Assembling the NOAH Sideboard — Assembly Instructions
Assembling the NOAH sideboard takes between one and two hours depending on the model variation, requiring basic tools such as a cross-head screwdriver and a rubber mallet.
The NOAH series features a clean design and a logical construction that is straightforward to tackle, even for DIYers with little experience. Whether the unit is used as classic living room storage or as a functional bedroom sideboard, the basic assembly remains identical across all dimensions.
The range covers various space requirements. A slim sideboard with a depth of 30 cm or 35 cm is ideal for narrow hallways, whilst models with a depth of 45 cm offer more volume for box files or clothes. The system also scales in width: from the compact NOAH 80 to the medium NOAH 120 up to the wide NOAH 200, the connecting hardware remains the same. Visually, the range spans plain white, an anthracite sideboard, modern high-gloss sideboards, or a solid matt black sideboard.
This guide walks you step by step through the assembly process for chest of drawers & sideboards in this range.
Required Tools and Preparation
Proper preparation avoids mistakes and saves time. Spread out the contents of the boxes onto a soft surface — ideally on the packaging cardboard or a carpet — to prevent scratches on the melamine-coated chipboard. Sort the components by size and place the fittings neatly into small containers.
Have the following tools ready:
- Cross-head screwdriver (size PZ 2 for most fittings, PH for some wood screws)
- Slotted screwdriver (for tightening the cam lock connectors)
- Rubber mallet (for wooden dowels)
- Spirit level and folding rule
- Cordless screwdriver (use only on a low torque setting to prevent stripping threads in the chipboard)
Step-by-Step Assembly
Assembly is carried out from the bottom upwards. Just as a building starts with a poured foundation, furniture assembly always begins with a stable carcass base.
1. Preparing the Carcass Panels
Take the side panels, bottom panel, and divider panels. Gently tap the fluted wooden dowels into the provided end-grain holes (usually 8 mm in diameter) using the rubber mallet. Thread the connecting bolts for the cam lock connectors into the pre-drilled 5 mm face holes. Ensure you drive them in straight until the thread is fully seated in the wood.
2. Assembling the Carcass
Join the bottom panel and the side panels together. The wooden dowels provide alignment, whilst the cam bolt slides into the large 15 mm hole on the mating piece. Insert the round cam lock housing (the small arrow must point towards the bolt) and turn it approximately 180° clockwise using the slotted screwdriver until the joint pulls tight. Repeat this process for any centre partition panels.
3. Attaching the Back Panel
The back panel provides diagonal stability for the furniture. Lay the carcass front-down onto the floor. Before nailing or screwing on the HDF (high-density fibreboard) back panel, you must ensure the carcass is completely square. Using the folding rule, measure diagonally from corner to corner (top left to bottom right and top right to bottom left). If both measurements are identical down to the millimetre, the cabinet is square. Now secure the back panel all the way round.
4. Fitting the Top Panel
Stand the carcass upright. Place the top panel onto the prepared dowels and bolts on the side panels. Tighten the cam lock connectors from below via the cabinet interior.
5. Fitting the Plinth Feet
Carefully lay the unit on its back. Screw the supplied furniture glides or plinth feet into the marked positions under the base panel. For wide models from 100 cm or 110 cm in width, a central support foot is often included to prevent the bottom panel from sagging.
6. Installing Drawers and Runners
Fit the runners to the interior sides of the carcass. Depending on the specification, the NOAH series uses either roller runners or ball-bearing telescopic runners. The cabinet profile is secured in the System 32 hole pattern using Euro screws. Next, assemble the drawer sides, base, and front. The matching runner profiles are screwed onto the sides or underneath the base of the drawer. Slide the completed drawers into the carcass.
7. Installing Doors and Hinges
Press the concealed hinge into the 35 mm cup hole on the inside of the door and screw it down firmly. Secure the cruciform mounting plate to the inside of the cabinet. Guide the hinge arm on the door onto the mounting plate and lock the connection in place — on modern clip-on hinges, this engages with an audible click.
Wall Mounting and Anti-Tip Protection
A sideboard, particularly when loaded with heavy items or used as a TV sideboard, must be securely anchored to the wall to prevent it tipping over. Open drawers shift the centre of gravity significantly forward. Use the included anti-tip bracket fittings. Drill a suitable hole in the wall, insert a wall plug suitable for your masonry (concrete, plasterboard, brick), and screw the bracket securely to both the wall and the top panel of the furniture.
Tips for Perfect Gap Alignment
Doors often hang slightly misaligned after initial installation. The concealed hinge features three adjustment screws for fine-tuning:
- Depth adjustment: Loosening the rear screw on the hinge arm slightly allows the door to move a few millimetres forwards and backwards. This sets the distance between the door and the carcass (a gap of approx. 1.5 mm to 2 mm is ideal).
- Height adjustment: There are two screws on the cruciform mounting plate. Loosening these allows the entire door to slide up or down.
- Lateral adjustment: The front screw on the hinge arm tilts the door to the left or right. Turn this screw alternately on the top and bottom hinges until the gap between the doors is perfectly parallel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to assemble the NOAH sideboard? For a compact model measuring 70 cm or 80 cm in width, a single person will need around 60 to 90 minutes. For larger configurations with multiple drawers and doors, allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can I assemble the sideboard on my own? The majority of assembly steps, such as driving in connecting hardware or putting together the drawers, can easily be done alone. For lifting the carcass upright and fitting the top panel on wider models (from 120 cm), a second person is helpful to prevent connecting bolts from breaking out.
What should I do if the drawers rub or stick? First, check whether the carcass is completely level. Compensate for uneven floors by packing under the feet. Next, verify that the runners are mounted in the correct row of holes and that all screw heads sit flush. A protruding screw head can block the ball-bearing runner.
Do the components also fit other units in the range? The series features a modular design. The system hole patterns for shelf supports and fittings are standardised, ensuring complete compatibility of internal shelves and hinges across options like budget sideboards in the NOAH line.