Which are the Best Materials for Building Fitted Wardrobes?
Choosing the right materials for your fitted wardrobes is crucial to ensuring both their longevity and aesthetic appeal. The materials you select will determine not only the strength and durability of your wardrobe but also how well it complements the rest of your space.
At Cutsmart, we specialise in bespoke cutting services for MDF, plywood, and decorative boards, offering you the flexibility to create wardrobes that perfectly suit your needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the best materials for building fitted wardrobes, key considerations to keep in mind, and how to strike the right balance between functionality, durability, and cost.
Key Considerations for Building Fitted Wardrobes
What’s the Purpose of the Wardrobe?
Before you choose the materials for your fitted wardrobe, it’s important to consider its primary function. Are you building the wardrobe mainly for storage, or are you focused on creating a stylish feature in your bedroom?
If maximising storage is your goal, you’ll want materials that can support the weight of clothing, shoes, and accessories while also providing a clean and organised layout.
On the other hand, if aesthetics are key, then materials like veneered boards or decorative panels might be the best option to add a touch of elegance. The purpose of the wardrobe will shape your material choices, ensuring you create a design that fits both function and form.
Durability and Strength of Materials
When it comes to fitted wardrobes, durability is important. Your wardrobe needs to withstand years of use, which means the materials must be strong enough to handle the weight of hanging clothes, shelves full of items, and constant opening and closing of doors.
MDF, for instance, is a great option for wardrobe doors and internal shelving because of its smooth finish and solid structure, but plywood may be a better choice if you're looking for even greater strength and resistance to warping.
Solid wood, while often the most expensive option, offers excellent durability and a timeless look. It's important to compare the durability of different materials so you can make an informed decision that ensures your wardrobe will stand the test of time.
Budget Considerations
Balancing cost and quality is an essential part of choosing the right materials for your fitted wardrobe. MDF, for example, is a highly cost-effective option that provides a smooth, durable surface ideal for painting or adding decorative finishes. It’s a popular choice for those who want quality without breaking the bank.
Plywood offers more strength and is slightly more expensive but still affordable for many custom projects. Solid wood, on the other hand, tends to be on the higher end of the price spectrum but offers unmatched beauty and durability.
Best Materials for Building Fitted Wardrobes
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)
MDF is one of the most popular materials for fitted wardrobes due to its smooth finish, durability, and affordability. Made from compressed wood fibres and resin, MDF offers a solid structure that resists warping and cracking, making it ideal for wardrobe doors and internal shelving.
It is especially easy to paint, providing a smooth surface for any finish, whether you're opting for a bold colour or a more muted, natural look. Because MDF is cost-effective, it’s a great choice for custom-built wardrobes, allowing you to create a high-end appearance without the high-end price tag.
Its versatility makes it perfect for use in both the structure of the wardrobe and in detailed decorative elements like door fronts or shelving dividers.
Plywood
Plywood is another excellent material for building fitted wardrobes, known for its strength and stability. Composed of thin layers of wood veneer glued together, plywood is highly resistant to warping and splitting, even under heavy loads, which makes it a durable option for wardrobe construction.
It is often used in structural frames and shelves, where its strength ensures the wardrobe can hold the weight of clothing, shoes, and accessories without bowing over time.
Plywood is more flexible than MDF, allowing for a wider range of design possibilities, and while it is slightly more expensive than MDF, it offers greater durability and resistance to moisture. This makes it a reliable choice for long-lasting wardrobes, particularly in areas with higher humidity.
Solid Wood
For those seeking a premium look and feel, solid wood remains one of the best materials for wardrobe construction. Solid wood, such as oak, pine, or walnut, provides unmatched beauty and warmth, creating a classic and timeless appeal in any room.
Oak is particularly strong and durable, while pine offers a more rustic charm, and walnut brings a rich, luxurious appearance. However, solid wood can be significantly more expensive than engineered alternatives like MDF or plywood. In addition, it requires regular maintenance to prevent warping or cracking, especially in fluctuating temperatures or humidity levels.
Despite these considerations, solid wood is ideal for external panels and high-end finishes, offering a unique and natural look that can be stained, painted, or left with its natural grain exposed for maximum impact.
Melamine-Faced Chipboard (MFC)
Melamine-faced chipboard (MFC) is a highly durable and cost-effective material for wardrobe construction, particularly for carcasses and internal compartments. MFC consists of chipboard coated with a melamine resin layer, providing a smooth, scratch-resistant, and moisture-resistant surface.
