Define the complete fitting package

Cupboards and shelves for your alcove

Photograph the whole wall and each recess, including skirting, cornice, sockets and adjoining furniture. Send approximate width, height and depth at more than one location where the shape varies. These are enquiry dimensions, not manufacturing measurements.

Decide what needs to fit inside: books, everyday storage, media equipment or larger items. Show which parts should be closed cupboards, drawers or open shelves. Shelf loading and suitable support should be established for the actual design and background.

Supplied units or a fitted-joinery package

If you already have a supplier, send its drawings, component list and fitting instructions. Agree who takes final measurements and confirms fillers, scribing and finished dimensions. Check whether delivery includes all hinges, handles, shelves and finishing pieces.

Where a made-to-measure package is discussed, the quotation should state which drawings, product supply, manufacture, installation and finishing are included. We do not assume a supplier’s design service or workshop is part of an installation-only appointment.

Keep services and retained features usable

Mark sockets, cables, radiators, vents and any access point within or near the units. Explain how equipment will be used and maintained. Electrical changes, lighting and any ventilation requirements need clear responsibilities and appropriate specialist input.

Consider door swing and access beside the fireplace or other retained features. Existing walls, floors and ceilings may be out of square; fitting and finish allowances need a site assessment. Any heat-source or chimney interface needs the relevant project information.

What should the quotation include?

Compare the internal layout and finished installation as well as the overall cupboard width.

Quotation item	What to make clear
Layout	Number of alcoves, unit arrangement, doors, drawers, shelves and intended contents.
Supply	Current drawings, materials, hardware, supplier scope and final measurement responsibility.
Fitting	Background assessment, fixing details, fillers, scribing and protection of retained features.
Finish	Unfinished, primed or decorated handover; handles, adjoining decoration and service interfaces.

Width alone does not describe the full cupboard package. Compare quotations against the same internal layout, materials, fitting and finish.

Prepare your joinery quotation

Questions before you enquire

Can you fit alcove units from another supplier?

A defined installation can be discussed. Send the supplier’s drawings and component details before ordering, with the final-measurement and delivery responsibilities made clear.

Can cupboards and open shelves be combined?

Yes, an agreed arrangement can combine closed storage and shelving. Show what each area needs to hold so the dimensions, support and finish can be considered together.

Are sockets or lighting included?

Only where expressly included in a suitable package. Identify the required electrical work and the responsible installer before units are manufactured or fitted.

What to send for a useful quotation

Send the postcode, full-wall and recess photographs, approximate dimensions, a sketch of the internal layout, intended contents, supplier information and finish preference. Point out nearby services and retained features.

If the work needs a site visit before we price it, our engineer's visit is free, with no obligation.

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Alcove cupboard fitting in London

Make the alcove work for what you need to store