What is flat-pack furniture? Flat-pack is the term associated with modern furniture. This type of product is normally delivered in pieces, inside a flat package. It can be assembled in the home. Instructions are supplied but some customers complain that they are difficult to follow.

Introduction to Flat-pack Furniture MANUFACTURED BOARDS and COMPOSITE MATERIALS have allowed designers to explore new ways of constructing products for the home. The development of flat-pack products continues and companies such as IKEA©, Next© and Habitat© invest time and money updating and replacing their product ranges.

Advantages to the Manufacturers Fabrication is expensive for the manufacturer. Costs are reduced if the customer assembles the products. Flat-pack products are easier to transport than assembled products. They may be transported in larger quantities in a single journey.

Advantages to the Manufacturers... CAM is used to manufacture most flat-pack furniture. The set up costs may be expensive but it saves the manufacturer money in the long-term. Flat-pack furniture is generally less expensive than permanently jointed timber furniture.

Advantages to the Retailers Flat-pack furniture takes up less space. Examples of a product line may be placed on the shop floor but the rest are stacked. Storage space on the shop floor is expensive to a retailer. The regular shapes of packaging allow more products to be stacked.

Advantages to the Customers Customers can easily take the flat-pack product home themselves and do not have to wait for delivery. Large pieces of furniture may be carried through narrow doors whilst in a flat- pack state.

Advantages to the Customers Customers moving home may easily disassemble and transport their furniture. Customers may choose from a range of surface tops, textures, colours and carcasses. Companies may specialise in manufacturing individual, made to measure, flat- pack bedrooms, home offices and kitchens.