Installing a new back on a bedroom or wardrobe

Installing a New Back Panel for Bedrooms and Wardrobes

A damaged or missing back panel can make a bedroom unit feel flimsy, cause doors to misalign, and allow drawers or shelves to twist over time. Whether it is a wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside cabinet, or shelving unit, fitting a new back is one of the most effective ways to restore strength and keep everything square. We replace and install back panels neatly, securely, and with the right fixings for your furniture type.

This service is ideal after a move, long term wear, water damage, or when the original thin board has cracked around nails or staples. If your unit wobbles, bows, or no longer sits true against the wall, a properly fitted back panel often solves the root cause, not just the symptom.

What We Install and When You Might Need It

Many wardrobes and bedroom pieces use a thin hardboard or MDF back that acts like a brace. Once it splits or pulls loose, the carcass can rack, meaning it shifts out of square. That can lead to sticking drawers, uneven gaps, and doors that scrape. Installing a new back panel restores rigidity and helps the furniture keep its shape.

Common items we work on

• Freestanding wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes, and fitted style carcasses
• Chest of drawers, tallboys, bedside cabinets, and dressing tables
• Bookcases, cube units, and storage shelving used in bedrooms
• Kids wardrobes and compact units that have been moved or overloaded

Typical signs a replacement is needed

• The back is missing, torn, bowed, or crumbling at the edges
• Nails, pins, or staples have pulled out and the panel flaps or rattles
• The unit rocks side to side even after leveling
• Doors no longer align, or drawers snag halfway

If the issue is part of a bigger job, such as rebuilding a unit after moving, we can combine this with furniture assembly and repair to ensure everything is secure, aligned, and stable.

Our Process for a Strong, Clean Result

Back panels look simple, but the fit and fixing method matter. We take care to avoid splitting chipboard edges, damaging finishes, or forcing the frame out of square. The goal is a panel that sits flush, supports the structure, and stays quiet and secure.

1. Assessment and measurement. We check the frame for racking, loose joints, and swelling, then measure accurately for a proper fit.
2. Removal and preparation. We remove the old panel and fixings, clean the edges, and address any damaged corners or loose rails.
3. Squaring the carcass. Before fitting the new panel, we bring the unit back into square, so doors and drawers can run correctly.
4. Cutting and fitting the new back. We fit a suitable panel, trim where required, and ensure openings for sockets or skirting are neat when needed.
5. Secure fastening. Depending on the unit, we use appropriate screws, nails, staples, or brackets to hold firmly without cracking the board.
6. Final checks. We test stability, door gaps, drawer movement, and overall alignment.

For flat pack and ready to assemble units, the back panel is often a key structural element. If you are also dealing with loose hardware, wobbly sides, or misaligned doors, our professional furniture repair approach can include tightening, reinforcement, and realignment during the same visit.

Materials, Fixings, and Finish Options

We can install like for like materials where possible, or upgrade when the original panel was too thin for long term use. The right choice depends on the furniture design, the weight it carries, and how it is positioned in the room.

• Hardboard back panels for standard wardrobes and drawer units where a slim brace is sufficient
• MDF backs for a sturdier feel and improved resistance to minor knocks
• Reinforcement using corner blocks or internal braces where the frame has been stressed
• Fixings matched to the carcass to protect chipboard and laminate finishes

We also pay attention to details that affect day to day use, such as preventing rattles, ensuring the panel is flat without bulges, and keeping the furniture positioned safely against the wall. If the unit needs wall anchoring for safety, we can advise and fit suitable brackets where appropriate.

What to Prepare Before We Arrive

A little preparation helps the work go smoothly and reduces time on site. If the wardrobe is full, we may ask you to remove clothing and heavy items so the unit can be squared and handled safely. Please clear a working area around the furniture and provide access to the back if possible.

If you have the manufacturer name, model, or leftover panels, share them with us. If not, no problem. We can still measure and fit a new back panel accurately, and if the job is part of a larger furniture assembly services visit, we can handle multiple items in one appointment.

A properly installed back panel can transform a shaky bedroom unit into solid, reliable storage that feels secure and looks tidy from every angle.