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New wardrobes are usually carpentered on site so that the homeowner can get the design customised as per their requirements and monitor the quality of materials used for the wardrobe. This article will give you the cost-wise break up of different materials that can be used for the wardrobe so that one can calculate its approximate cost.

Size of the wardrobe
The overall cost of the wardrobe is calculated on the basis of square feet. How?

• The total length of the wardrobe should be multiplied by the height to get the size of the wardrobe. For example, if the wardrobe is 6 feet long and 7 feet high, then the size of the wardrobe will be 42 square feet.

Type of plywood
Use commercial- or marine-grade plywood to fabricate the basic structure of the wardrobe.

• Commercial-grade plywood is commonly used for fabricating the structural framework of the wardrobe. The cost of 19 mm commercial grade plywood is around ₹100 per square foot.
• For better quality of plywood, it is advisable to go for marine-grade plywood because it is stronger, resistant to water and long lasting. The cost of 19 mm marine-grade plywood is around ₹125 per square foot.

External finish
Use material finishes such as laminate, acrylic, glass, veneer and so on for the external facade of the wardrobe.

• The cost of decorative laminates ranges between ₹1000 and ₹4000 per sheet. The standard size of each sheet is 8x4 feet.
• Toughened, laminated, frosted or tinted glass can be incorporated within the design of the wardrobe. The cost of clear toughened glass starts at ₹100 per square foot and varies according to its thickness.

• Veneers are thin sheets of natural wood that are fixed onto the exteriors of the wardrobe. Good-quality veneers are available at a price of ₹75 onwards – note that the surface has to be polished at an additional cost.

External polish

• Popular finishes used on wood veneers are melamine polish and PU (polyurethane) finish. Both these finishes are available in gloss and matte finish. Melamine polish starts at ₹140 per square foot while PU (polyurethane) finish starts at ₹180 per square foot.

Internal finish
The internal surfaces of the wardrobe have to be finished in materials such internal laminate, hand polish or wood paint.

• Use 0.7–0.8millimetre-thick laminates as the internal lining of the wardrobe. These laminates start at ₹25 per square foot. Laminate is very easy to clean and maintain.
• The internal surface of the wardrobe can be hand-polished in a colour that is similar to the veneer used on the external surface of the wardrobe. The cost of hand polishing starts at ₹40 per square foot.
• If you are working on a budget, then consider using wood paint for the internal surfaces of the wardrobe. One drawback is that the paint chips and looks shabby after a period of time.

Hardware
The basic hardware, such as hinges and handle, is available in different varieties and costs. Choose according to taste and budget.

• For a decorative look, consider designer handles, like in the image above; they come at an additional cost.
• Sliding door shutters will require good-quality hardware that is rust-proof and ensures swift movement of the sliding shutters. Premium quality hardware is available in brands such as Hafele.

Labour costs
The labour cost of carpentry for a basic wardrobe starts at ₹450 per square foot. This cost may vary according to the design of the wardrobe.

Overall cost of wardrobe
The basic cost of a hinged wardrobe in commercial-grade ply and laminate finish can cost around ₹1800 per square foot, while a wardrobe in veneer finish can cost above ₹2000 per square feet.