Built-in wardrobes upgraded with shelving

[JoeAzza]

One of my niece’s has three built in wardrobes that were built to suit suit her young family, now they are growing up, the robes need more longer hanging space and extra shelving, I reconfigured the area and built extra shelving for each robe and refitted the top shelving, giving much needed extra hanging space and more shelves.

Materials

16mm melamine

White iron on edging

fStick on covers for screws

Countersunk screws for melamine

Shelving pins

Tools

Makita tracksaw

Hot air gun for laminate edging

Drill, drill bit with countersink 

Impact driver

Tape measure

Pencil

Screw driver

Pin shelf jig, homemade

various clamps

Steps

Step 1

Measure and cut melamine sheets for shelving unit

i used a Makita track saw, I was surprised with the finished cut edge, no chipping of the melamine, this track saw allows a scoring cut of 2mm, then the full cut , reducing chipping.

Step 2

Install edging, drill shelving pin holes, using home made pin shelf jig

Measure cut adjustable shelves, install edging.

Fit adjustable shelves

In

Step 3

install existing shelves and drawers.

install new shelving

install top shelf and wardrobe rail

I have also attach a short video of the wardrobes.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBDw5CXSAl6/?igsh=MXRxdm81amN5b2o2OQ==

[EricL]

Hi @JoeAzza 

That is an excellent upgrade to the wardrobes. It's very well planned as there is space for long items, shirt space and drawers for other clothing items. I'm sure your niece is very happy with the upgrade as it was custom made by you.

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful project.   

Eric

[Alisonop]

I'd like to make a small unit with shelves for shoes. How do I get the melamine cut to size?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Alisonop,

We offer in-store panel cutting, which you could utilise, though it is not a precision cutting service, and they can not cut to an exact size. If you were after custom-sizing then it would likely be best to cut the timber at home yourself with a circular saw.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Alisonop]

Thank u. I have calculated how much wood I need, and will cut them to size with a skillsaw. What is the best way to suspend/attach the shelves to the uprights?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Alisonop,

Shelf support pins like these Taskmaster 5mm Clear Plastic Shelf Support Pin are the easiest way to support your shelves.

You'll need a drill and a 5mm Drill Bit. Measure and mark holes in your uprights ensuring they are level with each other. 

Measure the length of the pin on your shelf support and place a piece of tape on your drill bit at the same distance from the tip of the drill bit. This tape can be used as a gauge for depth while drilling your holes.

Once the hole is drilled, simply put the support pins in place and put your shelf on top.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Alisonop]

Thank u so much. And the top and bottom of the frame to the sides?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Alisonop,

Depending on how deep your uprights are, you can use 3-4 of these Zenith 8G x 30mm Countersunk Rib Head Chipboard Screws through either side of the top and bottom pieces into your uprights. 

You can use these Ryobi Countersink Drill Bits to drill and countersink your pilot holes. Use the allen key to adjust the depth of the drill bit in the #6 bit so the tip of the drill bit extends past the countersink by around 25mm.

Once your screws are in place, you can use these white screw caps to hide them and give yourself a nice clean finish.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jacob