If you love DIY projects and are looking to add a ton of extra storage space to your home at a reasonable price, you’re probably asking: “How do I build a simple built-in wardrobe?” The short answer is that it will take time, effort, skill and a fair amount of professional equipment.

If you choose to embark on this journey, chances are you’ll gain a great deal of practical knowledge on how to frame a wall, install panelling, plaster and fit a set of sliding doors. And if you already have the necessary tools, it’s certainly doable.

But if you’re not terribly handy or can’t sacrifice your evenings and weekends, then our advice is that you should enlist the help of a professional. At FCI London, we offer a bespoke built in wardrobe service that includes planning, design and installation. We don't assist clients with their own DIY projects, but we have an expert team who have offered their best tips in case you want to give it a try!

Let’s take a look at just what building your own wardrobe might entail. 

1. Measure the space you have available in your wardrobe

Once you’ve chosen your designated area, making the measuring process successful is the first and most crucial step in constructing a DIY built-in wardrobe. For a seamless fit, a set of precise measurements that includes any unique requirements is imperative. Being out by just a few millimetres could cost you a great deal in the long run.

Floor-to-ceiling measurements:

Check the evenness of the ceiling and floor with a spirit level. If either of them is irregular your wardrobe doors could roll, so you will need to use packers. Take your floor-to-ceiling measurements at least three times from the middle and on either side and if you have a fitted carpet, make sure you compress it as much as possible. Although laying the liner and bottom track onto the carpet is possible, be aware that you may run the risk of snaring the threads.

Wall-to-wall measurements:

Use a spirit level to check your walls for irregularities. You can use liners along with some sort of packing to level them out if they curve or bow. Before installing the side panels, the coving and skirting must be removed. Measure from wall to wall at least three times from the top, middle and bottom.

When calculating your material requirements, always use the widest width measurement and the shortest height measurement to ensure that you get a seamless fit.

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2. Decide on the dimensions of your wardrobe

Sit down and carefully plan your wardrobe design before running out to buy tools and supplies. Its size will ultimately depend on the amount of space you have available.

If you’re taking advantage of an inconvenient nook in your home, for example, an awkward corner or area that has a sloped ceiling, you’ll have to account for those features in your end design too.

Before you plan the layout of your fitted wardrobe, ask yourself the following 7 questions:

1. Are you interested in sliding, folding, or swinging doors?
2. Are you planning to keep only clothing, shoes, and accessories in the wardrobe, or do you also want to store things like bags and blankets?
3. How much space will you need for long items like dresses and coats?
4. Do you need trouser rails, shelving and drawers? If you want to add the latter but don’t have a lot of experience with DIY projects, then you’ll need to keep your design very simple.
5. What kind of storage (hanging rails, shelves, drawers, hooks, etc.) do you need for your possessions?
6. Do you wish to add amenities other than storage, like a dressing table?
7. Do you need to take into account features such as pull-down hanging rails to make it easier for you to reach the top of your new wardrobe?

Sketching a rough diagram detailing how you envisage the interior of your new fitted wardrobe around these pointers is a good idea and will give you a clear understanding of your overall dimensions, building process and materials needed.

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3. Choose the type of wood you want to use

Your choice of wardrobe materials will be determined by your allocated spend, the design and features you want for your clothing and by your individual preferences. Prior to purchasing in bulk, make sure you request samples so that you can ensure that you’re satisfied with them before you commence.

Here are some of the available options:

• Plywood: This material is used for building frameworks and can then be laminated or veneered. It is a common choice for kitchen and wardrobe cabinetry and is best used in low moisture areas.
• WPC: Wood plastic composite (WPC) is pre-laminated and can be used for kitchen cabinetry, flooring and walls. It is water resistant, eco-friendly and low maintenance making it a good overall choice.
• MDF: Eco-friendly medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is made from leftover hard- or softwood and wood fibres, making it a budget-friendly option. However, it is less durable than plywood and shouldn’t be used in bathrooms or kitchens because it retains moisture.
• Wood: The most appealing material available is solid, sustainable hardwood. It goes well with practically any design, is highly durable and has a beautiful, natural shine but will cost you more and needs to be properly maintained on a regular basis.

If you’re looking for finishes or materials that don’t include wood, consider glass, mirrors, metal, leather and decorative veneers or laminates.

4. Buy the necessary hardware, such as hinges and screws

In order to do a professional job on your bespoke luxury wardrobe, you’ll need a quality set of tools which should include a saw, hammer, spirit level, cordless drill, tape measure, square, utility knife and trowel. Make sure you splash out on the best brand available – they need to work both optimally and accurately.

You will also need all your materials, which will largely depend on both your end design and the space you are going to be fitting the built-in wardrobe into. Your basic requirements should include:

• Construction lumber of your choice
• Sliding, bi-fold or hinged doors
• Drywall sheeting
• Pre-mixed plaster
• Drywall screws
• Deck screws
• Hinges if needed
• Drywall corner bead
• Drywall tape
• Hanging rods
• Paint
• Desired finishes including handles or knobs

5. Assemble the wardrobe according to the instructions

If you have chosen to buy a flat-pack wardrobe, assemble it according to the instructions. But if you’re working from scratch, here are some strategies to think about:

• Construct a wooden frame out of hardwood or timber planks and then cover it with a thinner panelling material.
• Use thicker sheets of material like plywood or MDF – this option will give you greater flexibility if you are going to include shelving, drawers and compartments in your design.
• Hanging rails should be installed once the main structure is in place, along with any additional shelving. Once done, finish the inside of your fitted wardrobe with a coat of paint or wallpaper.
• While some people like to conceal their  large wardrobes with a set of doors, others prefer quick access to their clothing. If you’re a novice DIY enthusiast, doors and drawers might be rather challenging to install, so limit the number you include and stay away from designs with runners.
• Any door must have at least two hinges to keep it firmly in place, but three are preferred. Choose heavy-duty hinges with at least three screw holes. You will also have to measure the relevant screw holes when applying knobs or handles.
• Consider adding wood trimmings and mouldings to the outside of your wardrobe for a more classic appearance. These are incredibly accessible and simple to apply. Use a coping saw if you need to make any cuts or adjustments to your trims in order to prevent splintering. When attaching these trims to your wardrobe, use strong glue that will bond them to your frame in place of damaging screws.

6. Paint or stain it to match your home’s decor

The final phase of building your own fitted wardrobe is to paint or stain it to match your bedroom’s décor. If you’ve used premium hard- or softwood, you can give it a lovely finish using lacquer or varnish. However, if you have chosen to use MDF, paint is the only available option.

7. In conclusion

If you’ve been contemplating building a simple fitted wardrobe but think that this sounds like a heap of hard work that will make a dent in your valuable time, call our professional design team today. If you're worried about the cost,  first try our handy cost calculator to get a ballpark figure. 

With over 35 years of experience in conceptualising, constructing and installing bespoke fitted wardrobes, we’ll be able to complete your project from start to finish without the blood, sweat and tears. Get in touch and let's get building.