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We often get quotes from Interior Designers for wardrobes but we have no idea how these cost of wardrobes are calculated. Some quotes contain just one figure for a certain size wardrobe and others gives prices on square feet basis. The former figure is usually derived from the latter.
We will take the square feet price and explain here how to get a rough estimate of the cost of a wardrobe. Note that we are taking the markets of Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune to give the range of prices and they may vary based on any of the factors listed in the article.
Firstly, we need to understand what is this “square feet” that we keep hearing about. For this, consider the sketch in the Figure below.
This is a two sliding door wardrobe from one of our projects. Imagine standing in front of the wardrobe. Calculate the height. In this case, it is 7’. (7’ is usually considered as a standard wardrobe height and lofts are adjusted in height based on ceiling heights.) Next, calculate the width from right to left. In this case, its 3’+3’ = 6’. Now multiply the two to get the square feet or sft of the wardrobe. So the wardrobe in this figure is 7’X6’ = 42 square feet.
Now, to calculate the square feet rates, many parameters have to be ascertained apart from site based parameters like work timings, location etc. Some of these are listed below:
Labor costWhether you want a wardrobe made in a factory and installed or a wardrobe made completely on location, a carpenter is essential. This cost usually depends on supply and demand as well as cost of living of the city. This also varies based on the experience of the carpenters and other workers.
Design ComplexitySome wardrobe designs are complex. Some include more number of drawers which increases time as well as material. Some wardrobe doors have complex designs which have to be cut out or carved by the workers. Complexity of design results not just in determining time required but also wastage of material and they have a direct impact on cost and hence the rates.
Factories are usually not aligned to make highly complex or different designs since you do not have a lot of flexibilities which come with hand work. But, they also take lesser time.
Choice of plywoodOf course, plywood can be replaced by particle board (please no!) or MDF (well…depends…) but even plywood comes in many different qualities. You have garjan plywoods which are very cheap (some even as low as Rs.30 or so per square feet for a 18 mm commercial ply) but not durable to some amazing plywoods which could go upto few 100’s. Some of the more famous companies of plywood are Greenply and Century which make different brands and qualities of plywood with rates which vary drastically.
What kind of doors do you want?Simple option to choose: Sliding or normal doors. Other variations are where you may opt for a bottom drawer with doors starting above it. Many possibilities and each affects the price of wardrobe. Ideally, sliding doors will increase the price because the cost of channels is usually many times the cost of hinges which they replace. Some vendors do say that they do not charge anything extra but be careful since lot of local channels come for a fraction of cost of a Hettich, Ebco or Hafele channel. Under no circumstances should any unknown brand be accepted. (Note: you may have a carpenter coming and saying that the channel is “branded”. Understand that branded does not mean good quality.)
Roughly, add around Rs.1,500 for every feet of width of wardrobe for a normal closing channel. So, in the above image, 6’ width will cost around Rs.9,000 extra. This is just rough calculation please. Soft closures will cost extra.
Which finish are you selecting for your wardrobe?This is where things get really confusing. While most people may not know the many different kind of things available, finishes vary based on looks required as well as budgets. Factories cannot work on all finishes and hence usually only recommend laminate or acrylic or lacquer glass. Pre-laminated particle board (or PLPB) is also used but we do not recommend it. Other finishes can include PU, polyester (or polycoat or lamination), duco, veneer with melamine, veneer with PU, acrylic paint or some really amazing experiments can be done using stickers, wallpapers (yes on wardrobes!), mirrors…
Apart from the above, many other points like type of closures, brands of hardware, type of handles, number and size of drawers etc also have small or medium impact on prices. Kind of services and quality and experience of designers can also have a big impact on the prices.
We will give approximate range for some of the finishes in square feet below. Here, we assume a good quality garjan ISI IS303 plywood, hardware from Hettich with normal close hinges and finish as mentioned. Of course, use of Greenply Gold may increase prices by another Rs.150-200 and so on.
Do get in touch with us for your own customized quote at whatsapp 9341074074
Type of Finish | Rupees per Square Feet* |
---|---|
Laminate | Rs.1200 to Rs.1450 |
Acrylic Sheet | Rs.1300 to Rs.1700 |
Veneer with Melamine | Rs.1350 to Rs.1750 |
Polyurethane (PU) | Rs.1400 to Rs.1850 |
Liquid Acrylic | Rs.1500 to Rs.2000 |
Lacquer Glass | Rs.1500 to Rs.2100 |
Polyester | Rs.1500 to Rs.2100 |
Please do get in touch with us at enquiry@simplyinteriors.in or whatsapp us at 9341074074 for any of your requirements.
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Anthony Stephens