Have you ever felt that your bedroom has too many belongings and insufficient space to put them all? Overflowing closets, belongings stacked haphazardly, and miscellaneous items taking up space on the floor can quickly make a room feel cluttered. Having a tidy, organised wardrobe, where space is optimised appeals to most of us. But what if there was a straightforward solution to this pervasive problem? And what if we told you it’s a DIY solution that can be accomplished on a weekend?
Yes, you read that correctly. In just a few days, you can build your fitted wardrobe using the ever-versatile MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). Let’s explore the process together.
The Magic of Fitted Wardrobes with MDF
A custom-built fitted wardrobe does more than just solve storage problems; it allows homeowners to use every square inch of available space. Whether under the stairs, tucked away in a room’s corner, or spanning an entire wall, MDF wardrobes are a game-changer. Beyond the functionality, this DIY project lets you tailor the design to your room’s aesthetics and colour palette, making it blend seamlessly.
Step 1: Scouting the Location
Your first task is determining where you’d like your wardrobe to reside. Take accurate measurements of the space, considering the room’s height. Utilizing the height can grant you more storage space if you’re working with a smaller room.
Step 2: Craft the Blueprint
Based on your measurements, chalk out your wardrobe’s dimensions. A single door typically requires about 50cm in width. For a double door, double the width. Consider the door swing direction and interior layout. Ponder over the belongings you’ll be storing. Will it mostly be clothes? Shoes? Accessories? Plan your shelves, drawers, and hanging areas accordingly.
Step 3: Equip Yourself
Equip yourself with the right tools. Here’s your checklist:
- Measuring tape
- Screws (varied lengths)
- A saw (preferably a circular saw or jigsaw for larger cuts)
- Electric drill and screwdriver
- Wood plane
- Wood adhesive or glue.
Step 4: Blueprint to Reality
Before cutting, spend ample time sketching a detailed blueprint, marking each compartment and its dimensions. For the main body and compartments, 18mm thick MDF panels are perfect, while 12mm panels work best for doors.
Head to your local timber store with precise measurements; they might offer cutting services that can save you time and guarantee precision.
Construct the outer frame of the wardrobe first. Strengthen the structure with corner brackets and screws. Once your primary structure is sturdy, focus on the interior compartments.
Step 5: Building Shelves and Drawers
Label each board. For the interiors, consider creating grooves that will help slide panels into place. Secure them using screws to the adjacent horizontal or vertical panels.
For drawers:
- Measure and cut the four sides.
- Use adhesive to hold the sides together before screwing them in place.
- Attach runners on both sides of the drawers.
- Test for fit and alignment within the wardrobe.
- Optionally, add a front panel to bolster sturdiness and ease knob installations.
For shelves, simply cut them to size and secure them with brackets. Then, attach the doors and watch your wardrobe take shape.
Step 6: Fine-tuning with Finishing Touches
MDF is renowned for its smooth finish. However, you might need to smoothen the edges where cuts have been made. No extensive sanding is required, making your work more straightforward.
Step 7: Accessorize with Hardware
When it comes to screws, choose those that leave a minimal footprint on your MDF panels. Get drawer runners, knobs, or handles for drawers and doors. Corner brackets are advisable for added stability; don’t forget shelf brackets.
To Sum Up
Building an MDF fitted wardrobe is more than just a weekend DIY project; it’s an opportunity to enhance your living space, showcase your creativity, and solve those persistent storage problems. You can create a storage masterpiece with some fundamental tools, quality materials, and a dash of planning. Embrace the challenge and reap the rewards of a clutter-free bedroom!