Furniture assembly · 2 min read
Assembling a dresser or bookcase? Include anti-tip anchoring in the plan
A dresser with working drawers can still have an unfinished safety step. When arranging assembly, ask explicitly about anti-tip anchoring at the furniture’s final location. The restraint, the furniture connection and the wall attachment need to be considered together.
Start with the exact furniture and restraint
CPSC recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions to secure furniture and installing supplied anti-tip devices promptly. Do not judge the need for anchoring by whether an empty piece seems heavy or steady.
Send the product link, model number and assembly manual. Keep the supplied restraint with its fittings and identify any missing parts. IKEA’s US guidance, for example, calls for its supplied restraint and hardware appropriate to the wall. For secondhand furniture without a kit, ask the manufacturer which restraint and attachment points are suitable before buying a substitute.
There are two connections to assess
The furniture connection matters as much as the wall fixing. CPSC’s Anchor It guide distinguishes the two and warns against attaching a restraint to thin furniture material, such as a stapled-on back. Have the installer identify the intended connection using the product and restraint instructions.
Wall construction also determines the fixing arrangement. A screw bag that completes the furniture frame does not establish suitability for your wall. Report any known construction or damage; say when the wall type is unknown. The installer should assess it rather than choose hardware from a room photo alone.
Show the baseboard and final position
Include a side view of the proposed location showing baseboards, trim and any gap they create behind the furniture. Ask whether the specified restraint can be installed there as instructed. A gap is a detail to resolve, not a reason to improvise longer screws or alter the furniture.
Photograph nearby outlets and other obstructions from a safe, accessible position. Agree on any change to the location before assembly begins. In a rental, resolve permission for the required wall attachment before scheduling the work.
Make the handover specific
Ask for the completed scope to identify which pieces were assembled and anchored, and for any unresolved condition to be stated clearly. Keep the manual and restraint details with your household records. Before moving an anchored piece later, arrange for its attachment to be assessed and restored at the new position.
Send Coast & Craft the model, restraint information, room and baseboard photos, and any property restrictions. We will review the requested assembly and anchoring work together and confirm scope and availability before a visit.
Sources & product details
Manufacturer instructions for your exact product take precedence over general planning guidance.