IKEA · Cabinets & Wardrobes

How to assemble IKEA ALEX Storage Unit

Step-by-step IKEA ALEX Storage Unit assembly: 15 illustrated steps, an animated video, the hardware list and the tools you need — following the official instructions (AA-2389076-1).

  • 15 illustrated steps
  • 13 steps in the manual
  • 2:21 video
  • 36×58×70 cm
IKEA ALEX Storage Unit, assembled

What you need

Tools

  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Phillips screwdriver

You’ll need: flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, scissors and a pencil.

Hardware in the box

Part no. (as printed in the manual)Qty
10343018×
11833118×
10134512×
100616144×
1132864×
1003474×
1015144×
1109074×
1023842×

Step-by-step assembly

  1. Step 1: Screw 6 cam bolts (118331) into the two side panels. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 1

    Screw 6 cam bolts (118331) into the two side panels.

    3 in each, along the back edge. Turn them in by hand.

  2. Step 2: Push 12 wooden dowels (101345) into the panel ends. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 2

    Push 12 wooden dowels (101345) into the panel ends.

    4 in each side panel and 4 in the back panel.

  3. Step 3: Stand both side panels up onto the back panel. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 3

    Stand both side panels up onto the back panel.

    The bolts and dowels go into the holes along its edges.

  4. Step 4: Insert 6 cam locks (103430) and turn them clockwise. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 4

    Insert 6 cam locks (103430) and turn them clockwise.

    Use the flat-head screwdriver.

  5. Step 5: Screw 12 cam bolts (118331) into the top and bottom panels. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 5

    Screw 12 cam bolts (118331) into the top and bottom panels.

    6 in each panel.

  6. Step 6: Fit the top and bottom panels onto the ends. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 6

    Fit the top and bottom panels onto the ends.

    Freestanding or under a desk, the top faces a different way — see page 7 of the manual.

  7. Step 7: Insert 12 cam locks (103430) in the sides and turn them clockwise. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 7

    Insert 12 cam locks (103430) in the sides and turn them clockwise.

    This pulls the top and bottom tight against the sides.

  8. Step 8: Press the 4 glides (10061614) into the bottom corners. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 8 · manual step 13

    Press the 4 glides (10061614) into the bottom corners.

    Manual page 9. Mark each spot with a 20 mm paper square and a pencil. Casters or a desk top: pages 10–11.

  9. Step 9: Stand the unit upright. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 9 · manual step 13

    Stand the unit upright.

    Freestanding unit: page 9 of the manual. Then continue with step 8.

  10. Step 10: Screw the 2 mounting plates (109221) inside the right side. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 10 · manual step 8

    Screw the 2 mounting plates (109221) inside the right side.

    2 screws (113286) per plate, near the front edge.

  11. Step 11: Screw the 2 hinges (109338) onto the door. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 11 · manual step 9

    Screw the 2 hinges (109338) onto the door.

    Door face-down. 2 screws (100347) per hinge.

  12. Step 12: Clip the door onto the mounting plates. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 12 · manual step 10

    Clip the door onto the mounting plates.

    Hook each hinge on, press until it clicks, then tighten the screw.

  13. Step 13: Press the 4 bumpers (102384) onto the shelf edges. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 13 · manual step 11

    Press the 4 bumpers (102384) onto the shelf edges.

    70 mm (2 ¾") from the corners — see the manual, step 11.

  14. Step 14: Push 4 shelf pins (101514) into the holes. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 14 · manual step 12

    Push 4 shelf pins (101514) into the holes.

    2 in each side panel, at the same height.

  15. Step 15: Lay the shelf on the pins. — IKEA ALEX assembly

    Step 15 · manual step 12

    Lay the shelf on the pins.

    Then close the door.

Tips & safety

  • Never stack two units on top of each other. ALEX is not designed to carry another unit.
  • Door not straight? Turn the hinge screws to move it up/down, sideways or in/out — see page 14 of the manual.
  • Using ALEX under a desk top? Fix the top on with 4 screws (110907) and the Allen key — see page 11 of the manual.

Official instructions

This guide follows IKEA’s official assembly instructions (AA-2389076-1). Keep the printed manual to hand — if anything differs, the manual is right.

Open the official PDF manual

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