Harveys are part of the same group as Bensons for Beds, hence the fact that many stores contain both companies.
The Harveys range of flat pack furniture is mainly wardrobes and the following items are most the common:-
- Sliderobes - Sliding Wardrobes
- Lima - Hinged Doors
Both products are supplied by German manufacturer Rauch and provide excellent value for money in the form of good storage for the price, and they look superb.
The wardrobes are large and require someone fit and strong to assemble and are easier if you are tall, though step ladders can be used and/or the challenge may be tackled by two people.
The assembly process, is modular and one of the few ranges, where they are assembled standing up. Once you have a rhythm they are fairly easy. However the most complex aspects are:
- getting the backs to clip into the grooves easily, as the hardboard backs are flexible and seem to "want" to warp.
- Hanging the doors on the sliderobes, they are heavy (often with full length mirrors) and require a good deal of skill, plus they must be finished off correctly otherwise there is a possibility the doors may come off.
If you require any tips regarding assembly or hanging the doors please do not hesitate to get in touch. An experienced assembler can build any of the range in 1 1/2 - 2 hours on his own, however a first timer could take 3-4 hours with assistance.
Instructions & Assembly
The instructions supplied are more of a schematic (see below) and so I have written a step by step guide which you can download from here. This is for the sliderobe, but the method for the Lima is almost identical:-
Sliderobe Assembly Guide
Rauch Instructions
NB: Even if you do not download my assembly guide, please note, unless you are assembling on a smooth surface (i.e. laminate floor) YOU CANNOT MOVE THEM AFTER ASSEMBLY without risking damage to them.
Storage
Unfortunately I have noticed that from time to time some of the side panels and doors are slightly warped. This is not fatal! It is not clear to me whether this happens in the warehouse, in transit or whether it happens in people's homes. However they seem to me, more likely to warp if the boxes are stored stood up (portrait) rather than lying on their side (landscape).
Please consider this if you are storing them for a while prior to assembly. Generally it does not prevent assembly, but can make the process more difficult and if a sliding door is warped, you need to hang it appropriately so it doesn't catch/scrape on the other.
Website:
www.harveysfurniture.co.uk
Assembly Time Guide
Flat Pack Blog
Sunday, February 6th, 2011
Whether it is a bunk bed or loft bed, it is important to heed the warnings on the instructions. If you do not attach the slats properly to the upper bunk your child can suffer serious injury. The following two things have been identified:-
- The slats must all be fastened down on the top or raised bunk. On a normal bed the slats are often strung together and fastened down at six anchor point. If the slats fall through the bed you only have 12 inches to fall so no issue. If you are on the top bunk, such a fall could cause a serious injury, especially considering the way the slats might move and trap an unlucky child.
- Slat must be placed right up to the head and foot boards on the upper bunk. Again an unlucky child could slip and get trapped in a seriously uncomfortable or fatal position.
The chances of these two things happening are increased during play and therefore it is imperative that bunk beds and loft beds are assembled correctly.
