IKEA PAX Wardrobe Assembly in NYC

The IKEA PAX is the most popular wardrobe system in New York City — and one of the most challenging to assemble. The panels are large, heavy, and awkward in small apartments. If you've ever tried to maneuver a 93-inch tall wardrobe panel through a Manhattan hallway, you know what we mean.

Here's everything you need to know before you start — or before you call us.

PAX Sizes and What to Expect

PAX comes in three widths: 19.75", 23.5", and 39.25". Heights are either 79" or 93". The more units you combine, the more complex the assembly.

• Single 2-door PAX: 1.5–2 hours DIY, 45–60 min professional
• Double (4-door) PAX: 3–4 hours DIY, 90 min professional
• Triple or custom configuration: 5+ hours DIY, 2–3 hours professional

What Makes PAX Harder in NYC

Getting it upstairs

PAX boxes are 79–93 inches long. In walk-up buildings, getting them to upper floors requires tilting at angles and often removing boxes to carry panels separately. Budget 30–45 extra minutes if you're above the 2nd floor with no elevator.

Small bedrooms

Assembling a tall wardrobe requires laying the unit face-down on the floor to attach shelves and fittings — before standing it up. In small NYC bedrooms, there often isn't enough floor space. We sometimes partially assemble in hallways or living rooms and then move it in.

Leveling on uneven floors

NYC apartments, especially in older buildings, often have uneven floors. The PAX system includes adjustable feet — use them. A wardrobe that isn't level will have doors that don't close properly and shelves that tilt.

Step-by-Step PAX Assembly (Overview)

1. Unbox and sort all panels, shelves, and hardware
2. Assemble each wardrobe unit separately (bottom, sides, top)
3. Install internal fittings (shelves, rails, drawers) before standing up
4. Stand up the unit — requires 2 people for safety
5. Connect multiple units if applicable
6. Attach the top rail and cornice
7. Hang doors and adjust hinges
8. Level using the adjustable feet

The Door Adjustment Step Most People Skip

PAX doors are adjustable in three directions. Most people skip this step and end up with doors that don't align or gaps between doors. Take 15 minutes to properly adjust all hinges — the result is a wardrobe that looks custom-built.

When to Hire a Professional for PAX

PAX is one of the assemblies we most recommend hiring out, especially for:

• Configurations of 3+ units
• Walk-up buildings (3rd floor and above)
• Small bedrooms where maneuvering is difficult
• When you also need the interior fittings (drawers, pull-out rails) installed

We've assembled PAX wardrobes in some of the smallest NYC apartments imaginable. It's a solvable problem — it just takes experience and the right approach.