Assembling the INGRID Wardrobe — Assembly Instructions
Proper assembly of an INGRID wardrobe requires a flat working area, at least two people, and precise right-angle alignment of the carcass components before securing the back panel.
The INGRID furniture series stands out for its modular and sturdy construction. Whether you are assembling a compact Wardrobe 100 cm Wide for the hallway or a large storage solution for the bedroom, the basic design remains identical. The carcasses are generally made from melamine-coated chipboard or MDF, making them resistant to scratches. Typical dimensions for this series are a height of 180 cm and a depth of 50 cm, offering ample room for clothes hangers without dominating the room. Visually, finishes range from plain white to anthracite, dark brown, and modern concrete-look decors.
This guide leads you systematically through the assembly process.
Required Tools and Preparation
Good preparation cuts assembly time in half. Depending on the size of the unit, expect the build to take around 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Sort your screws and fittings into small bowls beforehand—this saves you searching through a pile of loose hardware later.
Get the following tools ready:
- Cordless screwdriver or manual screwdrivers with bits for PZ (Pozidriv) and PH (Phillips)
- Wooden mallet or rubber mallet
- Folding rule or tape measure
- Spirit level
- Step ladder
- Blanket or cardboard underlay to protect the floor and furniture panels
Before starting, check the supplied parts list to ensure all components and fittings have arrived completely. Sort the panels by number or size.
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
Assembly is carried out flat on the floor. Ensure the room provides enough space: you will need the footprint of the wardrobe plus around one metre of clearance on the sides.
Step 1: Assemble the Plinth and Base Panel
Start with the base. Connect the plinth fascias to the base panel. Wooden dowels and cam lock fittings are typically used here. Gently tap the wooden dowels into the pre-drilled holes using the rubber mallet. Thread the connecting bolts into the corresponding threads in the base panel, position the plinth pieces, and tighten the cam lock housings clockwise using a screwdriver.
Step 2: Attach Side Panels and Internal Partitions
Lay the left and right side panels flat on the floor. If you are assembling a multi-section wardrobe, position the central partition walls accordingly. Secure these vertical panels to the base panel. Make sure that the edged fronts face forward and that the grooves for the back panel (if present) align properly.
Step 3: Fit the Top Panel
Bring the top panel to the upper ends of the side panels and partitions. Here too, cam lock fittings are used. Once the panel is seated, tighten all connections securely. The carcass is now structurally stabilised.
Step 4: Align and Secure the Back Panel
This step is crucial for overall stability and proper door function. Place the back panel (usually a thin HDF board) onto the rear of the prone carcass. Measure both diagonals of the frame (from the top left to the bottom right corner and vice versa). Both measurements must match down to the millimetre. Only then is the carcass perfectly square. Next, nail or screw the back panel into place. Space the nails approximately 100 mm to 150 mm apart.
Step 5: Stand the Wardrobe Upright
Two people are strictly required for this step. Carefully tilt the wardrobe over its long edge onto the plinth. Do not lift it by the corners, as the material could break out. Slide the wardrobe into its final position and use a spirit level to ensure it stands completely straight. For uneven floors, small shims under the plinth will help.
Step 6: Fit the Interior Fittings
Insert the shelf supports into the pre-drilled holes in the side panels. The INGRID series often uses the standardised System 32, allowing you to adjust shelf heights flexibly in 32 mm increments. Mount the wardrobe rail brackets and hang the metal rail. Additional Wardrobe Accessories such as drawer inserts or tie racks are screwed in place at this stage according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 7: Attach Doors or Sliding Systems
Depending on the model, this step varies:
- Hinged doors: Screw the cruciform mounting plates to the carcass interior. Secure the concealed hinges into the round 35 mm cup holes on the doors. Then clip or screw the doors onto the mounting plates.
- Sliding doors: A Wardrobe With Sliding Doors requires the installation of running tracks and guide rails on the base and top panels. The doors are fitted with roller carriages, hung into the top track first, and then clipped into the bottom guide.
Wall Mounting and Anti-Tip Protection
A loaded wardrobe has a high centre of gravity, especially when doors are open. Fitting an anti-tip bracket is an essential safety step. Use the supplied mounting brackets and secure them to the top panel and the wall. Select wall plugs and screws suitable for your specific wall type (such as specialist cavity fixings for plasterboard or nylon plugs for solid masonry).
Tips and Common Pitfalls
- Doors rubbing or not closing properly: This is almost always caused by an uneven base or misaligned hinges. Modern hinges can be adjusted in three dimensions. The front screw on the hinge arm adjusts the side reveal between doors (lateral adjustment). The rear screw regulates the distance between door and carcass (depth adjustment). The mounting plate itself can often be shifted vertically for height adjustment.
- Drawers sticking: If your model features internal drawers, check that the ball bearing runners are mounted perfectly level. A full extension runner requires the exact same distance to the front edge on both sides to operate smoothly.
- Back panel bowing: If the back panel is not seated tightly in the rebate when nailed, it can bow outward later due to moisture or load. Ensure flush edges during fixing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I assemble the INGRID wardrobe alone? No. While fitting the plinth and attaching hardware can be done alone, you need a second person to align the large side panels and especially to stand the assembled carcass upright. With a large Wardrobe 200 cm Wide, this is essential to prevent panel damage or personal injury.
What are the assembled dimensions of the wardrobe? The exact dimensions depend on the configuration chosen. Typical base units measure 180 cm high and 50 cm deep. Widths usually vary between 80 cm, 100 cm, 120 cm, up to large multi-door units several metres wide.
Are the hinges the same for all doors? Pay attention to the door overlay when attaching hinges. A 2-door model uses full overlay hinges (the door covers the carcass edge completely). On wardrobes with three or more doors, two doors often share a central partition. In this case, half overlay hinges must be used, as they feature a pronounced crank.
Can I dismantle the wardrobe when moving house? Yes, furniture systems made of chipboard with cam lock connectors can be disassembled. Remove doors and interior fittings first. Lay the wardrobe flat on the floor before removing the back panel and loosening the cam locks. Glued wooden dowels cannot be removed; leave them in the panels.
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