PAX is the single most-quoted flat pack job in the UK, and the one with the widest price spread — because “a PAX” can mean one bare frame or a wall-to-wall run with sliding glass doors, drawers, and lighting. Here’s how to think about the cost.
Ranges below are indicative, based on typical quotes. Get a price for your exact configuration — frame count, door type and interior fittings decide everything.
What PAX assembly typically costs
| Configuration | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Single 50–100cm frame, hinged doors, basic interior | £90–£150 |
| Double frame (150–200cm), hinged doors, mixed interior | £140–£250 |
| Double frame with sliding doors | £180–£300 |
| Triple frame / wall run, sliding doors, full interiors | £250–£450+ |
Why the premium over ordinary wardrobes? Three reasons:
- Sliding doors. The rails must be perfectly level and square or the doors won’t glide; fitting and adjusting them is the slowest part of any PAX build.
- Interiors. Each KOMPLEMENT drawer is its own small build; a fully fitted frame can contain more components than the frame itself.
- Wall anchoring. Required by the instructions, and the drilling adds time — more on brick or dot-and-dab plasterboard walls.
How the job usually runs
A professional will unpack and audit the parts first — PAX orders arrive as many separate boxes, and confirming everything is there before starting saves the worst mid-build surprise. Frames are built flat and tilted up (ceiling height permitting), anchored, then doors and interiors go in last. Expect a half day for anything beyond a single frame.
Before assembly day:
- Clear the wall. The wardrobe’s final position must be empty, including skirting-level obstructions; PAX usually sits against the wall over the skirting or scribed around it — discuss which you want.
- Know your wall type. Plasterboard, brick and dot-and-dab all need different fixings.
- Check the boxes in. Count boxes against the delivery note when the order arrives, not on assembly morning.
DIY instead?
PAX is honestly rated among flat pack: the instructions are clear and two patient people with a decent drill can absolutely do a single frame. What catches DIYers out is sliding-door alignment, low-ceiling builds, and wall anchoring in awkward walls. If your configuration involves any of those and you don’t enjoy this kind of work, this is the item where paying a professional buys the most peace of mind — see DIY vs professional assembly for the honest trade-offs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a PAX wardrobe take to assemble?
For a professional, a single 100cm frame with hinged doors and a basic interior is typically 1.5 to 3 hours. A multi-frame run with sliding doors and full interiors is usually a half day, sometimes more. DIY first-timers should roughly double those times.
Do PAX wardrobes have to be fixed to the wall?
IKEA’s instructions require it, and for good reason — a loaded PAX is tall, heavy and genuinely dangerous if it tips. Any professional assembler should anchor it as standard; tell them your wall type (plasterboard, brick, dot-and-dab) when booking so they bring the right fixings.
Can a PAX be assembled lying down in a room with a low ceiling?
A standard 236cm PAX frame needs roughly 240cm of clearance to be tilted upright after being built flat. In rooms with lower ceilings, assemblers build the frame upright piece by piece instead — slower, but routine for anyone experienced with PAX. Mention your ceiling height when you book.
Prices and timings on this page are indicative, based on typical quotes we see across the UK. Your job may cost more or less — the only way to know is to get quotes for your specific items and location. This site earns a fee when we pass enquiries to assembly firms; this never changes what you pay.