This makes it an ideal material for wardrobes in areas like bedrooms or closets, where resistance to daily wear is essential. The melamine coating not only adds durability but also comes in a variety of finishes, allowing you to achieve different looks, from wood grain patterns to solid colours.
MFC offers a practical, low-maintenance solution for fitted wardrobes, with the added benefit of being budget-friendly.
Veneered Boards
Veneered boards combine the aesthetic appeal of real wood with the structural benefits of engineered materials like MDF or chipboard. These boards are covered with a thin layer of real wood veneer, giving you the look and feel of solid wood at a fraction of the cost.
Veneered boards are particularly popular for external finishes, where you want to create a high-end appearance without using solid wood throughout the entire structure. They are also a great option for decorative panels, offering the warmth and richness of wood grains like oak or walnut.
Veneered boards are not only beautiful but also durable, as the engineered core provides strength and stability, while the veneer layer can be polished, stained, or painted to achieve the desired look.
Additional Features for Building Fitted Wardrobes
Types of Doors for Fitted Wardrobes
When it comes to fitted wardrobes, choosing the right door style is essential for both aesthetics and functionality. The two main types of doors to consider are sliding doors and hinged doors, each with its own advantages and ideal material options.
Sliding doors are perfect for rooms with limited space, as they don’t require any clearance for opening. These doors move along a track and are often made from MDF or plywood, allowing for a sleek, modern look. Sliding doors can also be customised with mirrored or veneered panels to enhance the appearance and function of your wardrobe.
Hinged doors, on the other hand, swing outward and provide full access to the interior of the wardrobe. This classic style works well in larger rooms where space isn’t an issue, and they can be crafted from a variety of materials such as solid wood, MDF, or MFC.
Hinged doors offer more flexibility when it comes to decorative designs, allowing for intricate detailing or traditional panelling.
To choose the right door style, consider the layout and size of the room. If space is tight or you’re working with a narrow walkway, sliding doors are likely the best option. However, if space allows, hinged doors can provide easier access and more design options.
Customisable Interior Storage Solutions
The interior of your fitted wardrobe is just as important as the exterior. Customisable storage solutions such as bespoke shelving, hanging rails, and compartments allow you to maximise the functionality of your wardrobe while keeping everything organised.
When designing your wardrobe's interior, think about how you’ll use the space. Adjustable shelving can provide flexibility as your storage needs change, while dedicated compartments for shoes, accessories, or folded clothes help to keep items neatly separated.
Hanging rails should be strategically placed to maximise the vertical space and can be made from sturdy materials like metal or wood to ensure durability.
Material choices for the interior fittings should also complement the wardrobe’s overall design. MDF and plywood are popular options for shelves due to their strength and smooth finish, while melamine-faced chipboard (MFC) offers a more budget-friendly solution with moisture-resistant properties, making it ideal for wardrobe carcasses and interior compartments.
Choosing the Right Finishes
The finish you choose for your fitted wardrobe can dramatically enhance its appearance and help tie it into the rest of the room. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a more traditional, natural wood finish, selecting the right paint, stain, or veneer is key to achieving a cohesive design.
For a clean, minimalist look, painted finishes are a great option, especially with MDF, which takes paint well. Satin or semi-gloss finishes provide a smooth surface that’s easy to clean and adds a touch of refinement to any space.
For those looking to highlight the natural beauty of wood, stains are ideal for bringing out the grain of materials like solid wood or veneered boards. Dark stains can add depth and elegance, while lighter stains create a more rustic or contemporary feel.
Achieving a seamless, custom look often comes down to the details. For example, matching the wardrobe’s finish to other furniture or woodwork in the room can create a unified design. Whether you’re using decorative boards or veneered panels, ensuring the right finish is applied will elevate the overall aesthetic and provide a professional, polished appearance.
How to Build Fitted Wardrobes: Step-by-Step Guide
Measuring and Planning
Before you begin building your fitted wardrobe, accurate measurements are key to ensuring a perfect fit. Start by measuring the width, height, and depth of the space where the wardrobe will be installed.
It’s important to check for any uneven surfaces, such as sloped ceilings or floors, and account for these irregularities in your plans. Take multiple measurements across the width and height of the space to ensure accuracy and allow for any variations in wall dimensions.
Once you have your measurements, plan the internal layout of your wardrobe for maximum storage efficiency. Consider your specific storage needs, such as hanging space for clothes, shelves for folded items, and compartments for shoes or accessories.
