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DIY Wardrobe insert shelves

DexterOz

I have wardrobe with no shelves or partition, so i want to build standalone insert shelves that sits between

the current partition. I have tried to measure and put down on paper roughly.

Question : a) Is that the correct way to measure or do i need to leave more margins on side

b) Is melamine particle board good for wardrobe

c) Do Bunnings cuts board to size or i can cut using reciprocating saw

d) What kind of screws to use with melamine

Any additional tips for first timer

Thanks in anticipation

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EricL

Hello @DexterOz

When you are fitting a cabinet into an existing space. It is very rare that the actual space is square. You'll sometimes notice that the back area is either 1mm or 2mm shorter than the front. When this happens you find yourself in a quandary as you've cut the timber exactly. To answer your first question, I suggest measuring the space at the front and back to see if they are square. Provide yourself with a 2mm gap so that it will be easy to slide the cabinet in.

Melamine particle board is perfect for the wardrobe. The white clean surface of the melamine board is the ideal material to use when storing clothing. I recommend using Zenith 8G x 40mm Countersunk Rib Head Chipboard Screws - 28 Pack to hold it together. My top tip for your project is to drill pilot holes for all the screws that you'll be using.

To make your assembly easier, I suggest using Trojan 75mm Mitre & Corner Clamp.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

DexterOz

Thanks @EricL good point I just measured at the bottom to assume it was square. i will again measure from

front to back and add that 2mm margin.Thanks for sharing the links.

DexterOz

I have updated the measurements, the space was not a perfect square some reason the back is a bit smaller not sure how but to eyes it looks normal.

1) To fix the corners 90 degree should i use the above mentioned screws drill it into the board straight

2) For the shelf in between i am thinking to use Taskmaster 5mm Pin White Plastic Shelf Support - 20 Pack - Bunnings Australia

3) do i need to use wood glue

4) shelf support holes would it be ok to drill pilot holes is there some sort jig. One i could find on bunnings is very expensive Kreg 5mm Shelf Pin Jig - Bunnings Australia

5) can i get this cut to measure at bunnings

Thanks

MitchellMc

Hi @DexterOz,

The Trojan 75mm Mitre & Corner Clamp will assist in you joining the corners at 90 degrees with Zenith 8G x 40mm Countersunk Rib Head Chipboard Screws.

Those Taskmaster shelf support pins would be perfect, and they are a press-fit, so no wood glue is needed. The Kreg jig is for making multiple holes so you can adjust the shelf if required. If you only need it at a fixed height, you can drill the four holes by hand. Make sure to measure twice before drilling their locations.

I can't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to get those sizes cut in store. It would be best to go later at night or during a weekday. That way, a team member can spend plenty of time cutting and getting everything right for you.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

DexterOz

Thanks @MitchellMc

DexterOz

Bummer i went to bunnings today to get the cuts but i got a mixed reply. Team member said if its less than 300mm then we can not cut 🙁 . So now need to find some other way to get the cuts.

I thought they would cut to size 🙁

Noyade

Hi Dexter!

"I have wardrobe with no shelves or partition"

Possibly an act of heresy on a Bunnings forum and I don't wanna cramp your desire to build - but have you looked at Kmart of Fantastic Furniture?

Based on your dimensions above, the depth of around 300 mm seems very small? Sounds creepy - but any chance of a photo of your shelf-less wardrobe area? I can't help but think there's a simpler/cheaper solution for such a small space?

To give you an example of what I'm on about - two of these "thingys" (my wife bought it) would fit in the space you've illustrated above and provide six drawers. But that may be not what you're after?

I think it was around $40?

Kmart Kmart

EricL

Hello @DexterOz

I'm sorry to hear that you couldn't get your timber cut. I'm afraid 300mm is the limit of the cutting service. However, this would be an excellent opportunity for you to get a Circular Saw and cut the timber yourself. I recommend doing a couple of practice runs on timber offcuts before committing to the actual project. I imagine that if you get this tool, the number of possible timber projects you can do will increase.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

DexterOz

It is basically a walk in robe, i just wanted to start with one side and see how i go

DexterOz

Thanks @EricL i will go and check it out also i was thinking then i would also need bench or more supporting tools.

MitchellMc

I apologise for the confusion, @DexterOz as this appears to be an interpretation issue.

It would be my understanding that we should be able to cut those lengths from CustomPine 1200 x 295 x 16mm White Melamine Boards. What we can't do is take a length of timber less than 300mm long and cut that. We should be able to take 5mm off the above board and then cut it to the correct length for you. Or, take a larger board and cut strips of 290mm off it.

It's about keeping our team safe and their hands more than 300mm away from the blade. This doesn't mean we can't cut strips less than 300mm off larger boards.

@EricL's suggestion of getting a circular saw is fantastic, and I'd encourage you to consider that option. I have the Ryobi One+ 18V 165mm Circular Saw - Skin Only, and it's sensational. I just put a new blade in it the other day and have been using it to cut timber on the deck I'm building.

If you weren't keen on purchasing your own saw, then I would be more than happy to contact the store for you and discuss what cutting options are available.

Mitchell

DexterOz

Thanks @MitchellMc all good. Thanks for explaining. Below is what i initially planned getting a big board 2400 * 1200 * 16 mm and get cuts to specs and what i went to with in workshop. Would this makes sense. or going with smaller board is the approach would be better.

Rough dimensions ( hand written )

Correct dimension ( vary 1% in drawing ) accommodating the variations

Screenshot 2021-12-04 144228.jpg

Thanks

Noyade

Hi Dexter.

Nice wardrobe - very tidy! 🙂

I was thinking of some battens attached to the sides at whatever height you want and then insert the shelves?

Just a thought.

Cheers!

MitchellMc

I really like @Noyade's approach of using the existing cabinetry @DexterOz.

Please allow me the opportunity to contact your local store to discuss your requirements. Those 67mm strips will probably be an issue as they fall under the less than 300mm rule.

I'll reach out via private message to find out your location.

Mitchell

MitchellMc

Hi @DexterOz,

I've spoken to Ashley in the Timber Yard at your local Bunnings Store. He believes that there shouldn't be an issue with most of those cuts. We might run into an issue when we get to the very bottom cut, though. However, he'd be more than happy to take a look at it for you and do his best to make all the required cuts.

He's there for the rest of today and tomorrow. If you're heading in at another time, just give the store a quick call to make sure he's there.

Mitchell

DexterOz

Thanks @MitchellMc i will probably try tomorrow or thursday ( will give a call before if i went on thursday). Thanks heaps and will let you know how i go.

Thanks

DexterOz

MitchellMc . Team member at store was very helpful and knowledgeable helped with the cuts. He could only manage how to have small cuts

Points i learned building this.

1) Measure in mm ( i initially measured in cm which caused confusion )

2) space is never prefect square so had to chip off edges shelves to adjust to space, I did not had sander but managed to get some hand sand paper . Need to find a better solution next time

3) Measurement is the key

Have got two more to go lets see how i go with that.

Thanks @MitchellMc and @EricL for your help.

Jason

Great result @DexterOz. Well done!

Jason

Noyade

@DexterOz

Looks good! 🙂

Is there a back on it?

DexterOz

Noyade no there is no back cover

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