Assembling the JOELLE Sideboard — Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

January 20, 2026

Assembling the JOELLE sideboard takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes for one person, thanks to the standardised connecting system using cam lock fittings and wooden dowels. The JOELLE model belongs to the modern chests of drawers and sideboards category and is characterised by a clean, functional construction.

Whether you are assembling a compact version with a 35 cm depth for the bedroom or a wide model with a 110 cm width, often used as a TV sideboard, the fundamental assembly steps remain identical. The components are made from robust chipboard with a scratch-resistant melamine coating. This guide leads you systematically through the assembly process, from sorting the hardware to fine-tuning the doors.

Preparation and Scope of Delivery

A structured start prevents mistakes later on. Assembly is like a mechanical puzzle: sorting the parts beforehand by size saves you from searching later. Open the cardboard boxes flat on the floor and use the cardboard directly as an underlay to prevent scratches to the finish.

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

Wooden parts: side panels, bottom panel, top panel, shelves, back panel (usually a thin HDF board).
Drawer components: sides, fronts, bases.
Door fronts.
Fittings bag: wooden dowels, cam lock fittings (cam pins and cam locks), screws, hinges, drawer runners, furniture feet.

Required Tools

You do not need any specialist tools to assemble budget-friendly sideboards from the JOELLE series. Have the following items ready:

Pozi screwdriver (size PZ2 for most furniture fittings)
Slotted screwdriver (for tightening the cam locks)
Rubber mallet (for gently tapping in the dowels)
Folding rule or tape measure
Spirit level
Cordless screwdriver (optional, strictly set to low torque to prevent stripping the screw holes)

Assembling the JOELLE Sideboard: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pre-assembling Glides and Runners

Before assembling the main carcass, it is easiest to attach the hardware while the side panels are still lying flat. Screw the drawer runners onto the pre-drilled holes on the inside faces. JOELLE typically uses a ball bearing runner for smooth partial extension. Use the short Euro screws (usually 6.3 mm x 13 mm) or the included chipboard screws (3.5 mm x 16 mm). Next, fit the furniture feet or floor glides to the underside of the bottom panel.

2. Assembling the Carcass

Insert the wooden dowels into the end-grain drill holes of the bottom and top panels. A drop of wood glue increases stability, but is not strictly necessary for a purely dry assembly. Screw the pins of the cam lock fittings into the side panels. Now join the bottom panel and the side panels together. Insert the round cam locks into the large drill holes in the bottom panel and turn them clockwise by approximately 180° using a slotted screwdriver until they noticeably tighten. Repeat the process with the top panel.

3. Fitting the Back Panel (Crucial for Stability)

Place the assembled carcass face down on the floor. Before securing the back panel, the carcass must be aligned perfectly square. Measure both diagonals of the carcass (corner to corner) using a tape measure. If both measurements are identical to the millimetre, the cabinet is square. Now position the back panel and secure it with the included nails or small screws. The distance between the nails should be around 15 cm to 20 cm.

4. Assembling the Drawers

Connect the drawer sides to the back piece, which is usually done via simple screw fixings. Slide the drawer base into the designated groove. Next, fit the front panel and secure it using small cam lock fittings. Finally, screw the matching parts of the drawer runners onto the lower outer edges of the drawers.

5. Fitting Doors and Hinges

Concealed hinges are used for the doors. Press the cup hinge into the 35 mm cup hole on the door front and screw it tight. Make sure that it is a full overlay hinge, as the doors on the JOELLE model usually sit flush with the outer edge of the carcass. Screw the cruciform mounting plates onto the inside faces of the carcass. Hang the doors by sliding the hinge arm onto the mounting plate and securing it with the fixing screw (or simply clicking it audibly into place for clip-on hinges).

Wall Mounting and Anti-Tip Protection

Particularly if you have chosen a narrow model with a depth of only 30 cm or 35 cm, wall fixing is essential. Opening several loaded drawers at the same time shifts the centre of gravity forwards, and the piece of furniture can tip over. Use the included anti-tip bracket. Secure one end to the top panel or upper back panel of the sideboard. For securing it to the wall, choose wall plugs and screws suitable for your specific wall type (masonry, concrete, or plasterboard).

Avoiding Common Assembly Mistakes

Incorrect hinge overlay type: If the series offers different door configurations, do not confuse the hinges for full overlay (doors sit on the outer edge) with those for half overlay (two doors share a central dividing wall).
Overtightened screws: Chipboard does not tolerate overtightening. If a screw strips its thread, it loses its hold. Use a cordless screwdriver only for the initial driving and tighten the final few millimetres by hand.
Uneven door gaps: If the doors rub, this is usually not due to an uneven floor, but rather a lack of adjustment. Every cup hinge features adjustment screws for depth, height, and side overlay. Turn the front screw on the hinge arm to tilt the door left or right until the gap is uniform all around (approx. 2 mm to 3 mm).

Frequently Asked Questions About Assembly (FAQ)

How long does it take to assemble the JOELLE sideboard? An experienced person takes around 90 minutes. If you are assembling furniture for the first time, allow 2 to 2.5 hours. A second pair of hands is particularly helpful when standing the carcass upright and hanging the doors.

The drawer sticks when pushing it in. Why is this? Check whether the runners were fitted perfectly level. With a ball bearing runner, the ball cage must be pulled all the way forward before sliding the drawer in. Do not use brute force, as this can bend the runners.

Is JOELLE available in other finishes? The series comes in various decors. While wood-effect finishes are particularly resilient, models such as a matt black sideboard require a little more care during assembly regarding fingerprints and scratches. High-gloss sideboards also often feature a protective film on the fronts: only peel this off at the very end once the unit is fully assembled and in position.