A built-in wardrobe uses wall space better than a free-standing almirah and can be designed around how you actually store clothes. The key decisions are the board, the shutter type and what goes inside.
What's included
| Part | What it is | What to specify |
|---|---|---|
| Carcass | The box: sides, back, shelves | Board type and thickness; back panel material |
| Shutters | Hinged or sliding doors | Material, finish, handles or profile |
| Lofts | Upper storage up to the ceiling | Separate shutters, reach and weight |
| Internal fittings | Hanging rods, drawers, shoe racks, trouser pull-outs, mirror | List each with quantity |
| Locker | Small locking compartment | Lock type and fixing |
| Hardware | Hinges, sliding tracks, channels | Type and soft-close option |
| Lighting (optional) | Internal strip or sensor lights | Electrician needed for wiring |
| Installation | Fixing to wall, levelling, scribing to ceiling | Gaps and alignment |
When you need it
- Bedrooms in a new house after plaster and flooring
- Replacing old masonry niches or broken cupboards
- Creating storage in a dressing area, lounge or under stairs
Step-by-step process
- Check the wall. Any seepage or damp must be fixed first; wardrobes trap moisture.
- Measure. Width, height, skirting, switchboards, AC pipes and window positions.
- Plan the inside. Decide hanging, folded and drawer space for each person.
- Drawing and samples. Agree the front elevation, internal layout and finish samples.
- Advance and fabrication. Panels are cut and edge-banded in the workshop.
- Installation. Carcass fixed, levelled, shutters hung or tracks fitted.
- Adjustment. Shutters should align and sliding doors should run smoothly.
- Snag list and final payment.
Approvals and documents
No approval is normally needed for wardrobes. Keep the drawing, material list, receipts and any warranty note.
What affects the cost
- Board type and thickness for carcass and shutters
- Shutter style: hinged, sliding, glass, mirror, profile handles
- Finish: laminate, lacquer, veneer, high-gloss
- Number of drawers and specialised fittings
- Height (lofts up to the ceiling add material)
- Hardware tier and soft-close
- Internal lighting and electrical work
Wardrobes are commonly quoted per square foot of front area, sometimes with internal fittings extra. Ask each provider to state what the rate includes and compare the same drawing across at least three written quotes.
Hinged or sliding?
| Option | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Hinged shutters | Most rooms; full access to the inside | Needs clear space in front to open |
| Sliding shutters | Narrow rooms, beds close to the wardrobe | Track quality; only part of the wardrobe opens at a time |
Questions to ask the provider
- Which board and thickness for carcass, back and shelves?
- Is the back panel sealed against the wall?
- What is included in the rate — internal drawers, hanging rods, locker?
- Which sliding tracks or hinges will you use?
- How will you fill the gap to the ceiling?
- What warranty do you give?
Red flags
- Installation on a damp wall without addressing seepage
- Very thin back panels on a wall that faces outside
- Internal fittings left vague ("as required")
- Sliding doors with no sample of the track system
- Full payment asked before fitting
FAQs
Which board is best for wardrobes? Plywood and MDF/HDF are both used. Plywood holds screws well for carcasses; MDF gives a smooth face for painted or lacquered shutters. Ask for the specification in writing.
How do I stop wardrobes from smelling damp? Fix wall seepage first, keep a small gap or sealed back panel against outside walls, and allow some ventilation.
Can I add a dressing mirror inside the shutter? Yes. Mention it at design stage so the shutter is strong enough to carry it.
How long does a wardrobe take? It depends on size, finish and workshop load. Ask for a written schedule.
Can old wardrobes be refaced instead of rebuilt? If the carcass is sound and dry, new shutters and hardware can refresh it at lower cost.
Sources
This guide is based on general trade practice and does not quote rates or standards. Get written quotes for current prices.