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Show HN: IKEA Complexity Index
31–40 of 94 posts
Re: Show HN: IKEA Complexity Index
#32Love this.
Whoever made this, please make a "proportion" column somehow!
I would like to know which has the most complexity per total volume or weight (it's less surprising that huge items have high complexity).
Re: Show HN: IKEA Complexity Index
#33Earlier quoted context omitted.
> and if you're using an assembly driver or not Not a good idea on modern Ikea furniture that's basically engineered wood and cardboard. Way too easy to strip out the threads.
>assembly driver >Way too easy to strip out the threads. An "assembly driver" or "installation driver" is meant to describe low-torque powered screwdrivers. They don't strip threads especially when used on the lowest torque settings that can barely turn a screw before the clutch-release mechanism clicks. On the other hand, the high-torque powered screwdrivers that can turn drywall and deck screws and the impact drive…
> hammering in the metal dowel pins (that interlock with the rotating cams)
Are there many hammer-in versions around then? I've assembled a fair amount of IKEA bookcases, wardrobes, kitchen cupboards etc (in the UK), and those cam dowel pins have always been screw-in.
Re: Show HN: IKEA Complexity Index
#34MCP where? /s
Re: Show HN: IKEA Complexity Index
#35I don't believe this. The sundvik series feels way more complex than brimnes but wardrobes have the same complexity score.
Feel free to give me some real assembly time values - happy to adjust my very simple formula of steps x number of parts x fudge factor :)
Just for reference IKEA tend NOT to include wall fasteners (or anything alike, e.g. nylon inserts) that alone is a way more involved process (incl. leveling that I mentioned in a top post) than connecting a mdf-board plate (parts) with dowel pins (many parts) and metal screw(s) (even more parts).
Hinges need more time in general as well.
Re: Show HN: IKEA Complexity Index
#36Fun data sheet! I was curious about most steps per part and it seems to be TROTTEN[1] at 1.07 steps per part (excluding some other products like a toilet brush with 1 part but the steps are actually for a separate add-on to attach it to the wall).
[1]: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/trotten-cabinet-with-doors-whit...
Re: Show HN: IKEA Complexity Index
#37Cool! I had codex have a go at calculating "effective price" on a few items, that prices in the assembly labor, and then also calculates the delta between price and effective price. Obviously very depended on how you value your time, but here are some items at $30/hour:
BRIMNES storage bed + headboard, Queen $549 + 320 min labor = $709 (delta: +$160 / +29%)
HEMNES 8-drawer dresser $380 + 236 min labor = $498 (delta: +$118 / +31%)
STORKLINTA 6-drawer dresser $250 + 224 min labor = $362 (delta: +$112 / +45%)
SLÄKT storage bed, Twin $450 + 212 min labor = $556 (delta: +$106 / +24%)
BRIMNES 3-door wardrobe $250 + 189 min labor = $344.50 (delta: +$94.50 / +38%)
ALEX drawer unit: $95 + 96 min labor = $143 (delta: +$48 / +51%)
BRIMNES cabinet with doors: $99 + 75 min labor = $136.50 (delta: +$37.50 / +38%)
KALLAX 2x4 shelf unit: $65 + 39 min labor = $84.50 (delta: +$19.50 / +30%)
Formula: effective price = sticker price + (estimated assembly minutes / 60 * hourly value of time).
I was surprised by how similar the % diff is across the board.
Re: Show HN: IKEA Complexity Index
#38I once bought a paper basket that was made out of two pieces and I managed to assemble it the wrong way. I guess I should multiply those estimates by pi.
Re: Show HN: IKEA Complexity Index
#39I believe this table needs a column for the disassembly process as well. I bought and assembled a TUFFING Bunk Bed years ago, and even though the complexity of assembly is reported as 4644 on this web site (which is also suspiciously low), as far as I can tell the only way to disassemble it is to use an angle grinder.
Tuffing is “tough guy”, somewhat appropriate
Re: Show HN: IKEA Complexity Index
#40This is a fantastic way to quantify just how bad a consumer experience this is. Flat pack furniture tends to be very awful compared to alternatives that are also often cheaper and without assembly requirements.
Everything that has come in box from a store like IKEA (or assembled in the back from a box and presented as non-flat-pack) has lasted me less than a decade. I've got a bedroom set that was built out of proper materials and it's almost a century old.
The thing that pushes consumers toward ikea is the consistency and convenience. Most things you can load and cart home by yourself same day. Moving around furniture built by the Amish is a serious logistical challenge by comparison. Maybe you could solo it with a hand truck and some experience, but it's genuinely dangerous to move some things without help. If you aren't moving frequently, the appeal of disposable furniture begins to fade quickly.