Custom Wardrobes
Discussion
We're thinking of getting some bespoke wardrobes built, and wanted advice no which route to go down - local carpenter or company specialising in such things? We'd like something that has glossy doors and drawers, but don't mind what the innards consist of.
Found these online places, but any recommendations are welcome
http://www.customwardrobes.co.uk/
http://www.jvcarpentry.com/
http://www.wardrobesonline.co.uk/
http://www.customcarpentry.co.uk
Found these online places, but any recommendations are welcome
http://www.customwardrobes.co.uk/
http://www.jvcarpentry.com/
http://www.wardrobesonline.co.uk/
http://www.customcarpentry.co.uk
We just went through this, having fitted wardrobes to 2 rooms with sloping ceilings. Our findings:
1. Neither is going to be cheap.
2. Joiner/carpenters all (we spoke to 6 in total) seemed to have a teeth-sucking moment before quoting an arm and a leg for MDF or chipboard carcasses. I guess their excessive use of the word "bespoke" justifies their prices. They all seem to quote 2+ months for completion.
3. Perhaps most importantly in our case, we wanted high-gloss doors (a kind of coloured foil wrap) and all the tradesmen we spoke to were unable to provide this type of finish.
In the end we used a dedicated wardrobe specialist. The final agreed price was signficantly lower than the original estimate they provided and we got gloss doors; fitted within 4 weeks from signature. Still relatively expensive, but we got what we wanted.
We have a number of similar wardrobes in other rooms/properties and are happy that they are durable.
Hope this helps.
1. Neither is going to be cheap.
2. Joiner/carpenters all (we spoke to 6 in total) seemed to have a teeth-sucking moment before quoting an arm and a leg for MDF or chipboard carcasses. I guess their excessive use of the word "bespoke" justifies their prices. They all seem to quote 2+ months for completion.
3. Perhaps most importantly in our case, we wanted high-gloss doors (a kind of coloured foil wrap) and all the tradesmen we spoke to were unable to provide this type of finish.
In the end we used a dedicated wardrobe specialist. The final agreed price was signficantly lower than the original estimate they provided and we got gloss doors; fitted within 4 weeks from signature. Still relatively expensive, but we got what we wanted.
We have a number of similar wardrobes in other rooms/properties and are happy that they are durable.
Hope this helps.
As a bespoke cabinet maker my advice is do not use foil wrap doors, make sure the high gloss is a true paint finish, foil wrap is the cheapest version {sorry razor).
Be aware any scratches and your done for, unless you buy acrylic doors which can be re-polished.
Darker colours show scratches the worst.
Be aware any scratches and your done for, unless you buy acrylic doors which can be re-polished.
Darker colours show scratches the worst.
Edited by evo4a on Friday 10th December 06:56
Your point is well made Evo4a and cannot disagree with your comments regarding foil finish.
For us mere mortals (having looked at your impressive website (& skill)) the bespoke you seem to offer exceeds that on offer from most joiners/carpenters and also, certainly in my case, my budget.
In my case, the foil doors installed have lasted 10 years and are still in good condition, albeit without excessive abuse. I can also get replacements relatively simply should I wish to change the style or need to repair.
It is, perhaps, a case of horses for courses.
For us mere mortals (having looked at your impressive website (& skill)) the bespoke you seem to offer exceeds that on offer from most joiners/carpenters and also, certainly in my case, my budget.
In my case, the foil doors installed have lasted 10 years and are still in good condition, albeit without excessive abuse. I can also get replacements relatively simply should I wish to change the style or need to repair.
It is, perhaps, a case of horses for courses.
As a professional I would like to comment on some of the points raised:
1) As rightly commentd by evo4a, acrylic can be repolished; wet & dry sandpaper as for cars. I am afraid that visible scratches go hand in hand with high gloss.
The initial high cost might be justified by the fact that it has got a finish which is quite unique, colour does not fade, they are tough, can be repaired.
2) Comments from razor11: viny foil wrapped doors can also be over painted. I sometimes use foil wraped doors in-the-white, ready for painting and I have also "reconditioned" old doors as it can be filled prior painting. I agree that they can last for year as, although vinyl is relatively soft, there is not much wear in a door as you do not rest or drag things on it.
3)The original post mentioned glossy doors: you cannot really get that finish with foil wrapped vinyl alone and a paint finish will be required. I sometimes use a professional furniture spray paint service: stunning high gloss finish and also stunning cost, more than acrylic.
Joiner/Carpenters in general: I am afraid we need to run it as business if we do not want to go under. I can also assure you that none of us gets incredibly rich.
A two months compleation date means to us, self employed, that we only have guaranted work for two months.
The "bespoke" word: it might be overused (in fact my website http://www.custombuiltsolutions.co.uk has a whole page dedicated to "The bespoke process"
I personally talk about it because it's my strength, pride and, of course, my selling point. I can cope with a variety of custom made jobs and offer a large choice of design, material, finish and strive to meet the client wishes. I sometimes cannot financially compete with firms that restric themselves to wardrobes assembled with factory made components.
1) As rightly commentd by evo4a, acrylic can be repolished; wet & dry sandpaper as for cars. I am afraid that visible scratches go hand in hand with high gloss.
The initial high cost might be justified by the fact that it has got a finish which is quite unique, colour does not fade, they are tough, can be repaired.
2) Comments from razor11: viny foil wrapped doors can also be over painted. I sometimes use foil wraped doors in-the-white, ready for painting and I have also "reconditioned" old doors as it can be filled prior painting. I agree that they can last for year as, although vinyl is relatively soft, there is not much wear in a door as you do not rest or drag things on it.
3)The original post mentioned glossy doors: you cannot really get that finish with foil wrapped vinyl alone and a paint finish will be required. I sometimes use a professional furniture spray paint service: stunning high gloss finish and also stunning cost, more than acrylic.
Joiner/Carpenters in general: I am afraid we need to run it as business if we do not want to go under. I can also assure you that none of us gets incredibly rich.
A two months compleation date means to us, self employed, that we only have guaranted work for two months.
The "bespoke" word: it might be overused (in fact my website http://www.custombuiltsolutions.co.uk has a whole page dedicated to "The bespoke process"
I personally talk about it because it's my strength, pride and, of course, my selling point. I can cope with a variety of custom made jobs and offer a large choice of design, material, finish and strive to meet the client wishes. I sometimes cannot financially compete with firms that restric themselves to wardrobes assembled with factory made components.
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