Built-in wardrobes are usually priced by the length of the wall they fill. As a general guide, an installed built-in costs about $1,000 to $1,500 per linear metre for a simple design, $1,500 to $2,200 for mid-range doors and fit-outs, and $2,500 to $3,500 or more for premium finishes. Walk-in robes are priced as a room of joinery and often start at around $20,000.
General price ranges
| Kind of wardrobe | What it usually involves | General range, installed |
|---|---|---|
| Simple built-in | Plain doors, a hanging rail and shelves | $1,000 to $1,500 per metre |
| Mid-range built-in | Sliding or hinged doors in woodgrain or mirror, with drawers and double hanging | $1,500 to $2,200 per metre |
| Premium built-in | Glass or premium doors, full-height panels and a detailed fit-out | $2,500 to $3,500 or more per metre |
| Walk-in robe | Hanging, shelves and drawers on more than one wall | From about $20,000 |
For example, a mid-range wardrobe across a 2.4 metre bedroom wall would come to about $3,600 to $5,300 installed. The figure for your own room comes from a free quote after the measure-up.
What moves the price
The doors. Sliding doors suit a tight room because nothing swings into the walkway, and a mirror panel saves wall space. Hinged doors open the whole wardrobe at once. Glass, mirror and woodgrain panels each sit at different prices.
The height. Taking the doors to the ceiling adds a top shelf for suitcases and seasonal things, and leaves no gap for dust. It uses more material than a wardrobe that stops short.
The inside. Most of the value is inside. Drawers cost more than shelves, and a fit-out with long and short hanging, shoe shelves and drawers costs more than a single rail. It is also what makes a wardrobe easy to live with.
The wall. Skirting boards, cornices, power points and walls that are out of square all need working around. A wardrobe made to measure fits the recess exactly, which is part of what you pay for.
Planning the inside
A good fit-out puts everyday clothes between hip and eye height, drawers where they can open fully, and the least-used things up high. Count how much you hang long, how much you fold and how many pairs of shoes you keep before deciding on the mix. The built-in wardrobes page has photos of doors and fit-outs.
What to measure before you call
- the width of the wall or recess
- the floor-to-ceiling height
- how deep you can go without blocking a door or walkway
- any power points, skirting or cornices in the way
A photo of the wall helps too. With those, the first conversation is quicker and the quote is closer to the mark.