Fitted Wardrobe Cost to Install – Guide to Cost of Fitted Wardrobes

How much do fitted wardrobes cost to install? It sounds like such a simple question, doesn’t it? A simple question that you’d hope would have a simple answer. Yet if you’ve spent any amount of time trying to find that answer, you’ll have no doubt discovered what a frustrating, seemingly impossible endeavor it can be.

Sure, there are scores of reputable companies out there that would be happy to install high-quality fitted wardrobes for you, but if you contact them for a quote, they’re unlikely to provide one until they’ve sent a salesman round with his tape measure and portfolio of samples.

On the one hand, this makes sense. There are so many factors at play in determining the cost of bedroom storage that sometimes that really is the best way to give you an exact price, but if all you’re trying to do is get a rough idea in mind so that you can set a budget then this approach can be pretty annoying.

The good news is that you don’t have to get the salesmen involved to figure out a price for your new fitted wardrobe installation.

To save you the hassle, we’ve done on our own in-depth research, talked to the experts, and drawn on our own home improvement experience, and put all our findings together in this one comprehensive guide.

Below, we’ll look at all the different factors involved in installing a new wardrobe, discuss the costs involved in each one, and offer our own recommendations on how you can get the best possible value for your money.

Fitted Wardrobes 1 Main Wardrobe
Fitted wardrobes can prove to be an effective alternative to a walk-in closet when it comes to home office storage. 

How Much Do Fitted Wardrobes Cost to Install? A Rough Price Guide

Fitted Wardrobes 2 Rough Guide
Size plays a big factor in determining your wardrobe costs. Three-door options like this will cost more than a smaller, two-door arrangement.

Fitted wardrobes cost between $2,000 and $7,000+ to install, though most homeowners pay an average of between $3,000 – $5,000.

These figures are fully inclusive, meaning they include all the parts and materials as well as installation, though they may exclude other expenses such as delivery.

That said, there’s admittedly a big difference between $2,000 and $7,000, so let’s look at how you can get a relatively more accurate cost estimate for installing your new fitted wardrobes.

While there may be numerous ways to determine a rough cost estimate, the quickest and simplest is to go by size.

Though design, materials, and other factors will also play a part, you can use the following as a starting point for setting your budget.

Two-Section Double Wardrobe

A perfect choice for smaller bedrooms, your basic fitted double wardrobe usually comes in two-door or four-door options and should cost between $2,000 and $3,500.

Three-Section, Triple Wardrobe

A good alternative to freestanding options like this Kousi portable wardrobe closet, triple wardrobes come in options of anywhere between three and six sliding doors. As a general rule, prices start from around $3,500 for a low-budget model but can go up to as much as $6,000 for a top-of-the-line option.

Four-Section Fitted Wardrobes

While three-section wardrobes fitted are the most common choice for large bedrooms, families who really do need a lot of extra home office storage space can opt for four-section fitted wardrobes with four or five sliding doors.

Technically, it’s possible to pay as little as $3,500 or as much as $7,000+ for this, though most homeowners tend to pay between $5,000 – $6,000.

Again, these costs include the actual price of the wardrobes plus installation, but delivery and any bespoke options you choose may add to the final bill.

Speaking of bespoke, let’s consider what impact that will have on your installation costs.

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Prefabricated vs. Bespoke Fitted Wardrobes

Fitted Wardrobes 3 Prefab or Bespoke
Prebuilt wardrobes like this one will cost less than a bespoke solution, though that does mean your design options are limited. 

By their very nature, prefabricated wardrobes tend to be far less expensive than their bespoke counterparts. With the frame, sliding doors, shelving and handles already built to a set size, your wardrobe can come right off the shelf into your home.

This not only lowers the cost of the wardrobe itself, but it also cuts the installation costs as your joiner will be able to carry out the job much faster. This is especially true if they’re employed by the same company you bought your wardrobes from as they’ll likely already be very familiar with the product and be able to put it together in half the time that it would take them to install completely unique furniture that’s specifically tailored to your bedroom.

So, how much more expensive are bespoke fitted wardrobes compared to prefab designs? That all depends on exactly how bespoke you want to go. Below, we’ll break down the three price ranges you need to consider when deciding between prebuilt or custom bedroom furniture.

1. $1,500 – $3,500 Fully Prefabricated

The least expensive option available, prebuilt wardrobes are the best option for those looking to transform their bedroom space on a limited budget.

They’re also the best option if you’re in a hurry as they can ship right from the store to your home ready to be installed. If you’re doing the installation yourself, you can then get started right away, going from choosing the kind you want to having them fully installed in your home in a matter of a few days.

If you’re hiring a professional to install them for you, then there might be a longer waiting period, though still not as long as you would if you were going bespoke.

Keep in mind, however, that prefabs aren’t always a perfect solution as they come in a limited range of finishes that might clash with the interior design of your bedroom. More importantly, they come in several set sizes that may not fit your space.

2. $2,000 – $5,000 – Semi Bespoke

By semi-bespoke, what we’re talking about here is taking your standard, low-cost prefabricated wardrobes and making a few modifications.

