IKEA · Tables & Desks
How to assemble IKEA ALEX Desk
Step-by-step IKEA ALEX Desk assembly: 26 illustrated steps, an animated video, the hardware list and the tools you need — following the official instructions (AA-2241985-3).
- 26 illustrated steps
- 28 steps in the manual
- 3:27 video
- 132×58×76 cm
What you need
Tools
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Hammer
- Allen key (included)
Hardware in the box
| Part no. (as printed in the manual) | Qty |
|---|---|
| 100218 | 8× |
| 118331 | 4× |
| 100481 | 6× |
| 101345 | 26× |
| 119251 | 6× |
| 103114 | 4× |
| 110519 | 8× |
| 110853 | 8× |
| 109534 | 4× |
| 105021 | 4× |
Step-by-step assembly
Step 1
Lay a drawer front face-down and screw in 2 cam bolts (118331).
You build 2 drawers. Use 118331 here — not 100481.
Step 2
Push a dowel (101345) into each side and fit the sides onto the front.
Step 3
Insert 2 cam locks (103114) and turn them to lock.
Use 103114 here — not 119251.
Step 4
Slide the drawer bottom down into the grooves.
Push it all the way down to the front.
Step 5
Fit the back and hammer in 4 screw-dowels (110519).
2 through each side, into the back.
Step 6 · manual step 1–5
Build the second drawer the same way.
Step 7 · manual step 6
Lay the desktop face-down and screw in 6 cam bolts (100481).
Work on a rug or the carton to protect the surface.
Step 8 · manual step 7–8
Screw a runner onto each face of the divider.
2 screws (110853) per runner — check which way round in step 7.
Step 9 · manual step 9–10
Stand the divider on 2 dowels and lock it with 2 cam locks (119251).
Step 10 · manual step 11
Screw a runner onto each side panel — 2 screws (110853) each.
Step 11 · manual step 12
Screw the 2 hinge plates (124639) onto the back rail.
See the inset in step 12 for which edge of the rail they go on.
Step 12 · manual step 13
Join both side panels to the back rail with 4 dowels (101345).
Step 13 · manual step 14
Push 4 dowels into the desktop and lower the frame onto it.
The cam bolts go into the holes in the side panels.
Step 14 · manual step 15
Insert 4 cam locks (119251) in the sides and turn them clockwise.
Step 15 · manual step 16
Push 8 dowels (101345) into the edges.
2 in each side, 2 in the back rail and 2 in the divider.
Step 16 · manual step 17
Lay the bottom panel on and fix it with 1 bolt (100218).
Tighten it with the Allen key (100001).
Step 17 · manual step 18–19
Press both leg frames down into the bottom frame.
Push down, then slide to lock — see the arrows in step 19.
Step 18 · manual step 20
Fit the top rail between the back legs.
Check which way its open side faces — see the inset in step 20.
Step 19 · manual step 21
Turn the leg frame upside down onto the box.
Step 20 · manual step 22
Fix the frame with 7 bolts (100218) and the Allen key.
Step 21 · manual step 23
Turn the desk upright and press in the 2 cable grommets.
It’s big — get a second person to help.
Step 22 · manual step 24–25
Push 4 dowels into the 2 back panels and lower them in.
They drop in behind the drawer openings — see the inset in step 25.
Step 23 · manual step 26
Screw the 2 hinges (122166) onto the lid — 2 screws (109534) each.
Step 24 · manual step 27
Hook the lid onto the hinge plates and press until it clicks.
Adjust the hinges if needed — see page 19 of the manual.
Step 25 · manual step 28
Pull out the runners and push the drawers onto them.
Step 26 · manual step 28
Pull each drawer out and fix it to the runners with 2 screws (105021).
Use the Phillips screwdriver, then push the drawers back in.
Tips & safety
- Lid not sitting straight? Adjust the two hinges with the key — sideways, up/down and in/out (manual p. 19).
Official instructions
This guide follows IKEA’s official assembly instructions (AA-2241985-3). Keep the printed manual to hand — if anything differs, the manual is right.
