Furniture alteration

Grandma’s old chest of drawers is solid but the fronts no longer line up, the cabinet from your last flat does not suit the new kitchen, or you want to turn a bookcase into a TV unit. Furniture alteration means changing the size, layout or purpose of a piece you already own instead of buying new.

The price is per job and depends on the material, the number of cuts and any new parts.

What can be altered

• adding or removing shelves, dividers and rails;
• swapping doors for drawers or the other way round;
• changing leg height or replacing legs with a plinth;
• fitting new fronts, handles and hardware;
• joining two modules into one piece.

When it is worth it

Alteration makes sense when the carcass is sound and only the layout or look needs changing. Solid wood and thick board take it well. Thin chipboard with swollen edges often will not hold new screws, and that part is better replaced.

What to prepare

Photos of the piece, its dimensions and a description of what should change. Add a sketch or an inspiration photo if you have one. New fronts, boards and hardware can be bought by you or agreed with the tradesperson.

Common questions