DIY Built-In Wardrobe

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Reader Projects ⁄ Build

DIY Built-In Wardrobe, Handyman Magazine,

Combine a pair of flat-packed units with hanging rods for practical storage.

Most bedrooms in newly built homes have a dedicated area for a built-in robe included in one or all of the bedrooms.

There are a number of ways to make use of this space, from a simple shelf and single hanging rod to stacked shelves, drawers, trouser rack pull-outs, shoe racks and more.

Readymade flat-packed kits in a wide variety of combinations are available at a fraction of the cost of custom-built designs. They are easy to assemble and install DIY and can be configured to suit any space.

In this bedroom the wardrobe space was 2060 high x 1800mm wide and had already been fitted with a top shelf 1650mm above the floor. All it needed was some units to fit neatly into the space beneath the shelf.

As they were for a young girl’s room, the units were configured to maximise drawer space with open shelving to display treasures and provide easy access. Two hanging rods were added between the units and spaced to suit smaller clothes sizes.

Flat-pack kits

We used two flat-packed wardrobe kits in the Multi-store Premia Organiser series, from Bunnings.

The MAXI 16J3, $328, has three drawers and shelves, and the MAXI C16, $347, has five drawers and two shelves. Both units are 1650mm high, 608mm wide and 450mm deep, ideal for a neat, tight fit under the top shelf.

TIP Not all products are in-store, go the Bunnings website and search Multi-store for the complete range.

Install hanging rods

Two hanging rods were secured between the wardrobe units, one positioned 50mm from the top and the other aligned with the shelves either side. Measure the space between the units, clamp the rods in a vice and cut to length using a hacksaw. TIP We used Award 900 x 25mm rods, about $6 each, and flanges, about $3 a pair. awardbrands.com.au

MARK THE WARDROBE UNITS by sliding the oval flanges over the rod ends, position between the robes, check for level and mark the screw hole locations.

SECURE THE RODS by drilling 1.5mm pilot holes to 10mm deep at the marked positions. Secure therods through the flanges with the supplied screws.

Adding doors

To finish the Multi-store wardrobe, install sliding doors. Choose 2010 x 910mm white melamine doors, costing $206 each, mirror doors, $245 each, or a combination. Running on 1800 x 76mm white aluminium double tracks, $65, they’re secured at the top and base of the opening. For more door options, go to multi-store.com.au/brochures.php.

Step 1. Attach the side runners

Position the unit sides face down. Position the outer runners with the wheel at the front and base on the specified holes, securing with screws. Secure the centre shelf cam-lock pins.

Step 2. Assemble the units

Stand a pair of sides on their front edges and secure the top, base and kickboard to one side only using screws, attaching the centre shelf with cam locks. Secure the other side.

Step 3. Secure the back panel

Position the back panel, using it to ensure the unit corners are square. Mark a line 8mm in from all edges as a guide and secure with nails spaced at 100mm centres.

Step 4. Glue the V joints

Lay the drawer boxes flat with the V joints face up. Apply a bead of PVA adhesive to the joints, spread it with a spatula, then add a few drops of adhesive to the dowel holes.

Step 5. Build the drawer boxes

Position the base in the groove on the inside edge of the drawer and fold the sides around it. Align the dowels and holes, pushing down firmly to lock the dowels in position.

Step 6. Add the drawer runners

Turn the drawer box upside down, position the runners with the wheels on top and push the runner tab into the 5mm holes in the back of the box, securing the runners with screws.

Step 7. Attach the battens

Locate the studs on the side walls of the wardrobe space using a stud finder. Cut 42 x 19mm pine battens to fit, securing to the studs below the built-in top shelf with 65mm x 8g screws.

Step 8. Secure the units

Position the wardrobe units, check for plumb and drill 2mm pilot holes into the battens through the sides, securing with 40mm x 8g screws. If you can, secure to the top shelf too.

Step 9. Install the drawers

Position the U shaped channel in the groove on each drawer front and secure the handles with screws using the predrilled holes. Slide the drawers into position, engaging the runners.

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