Planning Fitted Wardrobes: Seven Details to Include in a Joinery Brief

A fitted wardrobe should work for the things you own and the way you use your bedroom. Before choosing a door colour, make a short brief that explains the storage you need, the space available and what you expect the installation to include.

These seven details give a joiner a useful starting point for a site visit and a written quote.

1. Start with your storage, not the door style

List what needs to go inside: long coats, shirts, folded clothes, shoes, bags or bulky bedding. Count the items that need hanging space and think about which shelves or drawers you use every day.

For example, two people sharing one wardrobe may want separate hanging sections and different drawer arrangements. A clear description helps the joiner propose an internal layout you can review before agreeing the design.

2. Share photographs and approximate dimensions

Send a straight-on photograph of the proposed wall and another showing the wider room. Note the approximate width, height and depth available, plus any sloping ceiling or awkward corner. Label your measurements as approximate; the joiner should confirm the dimensions needed for manufacture.

Include skirting boards, sockets, radiators and nearby doors in the photographs. These details affect the layout and should be discussed before materials are ordered.

3. Think through how the doors will open

Show where the bed and bedside tables sit. Ask the joiner to explain how the proposed doors and internal drawers will open with the room furnished. If you are considering sliding doors, discuss how much of the interior you can access at once.

Choose handles or handle-free details with everyday use in mind. Ask to see a sample or an example of the proposed finish rather than relying only on a small screen image.

4. Separate essential features from optional extras

Write two short lists. Essentials might include a full-height hanging section, adjustable shelves and a particular exterior finish. Optional extras might include pull-out accessories, mirrors or additional drawers.

This makes it easier to revise the design if the first quote exceeds your budget. Ask for optional features to be priced separately so you can see what each change adds.

5. Confirm the materials and finish

Request a written description of the visible doors, internal panels, edging, hardware and finish. Ask whether painting or finishing happens before installation or in your home, and whether any final decorating is included.

Two wardrobes can look similar in a photograph while using different construction details. Compare the specification as well as the appearance and total price.

6. Agree the installation arrangements

Tell the joiner about stairs, parking and the route into the bedroom. Ask what must be removed from the room and how much working space they need. Confirm whether they dismantle existing furniture and remove packaging or waste.

If the design includes lighting or changes around electrical fittings, ask who will assess and carry out that part of the work. Do not leave it as an assumption in the furniture quote.

7. Review the drawing and quote together

Before placing an order, check the agreed layout against the written specification. Useful points to record include:

• The number and position of hanging sections, shelves and drawers.
• Door style, finish, handles and internal materials.
• Work included before and after installation.
• Estimated lead time and installation duration.
• Payment stages and how later design changes are priced.
• Who to contact if adjustment or follow-up work is needed.

Keep the final drawing and written agreement together. If you change a feature, ask for the updated details before work proceeds.

Ready to contact a local joiner?

Send your postcode, room photographs, approximate dimensions, storage priorities and preferred timing in your first enquiry. You do not need a finished design: a clear brief is enough to start a useful discussion.

Browse local businesses on JobIntroducer and ask suitable joiners about their fitted-storage experience, availability and quotation process.