Contact HOO for professional, affordable, and clean handyman work — from a single desk build to a full-featured media wall setup.