That might mean that the manufacturer forgoes their usual pre-set sizes and creates a made-to-measure model cut to the size you need. It might mean making certain design upgrades such as different door handles, or that they alter the internal shelving configuration to suit your exact needs.

Changing the size, finishing material, or door handles shouldn’t make too much of a difference to the amount of work your wardrobe fitter has to do, so with this option, it’s going to be the actual modifications that add the most to your final bill rather than the installation itself.

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3. $3,500 – $7,000+ Fully Bespoke Fitted Wardrobes Installation

Whether you decide to build the entire wardrobe yourself and then install it or pay a manufacturer to come up with a one-of-a-kind design, there’s no escaping the fact that going fully bespoke is going to cost you the most amount of money.

However, this can certainly be an attractive option if you have the budget for it.

Going fully bespoke gives you the freedom and flexibility to create fitted wardrobes that perfectly match your tastes, your space, and your storage needs. You’ll be able to choose from a wider range of styles and put different components together to create an individual look. You’ll be able to use whatever kind of closet organization works best for you, and you’ll also have the advantage that bespoke furniture can be designed to fit into any kind of space.

If you’re converting your loft into a bedroom for example, then custom wardrobes are a useful way of ensuring your furniture fits despite sloping ceilings or other architectural anomalies.

Doing the work yourself is the best way to save money here, though keep in mind that the doors alone could cost you anywhere from $500 – $800. Add in the cost of buying plywood for your frames, shelving, wardrobe poles and other essentials, and you’re talking at least a few thousand dollars, not to mention a lot of hard work ahead of you.

The easiest way to eliminate that hard work is, of course, is to work with a manufacturer, furniture store, or independent designer to create something for you and then pay a professional to fit the whole thing together. If you take this route, then expect to pay somewhere in the region of 30% – 50% more than if you took the DIY approach.

Portable Closet Organizer Storage

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Fitted Wardrobe Material Costs

Fitted Wardrobes 4 Materials
Paying more for your wardrobe materials guarantees not only lasting durability but a more attractive finish 

As with most types of furniture, the materials you use for your fitted wardrobe installation will play a big part in determining the overall cost.

Naturally, higher quality materials come with a higher price tag, though the pay off is that they’re often much more durable and will, therefore, serve you well for years to come. Many of the higher-priced materials also tend to have a nicer-looking finish, though that is, of course, all a matter of taste.

Here’s a look at some of the more common wardrobe materials and how much you could expect to pay for them.

MDF ($15 – $40 per board)

At the bottom end of the scale, standard three-quarter-inch thick MDF boards are the cheapest option for building a basic, bare-bones wardrobe.

While this is going to have enough strength and durability for light-moderate use, if you think the finished product is going to hold a lot of weight, then spending extra money you can on a more sturdy material is going to prove to be a worthwhile investment.

Keep in mind isn’t exactly known for its aesthetic qualities either, so you may have to spend a bit more on wood veneer, furniture paint, or some other kind of finish.

Plywood ($20 – $60 per board)

The next level up, plywood is still fairly inexpensive yet offers a much solid and attractive alternative to MDF.

The latter all depends on the grade you buy, with higher grades such as stain grade and cabinet grade providing the kind of aesthetically-appealing finish that makes them suitable for furniture.

As you can imagine, the higher the grade, the higher the price, though if you did want to save money you could consider buying lower-grade plywood boards and adding your own finish with paint or a good quality wood stain.

It’s also worth pointing out that some experts will warn against using plywood as some varieties contain Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as urea-formaldehyde. Over the past couple of years, however, formaldehyde-free plywood has started to become commonplace on the shelves of the larger DIY stores. Again, choosing this option is going to add to your costs.

Solid Wood Veneer ($30 – $80 per board)

Plywood may offer better durability than MDF, but it’s still no match for a solid piece of pine or red oak.

Though it’s certainly the most expensive option, choosing a 3/4 inch real hardwood means you’ll end up with well-built fitted wardrobes that will last you a lifetime.

The best part is that you have a wide variety to choose from, with each type of wood offering a different look. Cherry, mahogany, maple and the aforementioned red oak are all popular choices, but if you’re undecided then be sure to discuss your options with the manufacturer or furniture supplier you’re working with and they’ll be happy to help you pick the right kind of wood for your bedroom.

Red Oak Wood Veneer Flat Cut

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Fitted Wardrobe Installation Labor Costs

Fitted Wardrobes 5 Joiner tools
If you have the right tools and expertise, you could save hundreds of dollars by installing the wardrobes yourself 

At the start of this guide, we said that you could expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 and $7,000 for a fitted wardrobe installation, though we also said that such figures included the cost of the actual wardrobe itself.

So, now that your new bedroom furniture has been selected, paid for and shipped out, how much is it going to cost to install it?

On average, you could expect to pay around $2,000 for wardrobe installation, though prices could vary between $1,500 and $3,500 depending on the size, customization, and whether you hire an independent joiner versus one employed by your furniture supplier.

