Should Wardrobes Go in Before the Carpet?

 

When planning a home renovation or new build, deciding on the order of installations can feel like a puzzle. One common question we’re asked is: “Should wardrobes go in before the carpet?” The short answer? It depends on your priorities, but installing wardrobes first has some distinct advantages. Let’s break it down.

 

Why Install Wardrobes Before Carpet?

1. Clean and Precise Installation – Installing wardrobes before laying carpet ensures they’re secured directly to the subfloor. This creates a more stable foundation and avoids compressing the carpet, which can lead to uneven wear over time.

2. Cost Savings with Standard Wardrobes – Standard wardrobes—like sliding door or hinged door designs without full carcass construction—are often installed without flooring with existing floors, walls, and ceilings exposed to reduce costs. If the wardrobe is installed after carpet, the flooring inside remains exposed so you will see the existing carpet. While carpet layers can cut and fit carpet into these areas afterward, it’s less seamless.

3. Ease of Carpet Replacement – If the wardrobe is installed first, carpet layers will fit a cutout of carpet inside the wardrobe. This approach allows for easier carpet replacement in the future, as the carpet in the main room can be replaced without removing the wardrobe. In contrast, installing a wardrobe over carpet can make replacing the flooring a more complex and process. You will need to replace the carpet around the wardrobe and leave existing carpet underneath the wardrobe. Or if you want the old carpet removed from underneath the wardrobe you will need to remove the wardrobe to remove the carpet.

4. Customisation Options – For high-end, full carcass construction wardrobes—where the cabinetry includes a floor, walls, and ceiling—this consideration is less relevant since the internal wardrobe flooring is already integrated and our approach is to cut the carpet out around the wardrobe. However, these wardrobes come at a higher price point. Standard wardrobes, which expose the existing floor, are a cost-effective alternative and benefit from the wardrobe-first approach.

 

Should Carpet Ever Go in First?

While less common, some people prefer to lay carpet first for a uniform, wall-to-wall appearance. However, this approach has drawbacks:

  • It increases carpet costs as you’re carpeting areas that will be covered.
  • The weight of the wardrobe can compress the carpet and underlay, leading to potential damage. This is why we will cut the carpet away from around the wardrobe so we can fix off to the subfloor but still keeping it under the ladder kickframe so as not to make a visible cut once installed. It’s important to use qualified cabinet makers to ensure that the wardrobe is installed correctly.
  • It complicates future carpet replacement.

 

Our recommendation

In most cases, wardrobes should go in before carpet, particularly for standard wardrobes without full carcass construction. This order ensures a cleaner installation, simplifies future carpet changes, and saves on unnecessary flooring costs. If you’re planning your wardrobe and flooring, take time to consider the type of wardrobe you’re installing and its impact on your flooring choice. At Fox, we’re here to help guide you through these decisions and provide tailored wardrobe solutions that suit your style and budget. Need more advice? Reach out to us today to get started on your dream space!

 

Why Choose Fox Wardrobes and Cabinetry?

At Fox, we pride ourselves on being trade-qualified cabinet makers. Our team brings specialized skills and a commitment to excellence to every project. We use only the best hardware, materials, and practices to ensure your cabinetry is built to last.

We are members of the Timber Trade Industry Association (TTIA) and Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA) ensuring we are up to date with the latest industry issues and challenges and are on the leading edge of industry developments.

When you choose Fox, you’re engaging a company that values quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. Our expertise means that even if challenges arise during your project, we have the knowledge and resources to address them effectively.

For your next cabinetry project, trust your local trade-qualified cabinet makers.

 

At Fox Wardrobes, we understand that every project is unique, and every client has distinct preferences. Our goal is to provide tailored solutions that meet your unique requirements while ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality. Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way. You can see more of our projects on instagram and Facebook for inspiration. Reach out via online enquiry today or call our office on 9971 8802.