I build wardrobes for a living.
I used to be a designer (read salesman) for Hammonds and also for Betta Bedrooms. They’re both better than Sharps. After a while I figured that I could build furniture as good for half the price. (Half the end of night, midnight call to the sales manager, I shouldn’t be giving it away at this price don’t tell the boss I’ll get the sack price, not the Initial quoted price.)
The advantage these firms have over B&Q, Ikea etc. are that they have a few (but only a few) more or less standard sizes. And they’ll fit them in a day or two. AND they have solid backs, not cardboard.
If the sizes are right for you you can make a good job with the flatpack stuff. The hinges etc are nothing as good as the Blum ones I use but when does that really matter? But the key is to measure really accurately and get some Contiboard or similar cut to the internal dimensions and use that instead of the supplied backs. Then you’re doing OK.
If you’re handy you can make a decent job of the sliding doors from B&Q, Homebase, Argos (they all use the same ones).
I’m based in Stafford and I really must update my website with some of my latest work. http://www.smartrooms101.co.uk
All my doors are made to measure, so I look at the span required, take off the bit either end for infils and door clearances, framing (if required) then divide by the number of doors. If I need 2037mm x 453mm doors, that’s what my supplier at http://www.auniquechoice.co.uk (sorry can’t get it to embed) sends me.
Oh, and a tip – If you use Betta Bedrooms (or Betta Living) for a quote, as long as you say no, far too expensive, in about 4 weeks they contact you again and send somebody round who offers you a fantastic deal. Knocks another 50% of the best previous quote.
