Assembling the INGRID Chest of Drawers — Step-by-Step Guide

March 28, 2026

Assembling the INGRID chest of drawers requires the systematic connection of melamine-coated carcass panels using cam lock fittings and the precise alignment of ball-bearing drawer runners.

Assembling flat-pack furniture is a logical process that runs smoothly with the right preparation. The INGRID range is characterised by a clear structure, regardless of whether you are assembling a compact version for the hallway or a generous bedroom chest of drawers. In this guide, we will lead you step by step through the assembly process, explain how to handle the hardware fittings, and highlight what to watch out for when aligning the drawers.

Preparation and Checking the Contents

Before picking up the first screwdriver, check the delivered components. Open the cardboard boxes flat on the floor to avoid damaging the edges of the chipboard parts. A blanket or the flattened packaging serves as an ideal protective surface against scratches.

Lay out all components clearly. Sort the furniture fittings beforehand just like tools in an operating theatre — this avoids prolonged searching later and prevents fitting errors. Separate wooden dowels, screws, hinges, and runners into small bowls or directly onto the cardboard.

Check against the included parts list to ensure all components are present:

Side panels, top panel, and base panel
Drawer fronts, sides (drawer boxes), and back panels made from MDF
Hardware bag (screws, dowels, threaded insert, nails)
Drawer runner slides
Furniture feet or plinth panels

Tools Required for Assembly

You do not need a fully equipped workshop to assemble the INGRID series. The following basic tools are sufficient:

Cross-head screwdriver (size PZ 2 for most wood screws)
Slotted screwdriver (for tightening the cam lock fittings)
Rubber mallet (for gently tapping in wooden dowels)
Folding rule or tape measure (for checking diagonals)
Spirit level (for final alignment in the room)
Cordless screwdriver (optional, set to a low torque level to prevent stripping the engineered wood)
Drill and masonry drill bit (for the essential wall-mounting bracket)

Assembling the INGRID Chest of Drawers: Step-by-Step

The order of assembly is critical for the stability of the furniture unit. Work systematically from the main carcass frame through to the moving components.

Step 1: Preparing the Carcass Panels

Begin by inserting all wooden dowels into the pre-drilled holes (usually 8 mm diameter) on the side panels and cross rails. If necessary, apply a small drop of wood glue into the hole before gently tapping the dowel in with a rubber mallet. In addition, screw the connecting bolts for the cam lock fittings into the corresponding pre-drilled holes (usually 5 mm diameter) on the side panels.

Step 2: Fitting Drawer Runners to the Carcass

It is significantly easier to mount the runner tracks to the inner sides of the carcass panels while they are still lying flat on the floor. The INGRID series generally uses a ball-bearing slide with partial extension. Pay attention to the markings in the manual: the runners must be fixed precisely into the designated system hole pattern (often within the System 32 grid) using Euro screws. The open side of the runner must always point towards the front edge of the unit.

Step 3: Putting the Carcass Together

Now connect the base, top panel, and any central partitions to the side panels. Slot the components together over the wooden dowels and cam bolts. Insert the round cam lock housings into the large holes (usually 15 mm) on the mating panels and turn them clockwise by about 180° using a slotted screwdriver until they pull tight noticeably. This mechanism draws the panels flush against one another.

Step 4: Attaching the Back Panel

The back panel provides the chest of drawers with its structural rigidity (torsional stiffness). Lay the assembled carcass face down on your protective working surface. Place the back panel in position. Now use the tape measure to measure diagonally from the top left corner to the bottom right corner, and compare the measurement with the opposite diagonal. The carcass is perfectly square at 90° only when both measurements are millimetre-identical. Do not nail or screw the back panel until the diagonals match. Distance between nails: approximately every 10 cm to 15 cm.

Step 5: Assembling the Drawers

Assembling the drawers follows a similar principle to the main carcass. Connect the drawer sides to the drawer back panel. Slide the thin drawer base into the groove routed into the side panels. Next, attach the front panel and secure it with cam locks. Finally, screw the narrow drawer member tracks flush to the lower outer edges of the drawer sides. With an 8-drawer chest of drawers, this process is repeated multiple times — assemble these in batches to save time.

Step 6: Levelling and Inserting the Drawers

Place the carcass in its intended location. Use the spirit level to ensure the furniture unit stands completely level. Compensate for uneven flooring by inserting small shims beneath the unit or adjusting the furniture feet. Only once the carcass is plumb and level should you slide the drawers into the runners.

Wall Mounting and Anti-Tip Protection (Mandatory)

Safety comes first when assembling furniture. Especially when a chest of drawers is 100 cm wide or wider, the centre of gravity shifts dangerously forward as soon as multiple loaded drawers are pulled out at once. For models designed as a slim chest of drawers 30 cm deep or 35 cm deep, the footprint is very narrow relative to its height.

Always fit the supplied anti-tip safety bracket. Mark the bracket position on the wall, drill a hole suitable for your wall type (e.g. 8 mm for solid masonry), and insert an appropriate wall plug. Screw the bracket firmly to the wall and then fix it securely to the solid top panel or rear top rail of the furniture piece.

Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting Tips

Even when following instructions closely, minor inaccuracies can occur. Here are typical issues and their solutions:

Uneven gaps between drawer fronts: If the gaps between the drawer fronts look crooked, this is almost always caused by an unlevel carcass. Check again with the spirit level. An uneven floor transfers directly into the geometry of the furniture piece. Level the carcass precisely before attempting to adjust the runner positions.

Drawer does not close flush: If a drawer snags or protrudes slightly on one side, check whether the ball-bearing slide is fully engaged on both sides. Pull the drawer all the way out and push it back in evenly with gentle pressure until an audible click is heard.

Screws spinning freely: In chipboard materials, screws must never be overtightened. If a screw hole has stripped and lost grip, you can fill the hole with a few drops of wood glue and a matchstick. Once dry, the screw can be retightened securely.

FAQ: Assembling the INGRID Range

How long does it take to assemble the chest of drawers? For a standard unit with four to six drawers, a skilled DIYer should allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. For more complex designs, such as a wooden chest of drawers with numerous components, assembly may take up to 3 hours.

Can I build the chest of drawers on my own? Most assembly steps can easily be completed by one person. However, a second person is helpful when uprighting the finished carcass and measuring the diagonals for the back panel, ensuring the framework is not twisted under strain.

How should I care for melamine-coated surfaces after assembly? The decorative finish is very easy to maintain. Simply wipe away dust and light marks with a slightly damp, soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or coarse microfibre cloths, as these can leave micro-scratches over time on dark finishes, such as on a black chest of drawers.

Can the drawers be adjusted later on? Yes. Most drawer runner systems feature slotted screw holes. Loosen the fixing screws on the carcass runner by half a turn, shift the runner 1 mm to 2 mm up or down, and re-tighten the screws securely.

Adapting the INGRID Series to Your Room

The construction hardware and joinery methods remain identical across the entire model family, making room planning straightforward. Once you understand the basic assembly method, additional furniture units can be built quickly. The series includes various widths and finishes to suit different room layouts.

A compact 60 cm wide chest of drawers is ideal for alcoves in hallways or as supplementary storage in a home office. For bright, Scandinavian-inspired interiors, a white chest of drawers is frequently selected, whereas a grey chest of drawers adds a modern, industrial touch to living or sleeping areas. When planning the layout, always allow enough clearance for the drawers to open fully — add at least 30 cm to 40 cm of extension travel to the carcass depth to ensure comfortable everyday access.