Want to make understairs area into cupboard- any advice from joiners, etc?

harryharp

We have a small 'triangular' area under the stairs that we want to put a door on to make it into a cupboard, using pine (preferably reclaimed). We don't plan to paint it but want to just wax it or whatever to keep the natural look of the wood. (Therefore don't want it to be made of MDF or anything cheap). We'd also like it to have panels on to match our doors.

How do we go about getting someone to do this, and what would be a reasonable cost for the work? We live in Cheshire.

I've tried posting the job on the MyHammer website, but so far have only had one person come out to look at the job, and he quoted about £600. This seems very expensive to me...

Would appreciate some advice- thanks in advance.

harryharp

Just bumping this in the hope of receiving some advice...:o

Pretani

It depends what you're getting for your £600. I had a friend who got this done (I can't remember the cost) but it was done in rectangular panels like the door using mahogany. You couldn't see the door it was so expertly done. I would be content paying £600 if it turned out like that.

I wouldn't get anyone else in but a carpenter and I wouldn't consider employing enyone for that type of work unless they showed you a portfolio.

Another option would be to go around to your local training college. The lecturer might just point you in the direction of a talented trainee carpenter. He might even set your project as a competition for them. You'll get satisfaction of giving the young fellow his first paid job and something to show in his portfolio.

harryharp

Yes, that's the sort of thing we were thinking of except in pine. But I don't know if I can justify that amount of money for such a small area.

The guy we got the quote from was a joiner, but he said he would get someone else (a carpenter) to make the actual panel.

I'm not sure how you go about finding someone with a good portfolio...I don't know anything about this guy at all.

Pretani

It would be better if you had the carpender who is making the panel do the actual work, as the joiner is definately taking a good chunk of the money.

harryharp

Pretani wrote: »

Another option would be to go around to your local training college. The lecturer might just point you in the direction of a talented trainee carpenter. He might even set your project as a competition for them. You'll get satisfaction of giving the young fellow his first paid job and something to show in his portfolio.

That's a great idea- I hadn't thought of that.

Pretani

Here's a few ideas which might help you along Harry.

harryharp

Thank you very much! Some great ideas there. Was think more along the lines of one cupboard with a large door. I'm going to store the heavy-duty covers of my harp under there, which are quite bulky.