Should You Carpet Under Fitted Wardrobes?
When it comes to installing fitted wardrobes, one of the most commonly debated questions is whether you should fit them directly on top of carpet, or cut around the base. There’s no universal right or wrong, but there are important pros, cons and practical factors to consider depending on your space, flooring and wardrobe style.
If you're planning a new built-in wardrobe, especially in a carpeted room, this guide will walk you through the key considerations to help you make the right decision.
Do Fitted Wardrobes Sit on Carpet?
In most cases, fitted wardrobes can be installed over existing carpet. However, this doesn't mean it’s always the best approach. The decision should be based on whether the carpet is being replaced, the type of wardrobe (sliding door or hinged), and long-term maintenance.
Fitting wardrobes directly on top of carpet can cause slight settling over time, particularly if the carpet and underlay are thick. This may affect the alignment of sliding doors or cause issues when replacing flooring in future.
Pros and Cons of Installing Fitted Wardrobes on Carpet
Pros:
Saves time and effort during installation
No need to cut or fit carpet around frames
Helps avoid visible floor gaps if layout changes later
Cons:
Can cause slight wardrobe movement as carpet compresses
May create misalignment in sliding doors
Harder to replace flooring later without disturbing the furniture
Our Recommendation at Cotswold Valley Kitchens
For most projects, we recommend removing carpet and underlay beneath the wardrobe footprint. This allows us to:
Fix cabinetry directly to the subfloor or hard flooring
Ensure stability and accurate alignment
Allow carpet to be neatly finished up to the wardrobe edges
This results in a neater and more futureproof finish, especially when installing premium bespoke furniture like ours.
For clients keeping existing carpet, we can carefully notch around skirting lines and wardrobe legs, using our in-house templates to ensure a tidy fit.
Explore our full range of bespoke wardrobes to see the quality and precision we deliver. Or see real customer wardrobe installs in our Our Work portfolio.
What If You're Replacing Carpet?
If you're installing new wardrobes and new carpet, it's best to fit the wardrobes first.
That way:
Carpet fitters can cut neatly around the cabinetry
You avoid wasting carpet underneath fixed units
There's no need to lift the wardrobes later
We always liaise with flooring teams to coordinate fit and finish to perfection.
Should You Carpet Around Sliding Door Tracks?
Sliding door wardrobes typically have base tracks that need a solid, level surface. Installing tracks over soft carpet and underlay can:
Lead to door misalignment
Cause premature wear to the sliding mechanism
If you’re opting for sliding wardrobes, we strongly recommend removing carpet underneath the track area for best results.
Can You Remove Fitted Wardrobes Without Damaging Carpet?
If wardrobes have been installed over carpet, removal may leave:
Crushed or indented pile
Fixing holes or adhesive marks
This may be visible if you're not replacing the carpet afterward. For easier future flexibility, installing wardrobes on the subfloor is the safer choice.
Want to consider additional bespoke cabinetry options? See our full interior cabinetry range.
For further reading, this live and relevant answer from BuildHub on carpet before built-in wardrobes is a great resource.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, whether you carpet under fitted wardrobes comes down to:
Whether the carpet is new or existing
The type of wardrobe (hinged or sliding)
Long-term plans for flooring
At Cotswold Valley Kitchens, we build everything to last. That’s why we prefer installing directly onto solid surfaces whenever possible, then refitting or trimming carpet around the units for a seamless finish.
Get in touch to discuss your upcoming wardrobe project with us today.
📧 info@cotswoldvalleykitchens.com
📞 01453 605604 / 07960692144
📍 Unit 3, Ebley Trading Estate, Stroud GL5 4SP
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