The Time Commitment of AFOLs: How Long Does It Take to Build a LEGO Set?
For many, LEGO is synonymous with childhood, a pastime that ignites imagination and creativity. But for a significant number of enthusiasts, the love for these colorful bricks doesn't fade with age—it evolves into a passionate hobby. Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs) often find themselves dedicating substantial time to their builds, with the time spent on each set varying widely based on the complexity of the project, personal building speed, and the builder's approach.
The Variables That Affect Build Time
When estimating how long it takes AFOLs to complete a LEGO set, several factors come into play:
Set Complexity: The number of pieces in a set is often a good indicator of how long it will take to build. Smaller sets, usually under 1,000 pieces, can be completed in a few hours. However, larger sets, especially those with intricate designs like the LEGO Creator Expert or LEGO Technic series, can take several days or even weeks to complete.
Personal Building Speed: Every AFOL has their own pace. Some builders prefer a more methodical approach, savoring the experience and taking their time to ensure every piece is placed perfectly. Others might build quickly, driven by the excitement of seeing the final product. On average, a seasoned builder might complete a 1,000-piece set in 3 to 5 hours, while larger sets, like the 7,500-piece Millennium Falcon, could take anywhere from 30 to 50 hours or more.
Building Style: Some AFOLs prefer to build in one go, dedicating an entire day or weekend to completing a set. Others might stretch the build over several sessions, taking breaks to enjoy the process and avoid burnout. The latter approach often results in a more relaxed, enjoyable experience, turning the build into a meditative activity rather than a race against time.
External Factors: Life gets busy, and not everyone has the luxury of dedicating uninterrupted time to building LEGO sets. Work, family, and other commitments often mean that AFOLs might only have an hour or two here and there to work on their projects. This can extend the time it takes to complete a build, but many AFOLs find this to be part of the charm, making the eventual completion of a set all the more satisfying.
Average Build Times for Popular Sets
To give you a better idea of how long it might take to build specific sets, here’s a breakdown of some popular LEGO sets and their estimated build times:
LEGO Architecture: The White House (1,483 pieces) - Average Build Time: 6-8 hours
LEGO Creator Expert: Fiat 500 (960 pieces) - Average Build Time: 3-5 hours
LEGO Technic: Bugatti Chiron (3,599 pieces) - Average Build Time: 20-30 hours
LEGO Star Wars: Millennium Falcon (7,541 pieces) - Average Build Time: 50-70 hours
LEGO Ninjago: Ninjago City Gardens (5,685 pieces) - Average Build Time: 30-40 hours
The Joy of the Journey
For AFOLs, building LEGO is often about more than just the final product. The process itself is a journey, one that provides relaxation, a sense of accomplishment, and a creative outlet. The time spent building is part of the hobby's appeal—whether it’s a quick evening build or a project that spans several weeks, each brick placed brings the builder closer to something extraordinary.
The time it takes for an AFOL to build a LEGO set varies widely based on multiple factors, but that’s part of what makes this hobby so engaging. There’s no rush to the finish line—only the enjoyment of the journey, one brick at a time.
Live that Brick Life!
BrickLifer
