How Long Does it Take to Build Fitted Wardrobes?

When it comes to elevating the aesthetics of your bedroom, managing clutter and providing ample storage space for your belongings, custom-made cabinetry is key. In fact, professionals will tell you that it’s one of the most sought-after selling points of any modern home.

But, as a company that has spent decades designing and installing bespoke joinery, we know that there are some burning questions people ask before they begin the process. One of the most common of all is, “How long does it take to build fitted wardrobes?”

It’s important to understand that because careful planning, precise measurements and painstaking execution are needed, navigating the different factors involved may affect a precise time frame. From design considerations to seamless installation, perfecting the process will ensure results that both fulfil your needs and elevate the visual impact of your space.

For this reason, custom wardrobe construction shouldn’t be rushed. Join us as we take a look at how the process works, giving you an idea of how much time to allocate to your exciting new refurbishment.

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Understanding the design and planning phase

Before embarking on a fitted wardrobe project, you’ll need to plan carefully in order to lay the groundwork for a great result. Here are 6 things to have on your checklist.

1. Consult with your designer

Your fitted wardrobe will need to meet your personal needs, style preferences and available space. In order to achieve this, make sure that you spend time discussing each aspect with a professional designer before you sign off on a final layout.

2. Measure up properly

The importance of accurately measuring your available space cannot be overstated. When doing so, remember to factor in all relevant architectural components such as windows, doorways and alcoves, especially if you’re opting for a walk-in wardrobe. You will also need to take note of electrical outlets, carpeting, skirting boards and any other obstructions that may influence your overall plan.

3. Find the right style

When choosing the type of built-in wardrobe you want, consider the overall aesthetic of your room. Do you want something sleek, contemporary and minimalist like Design #11 by Logo, or a unit that is more traditional like the Venezia by Bamax? The materials, finishes, and colour palette you choose should be influenced by the genre of the rest of your home.

4. Weigh up your material selection

The type of materials you choose will influence your fitted wardrobe’s functionality, longevity and overall visual impact. It will also have a bearing on how much it will cost. At FCI London, we have hundreds of options to choose from, so let’s discuss all the possibilities before you make a final selection.

5. Fulfill your storage needs

The fundamental purpose of a custom-built wardrobe is to accommodate all your possessions and help to reduce clutter. In order to achieve this, take a careful look at the type of clothing, accessories and bric-a-brac you intend to keep in it and plan accordingly. During this process, you’ll be able to ascertain whether you need to double up on hanging space, add in extra shelving or have an abundance of drawers.

6. Plan for additional extras

Don’t forget to add special features. These could include tie and shoe racks, spaces for your hats and handbags, jewellery drawers, laundry baskets and a plethora of boxes and bins for out-of-season clothing. Something like the Atelier walk-in by Longhi is easily fitted with all the bells and whistles.

How to prepare for your wardrobe installation

Once the planning stage is over, your next key step is to prepare your home for your new wardrobe build. Consult with your installation team to see whether they have any special requirements and then start with these basics.

• Remove all your existing furniture and valuables from the room to ensure that nothing gets damaged.
• If work is being done on an existing wardrobe, empty it out and store your belongings elsewhere until the new ones are in.
• Examine the existing walls and floor and ascertain whether there is any damage or uneven surfaces. These will need to be repaired before the new build gets underway in order to provide a solid base to work from.
• Check with us to see if you need to prepare an additional space in which to store tools and equipment during the course of the build.

Bear in mind that the more comfortable everyone is, the faster the work will be completed.

The construction and installation process

Building a fitted wardrobe requires several essential stages. These should ideally be performed by a qualified professional to ensure that the work is done skillfully and with stringent attention to detail.

The process will entail the construction of the frame which should be solid and level, followed by the addition of shelves, hanging rails, drawers, specialised compartments and doors. Each of these elements needs to be cut to the correct proportions and securely fastened using high-end brackets, wall plugs and screws.

Once all the finishes like handles, mirrors and lighting are in place, each component of your wardrobe should be tested for alignment and stability before being declared ready for use.

