Extending a Loft Conversion Wardrobe.

Elephant Carpentry
Mar 31
2 min read

Updated: Apr 14

During the first half of 2024 I was called to perform a brace of handyman tasks for a local customer. After completing those tasks and satisfying my customer, they gave me a more interesting job.

Open white cabinets under an attic skylight, casting soft light on a beige carpeted room. Nearby is a toolbox, suggesting ongoing work.

This wardrobe was fabricated installed in the eaves of a loft conversion bedroom by a previous tradesman. Unfortunately the dimensions were not sufficient to contain a full load of suits and jackets. When full the wardrobe doors wouldn't shut. My customer asked if the wardrobe could be extended and I took up the task. I would be extending the furnishing of the extension, if you will. I ordered the necessary materials and arranged the delivery.

Wooden boards clamped on a workbench outdoors with a drill, clamp, and measuring tools. Overcast day with a brick wall and pavement nearby.

Above we can see the boards prepared to extend the side walls of the wardrobe. After doweling and gluing these boards to the side panels, I prepared the head board from m.d.f. I then joined the headboards together, and to the existing head board. I had to cut off the nose of the existing headboard to create a flat surface to join to.

Unfinished wooden closet frame under a sloped ceiling, with exposed beams and tools nearby. Soft natural light enters from the left.

Here we see the carcasses prepared and ready to install the bottom plinth and doors.

White cabinets with dark knobs under a sloped ceiling, in a dimly lit room. Paint tray and roller visible on the floor.

Skirting and doors are now installed, all that remains is to sand and paint.

White cabinet doors with black knobs under slanted ceiling, set against a beige carpet. The atmosphere is calm and dimly lit.

Here is the finished product. Apologies for the blurry pictures, my camera was malfunctioning. The customer was very happy with the result. unfortunately we could not extend the wardrobe all the way along because it would have blocked another area of the room. This was o.k as the last cupboard had different items inside and was able to close.

A very satisfying and creative task that engaged the brain cells, and many thanks to my customers who are so hospitable and kind.

I hope you found this article informative and inspirational. When doweling I like to use the woodcraft drill jig, which never leaves my toolkit, and a set of dowel pins I keep in a little pot. Remember that nothing a tradesman does is actually very difficult, it's just a matter of the right tools, machines and accessories, with the correct procedure. Then after that, practice makes perfect.

Yours,

Tom Rutland,

E.H.S.