The following article applies to units with "nailed on" back panels. This does not apply to "slide in" back panels.
The back panel, though small, plays a crucial role in the stability and functionality of your furniture. When properly assembled, it ensures that doors align, drawers stay on track, shelves are level, and the entire structure is symmetrical and straight. This significantly enhances the functionality and longevity of your unit.
Steps for Proper Assembly:
- Know Your Terminology:
- Chassis: The top, sides, and bottom panels of the unit.
- Squaring: Ensuring each corner measures 90 degrees.
- Back Panel: A 2mm sheet of high-density cardboard (HDC) which keeps the chassis square.
2. Square the Chassis:
- Carefully lay the chassis face down on the floor with the help of another person.
- Measure diagonally from corner to corner and compare. If the measurement is off by as little as 1/16th of an inch, it is not square. If your tape measure only divides an inch into 8 segments, it’s half of one of those.
- If the measurements do not match, give the corner of the longer measurement a gentle nudge and reevaluate. It is not uncommon to adjust and remeasure several times before getting this right.
3. Place the Back Panel:
- Diagonal measurements should be equal at this point.
- Flush the edge against the bottom of the unit and evenly space the back panel between the chassis' sides.
- Ensure the backing does not extend beyond the top of your furniture.
4. Secure the Back Panel:
- Nail the back panel at the center of each side to keep it in place while allowing for adjustments if needed.
- Double check the measurements to ensure the chassis has not moved.
- Nail the corners and remeasure - secure the first nail, then the opposite corner, and repeat for remaining corners.
5. Final Securing:
- Install all remaining nails to fully secure the back panel.
- Confirm that your unit is square, and proceed with the next steps in the assembly manual.
Photo Gallery
Misaligned Back Panel: Noticeably attached at an angle.
Uncooperative Drawers: Resulting from improper back panel installation.
Tall Furniture: The taller the item, the more profound this mis-assembly can be. This can cause excessive and uneven gapping, misaligned door corners, and visible back panels.
It is frustrating to complete a project and face these results, but even at the finish line, it isn’t too late to correct. By carefully removing drawers and laying the unit face down on a soft surface, the back panel can be removed, corrected, and reattached.
For more information, check out our back panel videos or see other troubleshooting tricks.