How to Assemble IKEA MALM 6-Drawer Chest: The Ultimate Guide & Mistakes to Avoid
The IKEA MALM 6-drawer chest is one of the most popular storage solutions worldwide. Its sleek design fits any room, but the assembly process is notorious for being time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. If you've just bought these heavy boxes and are feeling overwhelmed, don't worry.
In this detailed guide, I will walk you through the assembly process step-by-step, share the common mistakes that ruin the drawers, and recommend the tools that will save your hands from blisters.
Watch my full video tutorial above for visual details.
🛠️ STOP! Don't Start Without These Tools
IKEA includes small manual tools, but for a big project like the MALM chest (which has over 50 screws!), using them will take hours and hurt your wrists. Here is what I use to finish the job in under 60 minutes:
Compact, powerful, and fits into tight IKEA corners.
See Best Price on Amazon ➔To fit the wooden dowels and joints without chipping the white paint.
See Best Price on Amazon ➔🏗️ Before You Start: 3 Pro Tips
Never assemble the furniture directly on a hard floor. It will scratch the wood. Use the cardboard from the packaging as a protective mat.
Tip #2: Sort Your Hardware. Open the screw bags and separate them into bowls or piles. The MALM chest comes with similar-looking screws ("pointy" vs "flat"). Mixing them up is the main reason for damaged panels.
Tip #3: Identify the Rails. You will see two types of metal rails. The ones for the cabinet (body) have wheels at the front. The ones for the drawers have wheels at the back.
🚀 Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
1 Building the Outer Frame
Start by attaching the metal rails to the side panels. This is the most critical step. If you screw them into the wrong holes, the drawers won't close flush. Follow the diagram in the manual (or my video at 03:45) precisely.
2 The "Cam Lock" Secret
You will use many metal circular locks (Cam Locks). When tightening them, turn until you feel resistance (usually 180 degrees). Do not overtighten! If you force them, you might crack the particleboard.
3 Assembling the 6 Drawers
This part is repetitive. Build one drawer first to ensure you have the technique right, then do the rest. Ensure the bottom panel slides fully into the groove before nailing or screwing the back.
⚠️ Troubleshooting: Common Problems
- Problem: The drawers are crooked or hitting each other.
Solution: This usually happens if the frame isn't square. Loosen the back panel nails slightly, adjust the frame, and retighten. Also, check if you swapped the drawers (sometimes moving the top drawer to the bottom fixes the alignment). - Problem: There is a gap between the drawers.
Solution: Check the internal rails. Ensure the screws are flush and not sticking out, as they might be pushing the drawer up.
The MALM chest is tall and heavy. IKEA provides safety brackets for a reason. You MUST anchor this unit to the wall to prevent it from tipping over, especially if you have children or pets climbing on open drawers.
📏 Dimensions & Specifications
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 160 cm (63 ") |
| Depth | 48 cm (19 ") |
| Height | 78 cm (30 3/4 ") |
| Drawer Depth (Inside) | 43 cm (16 7/8 ") |
📦 Packaging Details
The product is heavy and comes in 3 packages. If you are transporting it yourself, make sure your car can fit the longest box (169 cm).
- Package 1: Frame parts (36.8 kg)
- Package 2: Side panels (18.5 kg)
- Package 3: Drawer fronts and sides (18.5 kg)
