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IKEA Just Fixed The Biggest Problem With IKEA Furniture

IKEA’s furniture has a reputation for being stylish and practical, but also immensely difficult to assemble. After several years of brainstorming and creating, they may have finally solved the problem, and now they’re introducing furniture that’s stronger and simpler than ever before.

Their breakthrough was the innovation of the wedge dowel, a curved block that slides and locks into an opposite slot, allowing pieces of furniture to be ‘snapped’ together without any screws or tools. Manufacturers save on money and resources, while customers save on headaches. IKEA put the wedge dowel on trial in 2014 with their Stockholm cabinet set, and its positive reception led them to develop it further.

The Lisabo table, seen below, is the latest marvel of wedge dowel technology. It’s built to last, and can be taken apart, moved, and reassembled easily.

More info: IKEA (h/t)

IKEA is producing new furniture that uses the wedge dowel, a unique innovation that makes assembly a breeze

ikea-furniture-snaps-without-tools-2

The ribbed dowel simply slides and locks into a slot, allowing furniture to be ‘snapped’ together

ikea-furniture-snaps-without-tools-9

The Lisabo table, a classy birch number, is the latest IKEA marvel of wedge dowel technology

ikea-furniture-snaps-without-tools-3

Its assembly requires absolutely zero screws and tools, which saves money and resources for manufacturers

ikea-furniture-snaps-without-tools-8

It also saves a lot of hassle for IKEA customers, who have long decried the difficult assembly of IKEA products

ikea-furniture-snaps-without-tools-6

IKEA first put the wedge dowel on trial in 2014 with their Stockholm cabinet set, and the response was highly positive

ikea-furniture-snaps-without-tools-1

The Lisabo table ‘snaps’ together in minutes, a record compared to the hours some IKEA pieces require

ikea-furniture-snaps-without-tools-9

It also comes apart just as easily, so it can be moved and set up again without issue

ikea-furniture-snaps-without-tools-5

Sturdy, economical, and simple, wedge dowel technology will adapt furniture to modern, fast-paced lifestyles

ikea-furniture-snaps-without-tools-4

Small metal plates can be screwed in for optional extra security, but the table stands strong without them

ikea-furniture-snaps-without-tools-10

Watch the exciting development of the wedge dowel project here:

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What do you think ?

POST

Vanessa 7 years ago

"who have long decried the difficult assembly of IKEA products" People having trouble following simple instructions won't be able to assemble those too

74points

Hans 7 years ago

One the other hand: if you can assemble lego, you essentially have the skills to assemble Ikea furniture...

22points

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Master Markus 7 years ago

I came down to say just that! IKEA furniture is far from challenging to assemble.

8points

Ginger Malone 7 years ago

Not everyone is capable of handling small pieces, using a screwdriver, etc. This is be easier to assemble for people with certain disabilities.

3points

RespectThePaiva 7 years ago

It's true that assembling IKEA furniture is relatively easy, but this system seems way simpler.

0points

Pennyworth 7 years ago

It's not necessarily understanding it - but some things are just a pain in the a*s to put together and it becomes quite a workout too.

0points

John L 7 years ago

That's why so many of us, who are mechanically inclined, are able to pursue a good profession. :)

-1point

Kumulus 7 years ago

You have to be kidding! Assembling IKEA furniture is like LEGO for adults: easy and fun. I saw alternatives that were far more difficult.

39points

Amanda Panda 7 years ago

I question the durability of such easy assembly. I'd prefer the nuts, bolts, and screws

15points

Anamaria Miehs 7 years ago

From what I remember, in japanese carpentry, wooden joint systems are used in order to provide longer lasting furniture. Metallic screws are too hard for wood and will eat into it in time.

23points

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Toon Broothaerts 7 years ago

Good point, product designer here. These wooden joint systems are not meant to be taken apart. I've got a bed with a similar system and it started to wear after de -and reassembling three times. So, if you want to keep it whole, this is a convenient and ecological solution. If you want to reassemble, use the original nut-bold connectors.

5points

M O'Connell 7 years ago

In traditional Japanese jointery, geometrically complex joints with large contact surface area and small locking pins are extremely strong and long-lasting. Some interesting GIFs can be found here: http://imgur.com/gallery/6kLIN

2points

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POST

Vanessa 7 years ago

"who have long decried the difficult assembly of IKEA products" People having trouble following simple instructions won't be able to assemble those too

74points

Hans 7 years ago

One the other hand: if you can assemble lego, you essentially have the skills to assemble Ikea furniture...

22points

Load More Replies...

Master Markus 7 years ago

I came down to say just that! IKEA furniture is far from challenging to assemble.

8points

Ginger Malone 7 years ago

Not everyone is capable of handling small pieces, using a screwdriver, etc. This is be easier to assemble for people with certain disabilities.

3points

RespectThePaiva 7 years ago

It's true that assembling IKEA furniture is relatively easy, but this system seems way simpler.

0points

Pennyworth 7 years ago

It's not necessarily understanding it - but some things are just a pain in the a*s to put together and it becomes quite a workout too.

0points

John L 7 years ago

That's why so many of us, who are mechanically inclined, are able to pursue a good profession. :)

-1point

Kumulus 7 years ago

You have to be kidding! Assembling IKEA furniture is like LEGO for adults: easy and fun. I saw alternatives that were far more difficult.

39points

Amanda Panda 7 years ago

I question the durability of such easy assembly. I'd prefer the nuts, bolts, and screws

15points

Anamaria Miehs 7 years ago

From what I remember, in japanese carpentry, wooden joint systems are used in order to provide longer lasting furniture. Metallic screws are too hard for wood and will eat into it in time.

23points

Load More Replies...

Toon Broothaerts 7 years ago

5points

M O'Connell 7 years ago

2points

Load More Comments

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IKEA Just Fixed The Biggest Problem With IKEA Furniture

IKEA is producing new furniture that uses the wedge dowel, a unique innovation that makes assembly a breeze

The ribbed dowel simply slides and locks into a slot, allowing furniture to be ‘snapped’ together

The Lisabo table, a classy birch number, is the latest IKEA marvel of wedge dowel technology

Its assembly requires absolutely zero screws and tools, which saves money and resources for manufacturers

It also saves a lot of hassle for IKEA customers, who have long decried the difficult assembly of IKEA products

IKEA first put the wedge dowel on trial in 2014 with their Stockholm cabinet set, and the response was highly positive

The Lisabo table ‘snaps’ together in minutes, a record compared to the hours some IKEA pieces require

It also comes apart just as easily, so it can be moved and set up again without issue

Sturdy, economical, and simple, wedge dowel technology will adapt furniture to modern, fast-paced lifestyles

Small metal plates can be screwed in for optional extra security, but the table stands strong without them

Watch the exciting development of the wedge dowel project here:

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