Natwerk Designs

Should I stain my Ikea piece before or after assembly?

I purchased a kitchen cart from Ikea that is bare wood. I would like to stain it, but I am wondering if I should stain it before assembly or after? My friends tell me before, because it will be easier. Makes sense to me, but I'm terrible at home projects, so I thought I'd see if I can get more input!

Public Comments

1. I would definetely stain before putting it together. that way you can wipe the stain easily. good luck, n
2. do it before
3. You should stain it BEFORE you put it together because it will look better and more finished and secondly, staining it after is much harder to do..having to get in all those corners.
4. after because you can't touch it for a time and if you make it then stain you wont have to deal with finger prints or missing a spot because you dont know how it will be assembuled so build then stain
5. Always stain BEFORE. I have done this type of things for years. If you stain after, you risk missing areas and it is much harder. You will have to flip the cart a lot. This will also require you to stain parts, let dry, rotate, and stain other parts. I would suggest laying the pieces out and stain them prior to assembly.
6. Go back to Ikea and ask someone there. Since it's their furniture, they should be able to give you some pointers.