Is it Cheaper to Build Your Own Fitted Wardrobe?
If you’re planning to upgrade your bedroom, you might be thinking about whether it’s cheaper to build your own fitted wardrobes using a flat-pack system and an online tutorial perhaps? DIY wardrobes can definitely feel like a cost effective way to get ‘fitted’ wardrobes, without a professional installation process, however the real comparison isn’t just about the price – it’s about their overall value in terms of longevity, finish, usability and more.
An Upfront Cost Comparison
At first look, building your own fitted wardrobes probably comes off as the cheaper option. Within your budget, you’ll need to factor in things like:
- MDF or wardrobe appropriate boards;
- Doors and handles;
- Hinges and runners;
- Fixings and brackets;
- Tools (if you don’t already own them);
- Paint and finishing materials;
- Your time in labour.
In truth, there’s a lot to consider! Once you factor in other things too,like material quality and delivery costs, the price difference definitely narrows. Professionally fitted wardrobes also include other benefits – particularly important is the design expertise and advice you’ll receive from an expert, based on their past wardrobe installations, as well as accurate measurements and expert installation to ensure longevity – all of which contribute to a fitted wardrobe that will perform beautifully for years to come.
Precision Makes a Difference
An actual fitted wardrobe is typically built wall to wall and floor to ceiling, achieving a seamless, built in fitted wardrobe – but this does require precision. Since most UK homes have uneven floors, bowed walls or ceilings and skirting boards that aren’t perfect, professional fitted wardrobe installers will make adjustments for these inconsistencies, in order to ensure perfect door alignment, smooth sliding mechanisms, a strong internal structure and no visible gaps! In contrast, whilst DIY fitted wardrobes can work, even small measurements errors can have an impact on their functionality and finish. A flat pack or a self-built wardrobe may look similar to a fitted wardrobe at first, but their durability varies significantly as a result of this. Since fitted wardrobes are used daily, strength and stability matters! A high quality installation can last decades – spreading the investment over many years.
A Hidden Value: Design Expertise
As touched on very briefly above, a key thing you miss out on when you build your own wardrobes is advice on the design. For example, when you choose to design a bespoke fitted wardrobe with us at My Fitted Bedroom, you’ll have a free home design visit from a fitted wardrobe specialist. They’ll take detailed measurements of your room and provide advice on the internal best storage solutions and recommendations that are tailored to your space. Following this, they’ll create a 3D design to allow you to visualise the fitted wardrobe design in your actual room, so you can make a confident decision. All of this ensures your fitted wardrobe isn’t just built to fit – it’s built to work for your lifestyle too.
In pure material terms, DIY can cost less upfront, but in regards to precision, durability, time and finish, professionally designed fitted wardrobes offer a better long term value. If you’re comparing options at the moment, feel free to book a free, no obligation consultation with us to explore your options before making a choice!