Furniture Assembly Glossary: Terms, Tools, and Common Brands

At Redhawk Handyman Services, we take the stress out of furniture assembly. Whether you're moving into a new home, setting up office furniture, or just bought new pieces that require assembly, we are here to help! We specialize in assembling furniture quickly, securely, and correctly across the Oklahoma City metro area.

This glossary is designed to help you understand common furniture assembly terms, essential tools, and popular furniture brands that require assembly.

Furniture Assembly Terms & Hardware

A

Allen Wrench (Hex Key) – A small L-shaped tool used to tighten or loosen hexagonal screws or bolts, commonly included in flat-pack furniture.

Anchor – A fastening device used to secure furniture to walls, preventing tipping hazards.

B

Bolt – A threaded fastener used to connect two or more pieces of furniture securely.

Bracket – A support piece used to stabilize furniture components, often found in shelving units.

C

Cam Lock – A round metal fastener that locks furniture panels together, commonly found in flat-pack furniture.

Caster – A small wheel attached to furniture legs for mobility, often used on office chairs and storage units.

D

Dowel – A small cylindrical wooden or metal rod used to align and connect furniture pieces.

Drawer Glide (Slide Track) – A mechanism that allows drawers to open and close smoothly.

H

Hex Bolt – A bolt with a hexagonal head, often requiring an Allen wrench for installation.

Hinge – A joint mechanism that allows doors or lids to swing open and close.

P

Pilot Hole – A small hole drilled before inserting a screw to prevent wood from splitting.

Phillips Screwdriver – A screwdriver with a cross-shaped tip used for Phillips-head screws.

T

Torque Screwdriver – A specialized tool designed to apply precise force when tightening screws.

T-Nut – A metal fastener with prongs that dig into wood, often used in furniture legs.

W

Wall Anchor (Toggle Bolt, Molly Bolt) – A fastener used to secure furniture to drywall or other wall surfaces for added stability.

Washer – A thin metal disc used with screws and bolts to distribute pressure and prevent damage.

Essential Tools for Furniture Assembly

• Cordless Drill – A battery-powered tool used for driving screws and drilling holes, often speeding up assembly.
• Hammer – Used for tapping dowels into place or adjusting joints.
• Level – Ensures furniture pieces are perfectly horizontal or vertical.
• Measuring Tape – Essential for accurate placement and alignment.
• Ratchet Set (Socket Wrench) – Used for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts with adjustable sockets.
• Rubber Mallet – A soft hammer used for gently tapping parts into place without damaging them.
• Screwdrivers (Flathead & Phillips) – Essential for driving screws into furniture.
• Stud Finder – Helps locate wall studs when anchoring furniture for extra stability.
• Wrench (Adjustable & Socket) – Used for tightening or loosening bolts and nuts.

Common Furniture Brands That Require Assembly

• Flat-Pack & DIY Assembly Brands
• IKEA – Known for budget-friendly, modern furniture that requires full assembly.
• Wayfair – Sells a wide range of furniture, often requiring customer assembly.
• Amazon Basics – Affordable, simple furniture with self-assembly needed.
• Target (Threshold, Project 62, Room Essentials) – Many home and office furniture pieces need assembly.
• Walmart (Mainstays, Better Homes & Gardens, MoDRN) – Various home furniture lines with assembly-required items.
• Office & Commercial Furniture Brands
• Herman Miller – Premium office chairs and desks with some assembly required.
• Steelcase – High-end office furniture often requiring assembly or professional setup.
• HON – Office desks, chairs, and cubicle systems that may need assembly.
• Bush Furniture – Office and home furniture with pre-drilled assembly components.
• Bedroom & Living Room Furniture Brands
• Ashley Furniture – Many large furniture pieces (beds, sofas, dressers) require assembly.
• Sauder – DIY furniture with cam locks, dowels, and screws for assembly.
• Zinus – Popular for easy-assembly bed frames and mattresses.
• Modway – Modern furniture brand with mid-century designs requiring assembly.
• Novogratz – Stylish budget-friendly furniture often shipped flat-pack.
• Outdoor & Patio Furniture Brands
• Hampton Bay (Home Depot) – Outdoor patio furniture sets needing assembly.
• Sunjoy – Gazebos, patio furniture, and outdoor décor with assembly required.
• Keter – Resin storage sheds and outdoor furniture needing assembly.
• Children’s Furniture Brands
• Delta Children – Cribs, changing tables, and storage units requiring assembly.
• Graco – Nursery furniture, including cribs and rocking chairs.
• KidKraft – Play kitchens, dollhouses, and kids’ furniture with lots of small assembly parts.

Need Help with Furniture Assembly in Oklahoma City? Struggling with confusing instructions, missing screws, or complicated assembly? Redhawk Handyman Services is here to help! Our expert furniture assembly team in OKC ensures that your furniture is assembled quickly, safely, and securely.

Why Choose Redhawk Handyman Services?

✅ Fast & Reliable Service – We get the job done efficiently.
✅ Affordable Pricing – Clear, upfront rates with no hidden fees.
✅ Experienced Handymen – We know how to handle all types of furniture brands.
✅ We Assemble All Major Brands – From IKEA to Ashley Furniture, we do it all!

📞 Call us today at (405) 215-9229 or get Your FREE Estimate Now!