Factors that can affect the build time

A straightforward installation where the floor and ceiling are level and the walls are vertical and straight could take as little as 2-3 hours to complete. However, fitting wardrobes in odd corners or installing intricate designs with extra joinery details could take a bit longer. Other factors affecting the build time include:

• The number of shelves, drawers, compartments, and fine details, as well as the complexity of the design.
• The size of the fitted wardrobe and the number of components to be assembled.
• The materials you choose. Working with solid wood, for example, may take longer than working with prefabricated products.
• Customizations and special features like lighting, ventilation, the addition of mirrors and televisions or any automated systems.
• The availability of tools, materials and equipment. The availability of your installation crew and other people needed to complete the project, especially if some of them are specialists in certain areas.
• Unexpected hurdles like structural issues, materials shortages or inaccurate measurements.
• Finishings and final touches which may involve painting, staining or installing bespoke handles and hardware.

It also goes without saying that enlisting the help of a competent team will significantly impact the time taken to do the build properly.

What to expect on the day of the installation

At FCI London, our expert team always aims to get the job done optimally while respecting the space we’re working in. In keeping with this ethic, we place great importance on keeping our environment neat, tidy and damage-free and will always clean up after ourselves.

As per regular protocols, our installers will start by constructing the wardrobe frames, followed by the internal storage system. They will then end with perfecting the exterior design and finishes.

In our 35 years of experience, we've found that the right tools mean the world of difference between a sloppy, badly coordinated job and an efficient project with tight joinery. Cutting-edge technology and high-end equipment are therefore a standard for all our work, allowing us to deliver the very best in innovative storage solutions.

While standard builds may be completed within a day, the design and size of your fitted wardrobe will influence our final schedule. However, we will always discuss a realistic timeframe with you before we begin and ensure that it fits in with your own availability.

What materials are available for fitted wardrobes?

When it comes to size, colour palettes, materials and finishes, we pride ourselves on offering our clients hundreds of different design options for their wardrobes.

From lacquers, leathers, veneers, glass, mirror and wood finishes, there are no limits to your customisation possibilities. Our vast selection gives us the flexibility to deliver unique, contemporary cabinetry that will perfectly reflect your style and taste.

How much do fitted wardrobes cost?

One of the great advantages of custom cabinetry is that you can tailor it to suit your pocket. And, if you’re worried about how much your choices will cost you, you’ll be able to get an instant estimate using our simple online cost calculator.

While multiple factors affect the overall cost from materials and special features to awkward fittings and high-tech gadgets, an entry-level unit starts at around £1,200. You can expect to pay upwards of £15,000 for a luxury walk-in.

How to care for your new fitted wardrobes

Proper care and maintenance can extend the life and appearance of your fitted wardrobe. Here are some important pointers to remember:

• Clean regularly: Dust and wipe the surfaces of your fitted wardrobe on a regular basis to prevent dirt and grime buildup. To avoid scratching the surfaces, use a soft, lint-free or microfibre cloth.
• Limit weight: Do not exceed the recommended weight restrictions for the shelves, drawers, or hanging rods.
• Be gentle: Use a light touch when opening and closing doors and drawers to prevent putting extra strain on the fittings and hinges.
• Avoid moisture and humidity: Don’t install your wardrobe in a high-humidity or damp area like in a bathroom or it could warp.
• Keep it ventilated: To minimise moisture buildup, install a good ventilation system or allow for air circulation by leaving some space between the wardrobe and the wall.
• Check for damage: Inspect your fitted wardrobe on a regular basis for signs of damage. Loose fittings, weak hinges and chipped surfaces should be addressed immediately.

All of the above will ensure the longevity and durability of your fitted wardrobe for years to come.

In Conclusion

The installation time for built-in wardrobes is subject to a number of different factors, so make sure that you liaise with your designer to get a better idea of your particular timeline. However, many can be fitted in a single day.

To find out more about our bespoke offerings, get in touch today or pop into our spectacular showroom to discuss your ideas with our dynamic team. You can also browse through our latest projects portfolio for some gorgeous home decor ideas.