Fitted wardrobes

d0nkeyk0ng

Swmbo has decided that we need new wardrobes, and she wants fitted ones. The current fitted wardrobes don't really use the space efficiently and there have been modern changes in the last ten years (or whenever the previous owners fitted them).


We've had quotes from two local firms, as well as Hammond, Sharp and Strachan.They all suggest a similar layout. They all seem to vary a little in finish but not extensively so. The three "big" names would deride each other, claiming things like like "we do this and are the only company in the UK to do so".


Prices vary from £5,000-10,000 for the same thing.


I'm a little lost in all of the gobbledygook and don't know what we should or should not be looking for.

sandyk01

I am also after new wardrobes and have come across a few companies on Facebook who are advertising fitted wardrobes (the proper ones) at a fraction of the cost. Take a look at other places too- these big firms are a massive rip off.

Brookside88

I would definitely recommend you look at IKEA's PAX wardrobes. You can design any formulations you like and they're a vast amount cheaper than what you've been quoted. Although they're not strictly fitted, there's nothing to stop you putting a bit of board around the edges to give that appearance.

We have 3 metres of floor to ceiling (236cm) pax and it cost us around £500. You also have the added bonus of being able to change the doors when you redecorate or get bored of them fairly cheaply.

d0nkeyk0ng

I've used Ikea furniture in the past. It's flimsy and feels cheap. More importantly, we need to wrap around the corner (ie corner unit). The PAX units either tuck in half the wardrobe so it's difficult to reach the back, or they're staggered so they don't utilise the space well.

Ganga

We had a price from John Lewis and was suprised that it was reasonable but they had a sale on at the time,might be worth checking.
We bought John Lewis Freestanding units in the end,self assembly but really good quality ,made in Italy i believe.

martinthebandit

When you've finished getting quotes from specialist wardrobe fitting places get one from a proper joiner.

maisie_cat

Get a local carpenter to build them, MDF for carcasses and solid wood for door/drawers fronts finished as you require will cost nowhere near that price and painted/varnished solid wood/MDF is more forgiving of damage that plastic covered chipboard

Brookside88

d0nkeyk0ng wrote: »

I've used Ikea furniture in the past. It's flimsy and feels cheap. More importantly, we need to wrap around the corner (ie corner unit). The PAX units either tuck in half the wardrobe so it's difficult to reach the back, or they're staggered so they don't utilise the space well.

Ours are certainly not flimsy or cheap feeling, they're absolutely solid. But I take your point about the corners

Doozergirl

Brookside88 wrote: »

Ours are certainly not flimsy or cheap feeling, they're absolutely solid. But I take your point about the corners

The thing with Ikea is that is does provide excellent calue for money. I find that in order to get anything markedly better, you have to spend an awful lot more money. Which leaves you in a situation that where you're either comfortably purchasing items in Ikea or facing eyewatering sums for something that is much, much better. I wouldn't put Sharps or Hammonds that far above Ikea, but the prices aren't reasonable.

I do struggle with Ikea wardrobes. Both children's hinged doors came off the the Pax very quickly and it rips the chipboard. Then it's next to useless.

I have a drawer which has been screwed together and the runners scrape audibly after a few years. The sliding doors have faired well.

We are building our own house and I'm quite stuck as to what I buy. As much as I'd truly love beautifully made bespoke wardrobes, I doubt we'll have the budget when we get to the end.

getmore4less

Most fitted wardrobes are standard units behind the fronts with filler panels.

Full hight stand alone can be better/cheaper and you can change layout easy.

Lot of the cost is the fancy fittings inside whatever you do.

Far better option if there is the space is a dedicated room for clothes.
Proper sturdy rail system with drawers and shelves.
Optional is a smaller setup in the bedroom for the day to day stuff.

getmore4less

Doozergirl wrote: »

The thing with Ikea is.......

I do struggle with Ikea wardrobes. Both children's hinged doors came off the the Pax very quickly and it rips the chipboard. Then it's next to useless.
......
.

Look up "inset nuts" you can repair ripped out hinges on chipboard realy cheap with very basic DIY skills.
You need bolts/dowels to match £5 for 50 pairs.


Screwfx do them