# How to assemble IKEA ALEX drawer unit > ALEX drawer unit, white, 141/8x271/2" **Interactive guide**: [Open the full step-by-step guide on howtoassemble.it](https://howtoassemble.it/step-by-step/ikea/alex-drawer-unit-00473546) to follow along with zoomable instruction images, progress tracking, and assembly checklists. **Video tutorial**: This guide includes a synced video walkthrough. [Open the guide](https://howtoassemble.it/step-by-step/ikea/alex-drawer-unit-00473546) to watch the video side-by-side with each step. ![ALEX drawer unit](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/product.webp) ## ALEX Drawer unit ### Materials needed | Part | Quantity | |------|----------| | Long Ribbed Plastic Pin (110519) | 20 | | Screw (110907) | 4 | | Short Screw (105021) | 10 | | Cam Screw (118331) | 34 | | Wooden Dowel (101345) | 16 | | Cam Lock (119251) | 18 | | Cam Lock (103114) | 16 | | Cover Cap (100614) | 4 | | Hex Key (100001) | 1 | ### Steps > ℹ️ Three stacked preparation/safety panels show required tools, warn against assembling on a hard surface, and advise reading instructions or contacting IKEA if parts are unclear or missing. > ℹ️ Warning panel showing that two drawer units must not be stacked on top of each other, indicated by a large crossed-out illustration. > ℹ️ Support panel with information icon showing approved uses of the drawer unit: used alone, placed under a desk, fitted with casters, and a close-up of a caster. **Step 1:** Insert six screw studs into the marked holes of the two large panels while they lie on a soft surface, with the inset showing the correct seating depth and a do-not-overdrive warning. ![Step 1](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-01.png) **Step 2:** Insert twelve wooden dowels into the edge holes of the center panel and the two large side panels, as shown by the exploded view and detail inset. ![Step 2](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-02.png) **Step 3:** The two side panels are rotated upright around the bottom panel to form the cabinet body. ![Step 3](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-03.png) **Step 4:** Six cam locks 119251 are inserted into the panel holes and then turned with a screwdriver, while the inset warns not to use part 103114. ![Step 4](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-04.png) **Step 5:** Insert twelve cam screws into the predrilled holes of the two large panels, with a zoomed inset showing screw part 118331 being installed. ![Step 5](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-05.png) **Step 6:** The side panel is attached to the cabinet frame with the solid face oriented outward and the illustrated hole pattern aligned correctly. ![Step 6](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-06.png) **Step 7:** The opposite side panel is attached to the cabinet frame while inset diagrams indicate the correct inner and outer face orientation and hole positions. ![Step 7](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-07.png) **Step 8:** Insert 12 cam locks into the cabinet side panels and turn them with a screwdriver to lock them in place. ![Step 8](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-08.png) > ℹ️ Support panel with circled i showing the cap part 10061614, a dashed placeholder box, and instruction to continue at page 23. **Step 9:** Turn the cabinet body and install four 10061614 caps into the indicated holes at the bottom, then rotate the unit as shown. ![Step 9](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-09.png) > ℹ️ Support page shows that the drawer unit uses casters, refers to the ALEX instructions for the caster part, illustrates installing four casters into the cabinet bottom, highlights the mounting-hole corner detail, and then shows tipping the unit upright onto its wheels. > ℹ️ Support panel with circled information icon showing a drawer unit being used together with a tabletop and legs to form a desk, plus a booklet/page-turn icon referencing step 21. **Step 10:** Insert four 118331 screw pins into the four holes of the shaped drawer front panel while the top reference panels indicate the required drawer subassemblies. ![Step 10](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-10.png) **Step 11:** Two side panels are lowered onto the base panel with the preinstalled dowels and rail aligned between them. ![Step 11](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-11.png) **Step 12:** Four cam locks are inserted from the outer sides and turned to secure the two side panels to the base, with a zoom callout showing the locking direction. ![Step 12](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-12.png) **Step 13:** The large back panel is lowered down into the grooves between the two side panels, with an inset showing the panel aligned in the slot. ![Step 13](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-13.png) **Step 14:** The top shelf panel is lowered onto the cabinet frame, with an inset showing the edge fitting into place at the side. ![Step 14](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-14.png) **Step 15:** Hammer two nails into the side panels at the marked holes near the top of the cabinet frame, then turn the drawer upright as indicated. ![Step 15](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-15.png) **Step 16:** Two side panels receive dowel pins at one end, with a zoom callout showing the pin placement and part 101345 used twice. ![Step 16](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-16.png) **Step 17:** Two cam bolts are inserted into the front panel, with a zoom callout identifying part 118331 and showing the insertion orientation twice. ![Step 17](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-17.png) **Step 18:** Two side panels are lowered onto the protruding connectors on the shaped bottom panel to form a U-shaped frame. ![Step 18](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-18.png) **Step 19:** Four cam locks labeled 103114 are inserted and turned to secure the two side panels to the bottom panel, as shown in the enlarged detail. ![Step 19](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-19.png) **Step 20:** Slide the large back panel downward into the side grooves of the frame, aligning it as shown in the inset. ![Step 20](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-20.png) **Step 21:** Lower the narrow top board onto the assembled side frame, with the inset showing the side alignment detail. ![Step 21](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-21.png) **Step 22:** Hammer two 110519 wall plugs into the side panel holes and align them with the top of the frame, then place the drawer into the unit. ![Step 22](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-22.png) > ℹ️ Information panel showing compatible desktop types: LAGKAPTEN, MÅLSKYTT, and ANFALLARE. **Step 23:** Place the tabletop onto the leg trestle and drawer unit, align the marked pilot holes, and fasten it with four screws using the hex key. ![Step 23](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-23.png) > ℹ️ Reference panel showing two drawer-unit variants with the number of drawers to remove before assembly: remove 2 drawers for one variant and 3 drawers for the taller variant. > ℹ️ Support panel showing how to pull a drawer out, press the release catches on both runners, and remove the drawer, with a zoom inset of the runner latch. **Step 24:** Tighten two screws labeled 105027 on the side of the open top drawer runner area using a screwdriver, as shown in the enlarged inset. ![Step 24](https://steps.howtoassemble.it/data/ikea/00473546/alex-drawer-unit-white/images/steps/step-24.png) > ℹ️ Information panel showing to cut or peel a 20 mm by 20 mm square piece, place four adhesive pads on the cabinet side panel positions, and referring to instruction page 10. 📄 [Official PDF instructions](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/assembly_instructions/alex-drawer-unit-white__AA-2242840-5-100.pdf) --- Assembling the IKEA ALEX drawer unit is easy when you follow these instructions step by step. Each step includes a clear image and description so anyone can do it — no experience needed. For the best experience, [open the interactive guide on howtoassemble.it](https://howtoassemble.it/step-by-step/ikea/alex-drawer-unit-00473546) where you can zoom into diagrams, track your progress, and watch the synced video tutorial. Source: [howtoassemble.it](https://howtoassemble.it/step-by-step/ikea/alex-drawer-unit-00473546)