Considering a DIY wardrobe or weighing up built-in wardrobe kits versus custom cabinetry? This guide gives Australian homeowners a clear roadmap, WA-specific tips, and expert insights from the team at Joyce Kitchens in Perth.
Why DIY built-in wardrobes?
DIY built-in wardrobes are a smart way to maximise storage, add value and personalise your bedroom layout. They suit both reach-in and walk-in spaces and can be achieved with off-the-shelf built in wardrobe kits or by constructing a custom solution from melamine or plywood carcasses and quality hardware. If you’d prefer a professionally designed solution to match your kitchen, bathroom or laundry renovation, Joyce Kitchens offers custom cabinetry WA-wide with an expert team in kitchen renovations Perth.
A storage installation fixed to walls (and often the floor/ceiling) with cabinetry, shelving, hanging rails and doors designed to look integrated with the room.
Core insights to get right before you start
- Measure twice: WA homes often have 2,400–2,700 mm ceilings. Verify skirting, cornice and floor level variation; allow for door clearances and scribe panels.
- Find studs and services: Use a quality stud finder and check for plumbing/electrical. Fixing to studs is essential for load capacity (refer to AS/NZS fastener guidance and cabinet practices such as AS/NZS 4386 for domestic cabinetry).
- Ventilation and heat: Western sun can heat up west-facing rooms; choose doors and finishes with good UV stability, and allow minimal airflow gaps to reduce humidity build-up.
- Plan zones: Long hang, short hang, shelving, soft-close drawers and shoe pull-outs. Think future-proofing for seasonal storage.
- Finish alignment: If your home has a Shaker kitchen or Hamptons theme, consider Shaker-profile wardrobe doors for consistency.
DIY Built-In Wardrobe Pre-Start Checklist
- Final measurements (width, height, depth) and plumb/level check
- Stud locations marked; services cleared
- Design plan with hanging/shelving/drawers and door type (sliding or hinged)
- Material list (board thickness, edging, hardware, tracks)
- Tools: track saw or circular saw with guide, drill/driver, level, square, stud finder, fixings
- Compliance and safety: dust extraction, PPE, and appropriate anchors to studs
The structural cabinet box (sides, base, top, back) onto which doors, shelves and drawers are fitted.
How to build a built-in wardrobe (step-by-step)
Whether you’re using a flat-pack kit or going fully custom, the process below covers how to make a built-in wardrobe that looks seamless and lasts.
1) Design and layout
- Choose between reach-in (typically 600 mm deep) or walk-in layouts with multiple carcasses.
- Decide on door type: sliding mirrored doors save space; hinged doors offer full access and suit Shaker profiles.
2) Prepare the space
- Remove old shelves/robes, repair walls, and level the floor. Scribe filler panels to uneven walls for a built-in look.
- Mark studs and heights for rails and top shelves. In WA, many studs are at 450 or 600 centres—confirm with your stud finder.
3) Build the carcasses
- Cut MR melamine or plywood panels to size (16–18 mm board is common). Edge tape visible edges.
- Assemble with confirmat screws or cam fittings; square and brace. Add a solid top shelf and cleats for fixing.
- Fix carcasses plumb to studs using appropriate screws. Shim where needed to keep doors true.
4) Internals and hardware
- Install hanging rails (approx. 1,600–1,700 mm for long hang; 1,000–1,100 mm for short hang). Use quality rail sockets.
- Fit soft-close drawers on 16–18 mm carcasses. Use reputable hardware (e.g., soft-close runners, sturdy shelf pins).
5) Doors and trims
- For sliding: install top and bottom tracks; ensure floor is level or use adjustable tracks. For hinged: fit quality concealed hinges and adjust for consistent reveals.
- Add scribes, fillers, cornice or pelmets to conceal gaps and tracks for a professional finish.
6) Finishing touches
- Seal cut edges, especially near windows/ensuites. Add LED strip lighting with door sensors if desired.
- Final adjust, clean, and enjoy your DIY wardrobe.
If you’re unsure how to construct a built-in wardrobe to suit tricky walls or ceiling rakes, our designers can tailor a custom wardrobe to match your laundry renovation or bathroom renovation, ensuring consistent profiles, colours and hardware.
Materials and finishes
Popular board options
- MR Melamine (16–18 mm): Affordable, durable and easy to clean; pick from matte or sheen finishes.
- Plywood: Strong and stable; great for shelves with heavy loads. Clear-sealed edges can look premium.
- MDF for doors: Ideal for Shaker profiles; finish in two-pack polyurethane or thermo-laminate (vinyl wrap).
MR stands for “moisture resistant” and usually refers to MDF or particleboard manufactured to resist short-term humidity exposure (see AS/NZS 1859 series for board products).
Door and surface finishes
- Melamine or laminate: Low maintenance and cost-effective. Good UV stability for Perth’s sun.
- Thermo-laminate (vinyl wrap): Offers routed designs like Shaker; avoid prolonged heat from western windows.