With the latter, you have an important decision to make. Most manufacturers and furniture stores that offer an installation service tend to do so at a fixed price, meaning there’s going to be no hidden costs or nasty surprises when you get the final bill. It also means that you’ll be hiring a joiner with plenty of experience in working with the exact furniture you’ve purchased, guaranteeing a good quality job, and even if something does go wrong, your purchase is much more likely to be protected by a warranty.

On the other hand, an independent contractor may be able to offer a lower price, especially if you source quotes from several contractors and compare like-for-like.

Hiring a Professional vs. DIY Wardrobe Installation

One way to avoid these costs altogether is to do it yourself. As enticing as that idea may be for experienced home improvers, this isn’t the sort of project you should undertake if you don’t have absolute faith in your DIY skills.

Inaccurate measurements are the biggest cause of problems with DIY projects, and although you may adhere to the old “measure twice, cut once” rule, it only takes the slightest mistake to cause a major headache. Given how expensive your wardrobe was in the first place, that mistake could mean a lot of money goes down the proverbial drain.

Sure, there’s still the chance that a professional could make a mistake, but it’s far less likely. What’s more, even if they do, it’s up to them to absorb the additional costs, not you.

Finally, keep in mind installing fitted wardrobes isn’t exactly a quick job. Unless you’ve got plenty of time to spare, hiring a professional might make all the difference between having your new wardrobes fitted in a matter of days rather than weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fitted Wardrobe Installation

Fitted Wardrobes 6 Freestanding Wardrobe
Freestanding wardrobes like this one take up far less space than their fitted counterparts, making them a suitable alternative for smaller bedrooms. 

What’s the Difference Between a Fitted Wardrobe and a Closet?

The biggest difference is that closets are often built into the very architecture of your home, whereas fitted wardrobes are added later.

Especially in modern homes, closets tend to be incorporated into the blueprints and built in such a way that homeowners can still enjoy all the bedroom storage space they need without sacrificing valuable floor space in the bedroom itself.

However, there are some situations where you might have a bedroom that doesn’t have a built-in closet. This is particularly true if you’re adding a bedroom as part of a home extension project or converting a loft or a basement into a guest room, for example.

In those situations, you’d buy a fitted wardrobe and install it by fixing it securely to the wall. This affords you ample storage space, but it does end up making the room look and feel smaller.

Should I Buy a Freestanding Wardrobe or a Fitted Wardrobe?

There are a couple of reasons why buying a freestanding wardrobe may prove advantageous.

First of all, there’s the size and space issue. Again, as good as fitted wardrobes are, they take up a lot of space. If you only have a small bedroom to begin within, then installing a fitted wardrobe may simply be impractical and leave you with barely any space for other furniture, let alone to move around comfortably in.

A freestanding wardrobe takes up far less room, making it a better option for smaller spaces.

Secondly, there’s the costs to consider when thinking about getting wardrobes fitted. Even at the very top-end of the pricing scale, a freestanding wardrobe will cost less than a like-for-like fitted model. So, if you’ve looked at some of the figures we’ve quoted above and determined that new wardrobes are simply out of the question right now, go and have a look at some freestanding models instead as you’re likely to find something much better suited to your budget.

Finally, there’s the flexibility factor. Remember, once you get your wardrobes fitted, that’s it; they’re not moving until you decide to replace them altogether. Ultimately, this limits the amount of flexibility you have if you decide to rearrange your bedroom layout. No matter what you do, you’ll always be restricted by your wardrobes.

The good thing about freestanding models is that they can be picked up and moved around as often as you like, giving you a lot more freedom to change things up.

How Long Does it Take to Install Fitted Wardrobes?

If you hire a professional, they should take no more than two working days to install a small, two-section wardrobe, or three-four days for larger three and four-section pieces.

If you do the installation work yourself, then you can realistically add an extra day or two onto this time scale.

Final Thought: How to Save Money on Fitted Wardrobe Installation

If you’re like many homeowners with a limited budget, your top priority is going to be getting the best possible fitted wardrobe installation for the least amount of money.

Taking all of the above cost estimates into consideration, it becomes pretty apparent that the cheapest option is to buy a prefabricated wardrobe, break out your tools and do the hard work yourself. Prefab designs are the least expensive to buy, and if you eliminate the costs involved in paying a professional joiner, you could save hundreds -if not thousands- on your big bedroom renovation.

If you have a little more money to play with, then where you spend it will depend on how confident you are in your own DIY skills.

If you’ve never taken on a project of this size before, and if your free time is limited, then your money will be best spent on hiring a professional who can guarantee to turn the whole thing around in a few days without compromising high-quality workmanship.

If, on the other hand, you’re certain you knock the whole project out of the park (and if you have the time to do so), then you can take the money you’d save on contractor fees and use it to buy better quality materials.

Remember, once they’re installed, your new wardrobes will be a permanent fixture in your bedroom for a long time, so if there’s one thing you absolutely don’t want to scrimp on here, it’s quality. Spend whatever your budget will allow, and you’ll have wardrobes that are not only built to last, but that will make an attractive addition to your room for years to come.

CANVA IMAGE How Much Do Fitted Wardrobes Cost to Install