Flatpack World Champion Hayley McAuley Aims to Defend Title in London
Hayley McAuley, the reigning Flatpack World Champion who built a two-drawer bedside table in just nine minutes and 33 seconds, is preparing to defend her title in London this year. The 38-year-old warehouse team leader from Wigan, who runs her own flatpack furniture assembly business, said she hopes there will be "a bit more competition" this time around.
A Natural Talent for Building
McAuley, who competed in the inaugural Flatpack World Championships on May 2, 2025, as part of Grand Designs Live in London, said building "just comes naturally" to her. She recalled putting up a six-man tent at just seven years old during a family trip to the Lake District. Her first flatpack furniture experience came a couple of years later when she helped her struggling father build a wardrobe.
"He wasn't good at it at all," McAuley said. "So I, at nine years old, ended up taking over and built it perfectly."
From Hobby to Business
After years of friends and family asking for help with furniture assembly, McAuley started Hayley's Flatpack Assembly Service in January 2024. The business began when she posted pictures of a dressing table and three-door wardrobe she built on social media.
"A lot of people were saying, 'I could do with you coming round'," McAuley told PA Real Life. "So I thought I could probably try that. I got the poster made, and it just took off."
Championship Victory
About a year after starting her business, a friend told McAuley about the Flatpack World Championships. Despite being "very nervous" due to the large crowd, she excelled in both rounds. The first required building an Ikea Billy bookcase, which she completed quickly while others were still working.
The second round featured the two-drawer bedside table that she finished in nine minutes and 33 seconds. "I just cried because I was so happy to have won," McAuley said. "That was one of the best days of my life."
Preparation for Defense
Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud presented McAuley with a golden Allen key trophy, which she plans to bring to this year's competition in London. Her preparation includes getting a "hand and arm" massage before the event and arriving early to scope out the venue.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what different kinds of people turn up," McAuley said. "I'm not really intimidated. I'm quite confident in myself. But I'd like to see a lot more people there... And if they're lucky enough to beat me, even better."
Everyday Training
McAuley's training is integrated into her daily work, where she has built everything from sheds and greenhouses to trampolines and even a motorbike. She charges between £30 for a two-door wardrobe and up to £200 for a metal shed that takes three hours to complete.
"Nothing's ever really defeated me," McAuley said, though she admitted coming close to giving up while building a trampoline in the rain. "Nothing will defeat me."
Inspiring the Next Generation
McAuley never tires of building flatpack furniture and has even been teaching her partner's six-year-old daughter. "I like influencing young kids to build stuff, especially girls, because I want them to be able to do stuff for themselves," she said.
For those struggling with flatpack assembly, McAuley offers practical advice: "First of all, separate every screw and nut, count them all, and get them all out. Read the instructions. And don't do anything permanent, otherwise it means buying new."