- Two-pack painted: Premium, wide colour choice, suits Hamptons/Shaker styles; allow proper curing.
- Mirror or glass: Expands light and space in smaller rooms.
Hardware
- Quality soft-close hinges and drawer runners
- Sturdy aluminium sliding door tracks and bottom rollers
- LED strip lighting with PIR sensors
Comparing DIY kit vs custom-built
| Feature | Built-in wardrobe kits | Custom-built by Joyce Kitchens |
|---|---|---|
| Fit and space use | Standard sizes; may leave gaps | Exact fit with scribes; maximises every millimetre |
| Design flexibility | Set modules; limited door profiles | Any configuration; Shaker, flat, mirror, glass, Hamptons |
| Durability | Varies by brand and board thickness | Cabinet-grade materials and proven hardware |
| Time and tools | Weekend project with basic tools | Designed, made and installed by professionals |
| Cost | Lower material cost | Higher upfront; long-term value and finish |
If you’re adding a dressing table or makeup nook to your robe, consider a durable top. For a premium look, an engineered stone benchtop is harder and more heat resistant than standard laminate, while laminate offers excellent value and a vast colour range to match your bedroom or pantry shelving themes.
For more on safe, durable cabinetry in Australia, consult reputable industry bodies like the HIA and Master Builders WA, or building guidance from WA’s regulator Building and Energy.
Layouts and styles (diy built in wardrobe ideas)
Layouts
- Single reach-in: 1–3 carcasses, sliding or hinged doors.
- Corner/L-shaped: Use corner hanging rails or shelves to avoid dead zones.
- Walk-in robe: Opposed carcasses with a central aisle; add an island with drawers if space allows.
Style ideas
- Contemporary: Flat doors, push-to-open drawers, integrated finger pulls.
- Hamptons/Shaker: Routed Shaker doors, matte white two-pack, cup pulls to complement a Shaker kitchen theme.
- Warm timber tones: Timber-look laminates or veneer for a boutique feel that flows with living areas.
For cohesion across your home, match door profiles and handles to your kitchen cabinet makers Perth selections, whether that’s matte laminate, timber accents or custom cabinetry with soft-close drawers.
Costs in Australia
- DIY built in wardrobe kits: Approximately $500–$2,000+ depending on size, doors and internals.
- DIY materials (custom): MR melamine/plywood, tracks and hardware may total $900–$3,500+ for a typical reach-in.
- Custom supply and install (Perth): From ~$2,500–$8,000+ for reach-ins; walk-ins vary with size and finish.
- Labour in WA: General carpentry/installation typically $80–$120/hour. Complex scribing and two-pack doors increase time and cost.
- Door upgrades: Mirrored sliding doors from ~$400–$900 each; premium Shaker hinged doors cost more than flat melamine.
- Lighting and power: Allow extra for a licensed electrician if adding lighting or GPOs.
Prices are indicative in AUD and vary by site conditions, material choice and specification. Always secure a written quote.
Two quick WA case-style examples
Subiaco apartment reach-in upgrade
A 2.4 m-wide reach-in used a DIY kit with added custom scribes. Sliding mirrored doors increased light. The owner later engaged Joyce Kitchens to replace the interiors with deeper drawers, matching their engineered stone benchtop colour from a recent kitchen update for a cohesive look.
Joondalup family home walk-in robe
A new walk-in robe used custom cabinetry to follow a raked ceiling. Shaker-profile hinged doors tied into the home’s Shaker kitchen. Internals included double hanging, shoe towers and soft-close drawers. The result maximised awkward corners and improved daily use.
Ready to go beyond DIY?
If you want a flawless finish without the weekend workload, book a free design consultation with Joyce Kitchens. Our Perth team designs and installs wardrobes that match your kitchen, laundry and bathroom style, using cabinet-grade materials and hardware trusted in high-end kitchen renovations Perth.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to build a built-in wardrobe or buy a kit?
A DIY kit is usually cheaper upfront and faster to install. Building from scratch can save money on large projects but needs more tools and time. Custom by Joyce Kitchens costs more but delivers the best fit and finish.
How deep should a built-in wardrobe be in Australia?
About 600 mm internal depth suits most hanging clothes and sliding doors. If you’re using hinged doors, 550–600 mm internal depth still works, but ensure door swing clearance and hallway space.
What materials are best for DIY wardrobes?
MR melamine (16–18 mm) is a great all-rounder for carcasses. MDF is ideal for Shaker doors with two-pack paint, while plywood offers extra strength for heavy shelving. Use quality soft-close hardware.
Can I build a built-in wardrobe in a rental?
Only with your landlord’s written approval. Built-ins are fixed joinery and may require reinstatement. Consider freestanding robes or modular systems if you need something removable.
Should I choose sliding or hinged wardrobe doors?
Sliding doors save space and suit narrow rooms; mirrored sliders add light. Hinged doors provide full access and classic styling (great for Shaker/Hamptons looks) but need swing clearance.