IKEA · Bookcases & Shelving

How to assemble IKEA IVAR Side Unit

Step-by-step IKEA IVAR Side Unit assembly: 9 illustrated steps, an animated video, the hardware list and the tools you need — following the official instructions (AA-2204612-8).

  • 9 illustrated steps
  • 8 steps in the manual
  • 1:41 video
  • 3.3×30×226 cm
IKEA IVAR Side Unit, assembled

What you need

Tools

  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Spirit level

Hardware in the box

Part no. (as printed in the manual)Qty
1004937010×
1008232×
1090491×
1079671×

Step-by-step assembly

  1. Step 1: Fit the 5 crossbars into the slots of one post. — IKEA IVAR assembly

    Step 1

    Fit the 5 crossbars into the slots of one post.

    Post on the rug, slots up. Tap each crossbar in — hammer on the wooden block.

  2. Step 2: Lay it flat and hammer a dowel (10049370) into each crossbar. — IKEA IVAR assembly

    Step 2

    Lay it flat and hammer a dowel (10049370) into each crossbar.

    Drive them in flush with the wooden block — don’t hit the post with the hammer.

  3. Step 3: Stand it on edge again and fit the second post on top. — IKEA IVAR assembly

    Step 3

    Stand it on edge again and fit the second post on top.

    Tap it down over every crossbar — hammer on the wooden block.

  4. Step 4: Turn the ladder over. — IKEA IVAR assembly

    Step 4 · manual step 3

    Turn the ladder over.

  5. Step 5: Hammer a dowel into each crossbar on the second post. — IKEA IVAR assembly

    Step 5 · manual step 4

    Hammer a dowel into each crossbar on the second post.

    10 dowels in total. Again finish them flush with the wooden block.

  6. Step 6: Stand the side unit upright. — IKEA IVAR assembly

    Step 6

    Stand the side unit upright.

  7. Step 7: Fix the strap (107967) to the wall with a washer (100823). — IKEA IVAR assembly

    Step 7

    Fix the strap (107967) to the wall with a washer (100823).

    Wall screws and plugs are not included — use ones suited to your wall.

  8. Step 8: Screw the strap to the top of the post: washer (100823) + screw (109049). — IKEA IVAR assembly

    Step 8

    Screw the strap to the top of the post: washer (100823) + screw (109049).

    Use the Phillips screwdriver.

  9. Step 9: Your IVAR side unit is ready. — IKEA IVAR assembly

    Step 9

    Your IVAR side unit is ready.

    Add IVAR shelves (sold separately) between two side units.

Tips & safety

  • Always fix IVAR to the wall. Tip-over can cause serious or fatal crushing injuries. Screws and plugs for the wall are not included — ask a specialist if unsure.
  • Adding shelves? IVAR shelves click onto 4 pins (101324) — two people make it easier. Shelves and OBSERVATÖR braces are sold separately; see the manual, steps 5–6.

Official instructions

This guide follows IKEA’s official assembly instructions (AA-2204612-8). Keep the printed manual to hand — if anything differs, the manual is right.

Open the official PDF manual

More guides: Bookcases & Shelving