Think about how you’ll use the space day-to-day and design a layout that allows for easy access and organisation. Adjustable shelving, drawers, and hanging rails can help you create a versatile wardrobe that can adapt to changing storage needs over time.
Cutting and Assembling Materials
At Cutsmart, we’re dedicated to making the cutting process as simple and efficient as possible. Whether you’re a bedroom fitter, carpenter, builder, or DIY enthusiast, our goal is to ensure you get the materials you need to complete your fitted wardrobe with minimal fuss.
Once you’ve completed your cutting list, our specialised software calculates the most efficient way to cut the boards and generates a quotation almost instantly. If you're a professional quoting on a project, there's no need to wait for a price – you can get started right away. Plus, if you've saved your cutting list to your account, it’s easy to revisit and place the order without any delays.
Alternatively, you can select from our range of pre-designed wardrobe carcasses, entering your exact measurements to get a custom fit. With these options, Cutsmart ensures that you can choose the right solution for your project, whether you're looking for completely bespoke cuts or customisable carcasses.
When it comes to assembling the wardrobe structure, start by laying out all your pre-cut pieces. Follow your design plan carefully to ensure that each section is positioned correctly. Begin by assembling the carcass, attaching the sides, back, and base securely. Use screws or dowels to fasten the components together, ensuring everything is aligned properly. If you’ve opted for adjustable shelves, install the shelf supports at this stage.
Installing the Wardrobe
Once the structure is assembled, the next step is securing the wardrobe in place. Begin by positioning the wardrobe in the desired location, ensuring that it’s level on the floor and flush with the wall.
To secure the wardrobe, you’ll need to fix it to the wall studs. Use wall plugs and screws to anchor the wardrobe in place, paying special attention to the weight-bearing sections, such as hanging rails or shelves, which may need additional support.
If your floor or walls are uneven, adjust the wardrobe accordingly by using shims to fill gaps and ensure a snug fit. After securing the wardrobe to the walls, check for any gaps between the wardrobe and the ceiling or walls and fill these with trim or moulding for a seamless finish.
Finally, install the doors, whether sliding or hinged, and make any final adjustments to ensure everything is aligned perfectly. The result will be a custom-fitted wardrobe that looks and functions exactly as you envisioned.
How to Build a Fitted Wardrobe FAQs
What is the best material for fitted wardrobes?
The best material for fitted wardrobes depends on your specific needs, including durability, budget, and aesthetic preferences. MDF is a popular choice due to its affordability and smooth surface, making it ideal for painting and customisation.
Plywood is a great option for those looking for additional strength and moisture resistance. Solid wood, while more expensive, offers a premium, timeless look. Each material has its benefits, so it’s important to choose based on the specific requirements of your project.
Is MDF good for wardrobe doors and shelves?
Yes, MDF is an excellent material for wardrobe doors and shelves. Its smooth surface allows for easy painting or finishing, and it’s strong enough to support shelves and hanging rails. MDF is also more affordable than solid wood or plywood, making it a cost-effective option for custom-built wardrobes. However, MDF should be properly sealed or painted to protect it from moisture.
Can I use plywood for the entire wardrobe structure?
Absolutely. Plywood is a strong, durable material that can be used for the entire wardrobe structure, including the carcass, shelves, and doors. It’s highly resistant to warping, making it ideal for load-bearing sections of the wardrobe.
Plywood also holds screws and fasteners well, ensuring a solid and long-lasting construction. Its natural grain pattern can be stained or painted to match your aesthetic, offering both strength and flexibility.
What are the most affordable materials for building built-in wardrobes?
MDF and melamine-faced chipboard (MFC) are the most affordable materials for building built-in wardrobes. Both materials offer durability at a lower cost, with MDF being ideal for custom painting or finishing, while MFC comes with a pre-finished, scratch-resistant surface. These materials provide a cost-effective way to create stylish and functional fitted wardrobes without sacrificing quality.
How does Cutsmart help with bespoke wardrobe cutting and design?
At Cutsmart, we make it easy to create bespoke wardrobes tailored to your exact specifications. With our cutting services, you can input your measurements and cutting list into our system, and our software will calculate the most efficient way to cut your materials.
You’ll receive an instant quote, allowing you to move forward with your project quickly. We offer a range of materials, including MDF, plywood, and decorative boards, which can be cut to your exact requirements. Whether you’re building a wardrobe from scratch or customising existing designs, our cutting and design services ensure precision and quality every step of the way.