A sliding wardrobe should be designed around the room, not chosen by door colour alone.
Before paying a deposit, you should understand whether sliding doors are suitable for the space, how the internal storage will be divided, what the quotation includes, and who will be responsible for the measurement and installation.
This guide covers the practical points worth checking before confirming an order.
1. Make Sure Sliding Doors Suit the Space
Sliding doors are useful where there is limited space in front of the wardrobe, but they are not the right solution for every opening.
As a practical rule, we normally recommend an opening of at least around 1200 mm for a sliding wardrobe. On a narrower wall, a properly designed hinged wardrobe may provide better access and more useful storage.
The shape of the room also matters. Sloping ceilings, boxed-in services, chimney breasts and restricted access can affect the type of doors that can be used. Some sloped spaces require hinged doors, fixed angled panels or open low-level storage rather than a standard sliding system.
The correct solution should be decided from the room itself, not from a standard picture.
2. Start with Measurements and Photographs
An initial price can often be prepared from approximate dimensions and clear photographs.
Useful information includes:
- the total width of the available wall;
- the floor-to-ceiling height;
- a photograph showing the entire wall;
- photographs of slopes, sockets, radiators, skirting or other obstructions;
- the type of wardrobe you are considering.
This is enough for an initial discussion and preliminary estimate. The final design and price should be confirmed after the space has been measured properly.
We provide free home measurement within approximately 150 km of Cork for suitable projects.
3. Check How the Internal Storage Will Be Divided
The external width of the wardrobe does not automatically tell you how many internal sections it should have.
Our normal maximum width for an individual internal unit is approximately 1070 mm. For example, a wardrobe around 2400 mm wide would normally be divided into three practical internal units rather than two oversized sections.
Before confirming the design, decide how much space is needed for:
- long and short hanging;
- folded clothes;
- drawers;
- shoes;
- bags and accessories;
- items that need to remain easy to reach.
The sliding doors and internal layout must also work together. Each section should remain accessible when the doors are in their normal open positions.
A good-looking door arrangement is not enough if the storage behind it is awkward to use.
4. Review the Door Design and Proportions
The number and width of the doors affect the appearance of the finished wardrobe.
Check:
- the number of sliding doors;
- the proportions of each door;
- the position of mirrors or decorative panels;
- the profile colour and finish;
- how the door divisions relate to the internal units.
A design should look balanced across the full wall. Very wide or poorly proportioned doors can make a wardrobe feel heavy, even when the colour and finish are attractive.
The door design and internal arrangement should therefore be planned together.
5. Ask What the Quotation Includes
A quotation should make it clear what you are paying for.
Before paying a deposit, check that the agreed price covers the relevant parts of the project, including:
- the overall wardrobe dimensions;
- the agreed internal layout;
- drawers, shelves and hanging rails;
- the door design and selected finishes;
- delivery and installation;
- VAT;
- any special work required by the room;
- any work that is specifically excluded.
If an old wardrobe must be removed, electrical fittings moved or other preparation completed, establish in advance who is responsible for that work.
A clear quotation prevents assumptions from becoming problems later.
6. Confirm the Design Before Production
A deposit is required once the design, specification and price have been agreed.
Before paying it, check that you are satisfied with:
- the overall size;
- the internal division;
- the door design;
- the selected colours and finishes;
- the final price;
- the expected installation period.
Our normal lead time is approximately 4–5 weeks from the confirmed order and deposit, depending on the project and current schedule.
Changes requested after materials have been ordered or production has started may affect the price or installation date. It is therefore better to resolve every important detail before the order is confirmed.
7. Know Who Is Responsible for the Work
A fitted wardrobe involves several connected stages:
- initial discussion;
- measurement;
- design;
- preparation of the wardrobe;
- delivery;
- installation;
- final adjustment.
Ask who is responsible for each stage and who you should contact if a detail needs to be checked.
It is also worth looking at completed projects that are similar to your own room. A company may be experienced with standard straight walls but have limited experience with sloping ceilings, attic rooms or unusual layouts.
Real project photographs and customer feedback are more useful than broad promises.
8. Ask About Installation and Aftercare
Correct installation is just as important as the design.
The fitters should check the alignment, adjust the doors and leave the wardrobe ready to use. If the room has uneven floors or walls, the installation must accommodate those conditions cleanly.
Sliding doors may occasionally require adjustment after years of use. Before ordering, ask whether the company provides aftercare and whether a call-out fee applies.
Our standard aftercare call-out fee is €100.
9. Final Checklist Before Paying a Deposit
Before confirming the order, make sure you know:
- whether sliding doors are the correct solution for the room;
- the final measured dimensions;
- how many internal units will be used;
- what storage is included in each unit;
- the number and design of the doors;
- the selected colours, panels and profiles;
- exactly what is included in the quotation;
- the expected lead time;
- who will complete the installation;
- what aftercare is available.
If any important point is unclear, ask before paying the deposit.
Our Background
Sliding Door Wardrobes LTD began operating in Killarney in 2004. After the financial crisis, the business moved to Cork.
Vitali took over the management of the business in 2012, with the full transition completed in 2013. The company has retained its original name and continues to specialise in made-to-measure sliding, hinged, walk-in and sloped-ceiling wardrobes.
We are based in Cork and normally work within approximately 150 km, including Limerick, Killarney and Tipperary.
Planning a Sliding Wardrobe?
Send us the approximate width, height and a few clear photographs of the room. We can review the space, discuss the most suitable layout and provide an initial indication before arranging a home measurement.
