If you need furniture, such as bookshelves or desks, don't go to a furniture store. Head to a local hardware store instead. You might not realize this, but you can find a variety of quality furniture pieces at a hardware store. One of the great things about buying the furniture you need from a hardware store is that you can save money on the purchase. That's because you don't need to pay for the finished product. Instead, you'll put the furniture together for yourself. If you've never put furniture together on your own, don't let that stop you. Furniture assembly can be easy, especially if you follow the right steps. Here are three tips you should follow when buying furniture from your local hardware store. 

Start With the Instructions

If you're going to put together your own furniture, the first thing you need to do is read the instructions. You might think that you can read the instructions as you go along, but that's not necessarily the case. Reading the instructions before you begin will allow you to familiarize yourself with the process. Not only will this reduce the amount of time you need to spend on the project, but it will also help you to avoid mistakes as you put your furniture together. 

Gather the Right Tools

If you're going to purchase furniture that requires assembly, you'll want to make sure that you gather the right tools. If you're not sure what tools you'll need, take a closer look at the instructions. You'll find a list of everything you need to assemble your new furniture. Using the right tools will help you avoid problems during the assembly. The right tools can also help reduce the risk of damage to your new furniture. If you don't have the right tools, you can pick them up at your local hardware store. 

Give Yourself Plenty of Space 

If you've decided to assemble your own furniture, you'll need to give yourself plenty of space. The last thing you want is to assemble your furniture in an area that's too cramped. Not only that, but if you give yourself enough space, you'll reduce the chances that you'll lose the hardware. In addition to providing enough space, you'll also want to place a tarp on the ground. Using a tarp will help to protect the finish of the furniture you need to assemble. It will also allow you to keep all of your supplies in one place.