With IKEA opening its doors in Auckland, homes nationwide are about to make room for flat pack furniture. Known for their modest price tags, typically straightforward designs and the occasional headache, flat packs remain popular among DIY-loving New Zealanders looking to refresh their space without burning their wallets. Some pieces offer the same visual effect as high-end furniture for a fraction of the cost.

Zach Lilburne – also known as Flat Pack Zach – specialises in the assembly and installation of flat pack furniture and kitset structures. The qualified builder turns unopened boxes into the inviting space homeowners imagined many months prior. 

The three biggest struggles his customers face are being too busy to assemble furniture themselves, finding the physical work too much, or feeling haunted by past nightmarish assembly attempts.

“My customers love to be able to buy back their time,” Zach says. “They can do what they actually enjoy doing on their weekends, rather than being bogged down with a flat pack task that will stress them and their relationships out. They can also trust that it will all be assembled correctly and safely.”

Zach also helps many customers move into a new home. “I can make what is usually a very stressful and time-consuming process just that bit easier when they don’t have to add assembling furniture to their to-do list on move-in day.”

Zach says the first key to flat pack success is measuring twice before buying once. “Check the size matches the space and your expectations. You could even cut the measurements onto an old piece of cardboard and test it in your space. I have had a few customers disappointed with their online flat pack purchase because they thought the item would be bigger. Do your due diligence!”

He also recommends quality brands such as Mocka, IKEA and Proferlo. “They might not always be the cheapest, but from my experience, these brands have the best construction methods and materials that will last longer.”

Speaking of being built to last, assembling furniture is an infamous team-building exercise. Furnishing your home reflects the life you share as a couple, but sometimes it exposes how well you communicate under pressure. 

Zach says he’s fortunate to report no breakup stories. “I have had countless customers tell me that either past flat pack assemblies or current jobs left half done almost pushed their relationships to the edge.”

His advice for those attempting flat packs with their significant other is to do so in a clear, open space and when you aren’t rushed. “A crowded room and time pressure can make the experience feel more overwhelming than it should be. Also, practice a great deal of patience and forgiveness!”

Flat pack furniture may be designed to slot together quickly, but no beautiful home is curated overnight. Whether you assemble it yourself or call in a pro, flat packs can transform any space into somewhere functional, comfortable and uniquely yours. The next time you are sobbing among the skeleton of a half-assembled side table, check out www.flatpackzach.nz.