Assembling JOELLE Furniture — Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

August 3, 2026

Assembling the JOELLE wardrobe requires a systematic approach, where the carcass is first secured using cam lock connectors, followed by installing the drawer runners and doors.

The JOELLE wardrobe is a classic storage unit featuring two doors and two lower drawers. With compact dimensions of H 180 cm, W 90 cm, and D 50 cm, it suits bedrooms, youth rooms, or hallways. The wardrobe is made of robust chipboard with an easy-care melamine coating. Whether in simple matt white, high-gloss black, anthracite grey, or natural Wotan oak finish, the basic assembly process remains identical.

This guide walks you through the assembly step by step, explains how to properly adjust the fittings, and provides tips on secure wall mounting.

Tools and Preparation

An organised workspace is the foundation of any project – without it, the process quickly grinds to a halt. Before starting assembly, unpack all parts and lay them out neatly on a soft surface (such as the packaging cardboard or a carpet). This protects the edges from damage.

The following tools are required for assembly:

Cordless drill/driver with torque control
Crosshead bits or screwdrivers (size PZ2 for most fittings)
Rubber mallet (for the wooden dowels)
Tape measure or folding ruler
Spirit level
Pencil

Check the included parts list to ensure all wood screws and furniture screws, wooden parts, and fittings are complete. Separate the different screw types and furniture connectors into small containers beforehand to avoid searching for them during assembly.

Step-by-Step Assembly

Assembly is carried out lying flat on the floor. Only once the carcass is fully assembled and the back panel is nailed in place should the wardrobe be stood upright.

Step 1: Preparing the Side Panels

Begin with the two long side panels. Carefully tap the wooden dowels into the designated edge holes using the rubber mallet. Screw the threaded connecting bolts for the cam lock connectors into the pre-drilled holes (usually 5 mm diameter).

Now fit the carcass runners for the drawers. The JOELLE range typically uses ball bearing runners. Screw the runner tracks into place at the marked positions in the lower section of the side panels. Ensure the rollers or ball bearings face towards the front edge of the carcass.

Step 2: Fitting the Plinth and Furniture Feet

Attach the plinth panels to the bottom base panel. Now fit the feet to the underside of the base. Standard flat glides or simple furniture feet are usually screwed in place. For uneven floors in older properties, replacing these with adjustable furniture feet is recommended. This allows you to level the wardrobe precisely via the screw thread, which is essential for achieving clean door gaps.

Step 3: Assembling the Carcass

Slot the base panel, the fixed middle shelf (above the drawers), and the top panel onto the prepared wooden dowels of the left side panel. Insert the round cam lock housings into the large holes (usually 15 mm) in the shelves. The small arrow on the housing must point towards the connecting bolt. Tighten the fittings with a screwdriver by turning half a turn clockwise.

Next, place the right side panel onto the shelves from above and secure all cam lock connectors here as well.

Step 4: Securing the Back Panel

The back panel stabilises the entire wardrobe and prevents racking. Square up the lying carcass. Measure both diagonals (from corner to corner) using the tape measure. If both measurements are identical down to the millimetre, the carcass is square.

Lay the back panels in place. If the back panel comes in two sections, join them using the supplied plastic H-profile. Nail the back panel along the outer edges at intervals of around 15 cm to 20 cm. Make sure to drive the nails in vertically so they do not break through the chipboard sideways.

Step 5: Standing the Wardrobe Up and Wall Mounting

With two people, carefully tilt the wardrobe upright over its long edge. Move it into its intended position and check with a spirit level that it stands straight.

A wardrobe with a height of 180 cm and a depth of 50 cm must be secured to the wall to prevent it from tipping over when opening the doors. Use the included anti-tip bracket. Mark the drill hole on the wall, insert a suitable wall plug (depending on the wall type: concrete, plasterboard, or brick), and screw the bracket firmly to both the wall and the top panel of the wardrobe.

Step 6: Assembling the Drawers

Assemble the two drawer boxes. These typically also rely on Minifix connectors. Slide the thin drawer base into the groove of the side panels and screw the back piece into position. Attach the matching drawer components of the ball bearing runners to the outside of the drawer sides.

Attach the handles. Whether you use the standard furniture handle or customise the design with an alternative furniture knob is entirely up to you. Slide the drawers horizontally into the carcass until the runners audibly engage.

Step 7: Installing Doors and Hinges

Fit the hinges to the two large wardrobe doors. These are concealed hinges for a full overlay application, as the door sits over the carcass side when closed. Press the hinge cup into the 35 mm drilled hole in the door and screw it down.

Fix the cruciform mounting plate to the pre-drilled holes (System 32) inside the carcass. Align the doors and hinges with the mounting plates and screw them tight (or clip them on if using clip-on hinges).

Tips for Fine Adjustment

Once hung, the doors are often slightly misaligned. The gap can be adjusted precisely using the three screws on the concealed hinge:

Depth adjustment: Loosening the rear screw allows you to move the door closer to or further away from the carcass (adjusting the gap between door and carcass).
Height adjustment: Using the screws on the mounting plate, the door can be shifted up or down by around 2 mm.
Lateral adjustment: The front screw on the hinge arm tilts the door left or right, allowing you to align the vertical gap between the two doors parallel.

If you want silent door closing, you can retrofit furniture door dampers to the hinges or carcass.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to assemble the JOELLE wardrobe? An experienced DIYer will need around 1.5 to 2 hours. If you rarely assemble flat-pack furniture, allow 2.5 to 3 hours to complete the steps calmly.

Can I assemble the wardrobe on my own? Assembling the carcass and drawers is easy to do alone. However, to stand up the 180 cm tall wardrobe and support the large doors during hinge installation, a second person is strongly recommended to prevent damage to the material.

Can lighting be added to the wardrobe? Yes, retrofitting lighting is straightforward. Surface-mounted LED lights or self-adhesive strips can be installed on the top panel. Compatible solutions and cable accessories can be found in furniture lighting fittings. Ensure the cables are routed neatly down the back to the power socket.