How to Build a Closet Yourself

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To start building your own closet, you must first know how to measure. After you’ve done this, you can start cutting sheetrock pieces. First, cut the largest pieces and then cut smaller pieces as needed. After cutting the largest pieces, lay the board face down and snap it back into position along the cutting line. After you finish cutting the drywall, you need to fasten the pieces to the studs. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Measurements

You should start by measuring the width of the room you want to create your new closet. This measurement should be taken at nine different locations, including the ceiling, the floor, and the closet’s width. Take note of any obstructions like crown molding, baseboards, or other trim on the walls and floor. You should round up the measurements to the nearest 1/4 inch. You should also consider the area of carpet or tiled floors.

The average height of a closet is between 3ft 6ins and 5ft 6ins. If you plan on hanging clothes, then you need to keep these in mind when designing your closet. For instance, you may want to install double hangers to store tops or bottoms. For the rest of your closet, consider adding wire or laminate shelving to maximize storage space. In general, you should have a closet with at least two feet of width to allow ample reach.

Next, you should make an accurate chart of the dimensions of your closet. This can help you select the right type of shelving. Take measurements of the width of the room and the depth of each shelf. Keep in mind that closet walls are not perfectly square, so use the smallest measurement possible. A few inches may be required for the sides and the back, but if you are building a small closet, then go for the maximum measurement.

For the ceiling, you will need to place a 2×4 top plate. This plate should be attached to the ceiling using 2 1/2 inch wood screws. A second sheetrock board should also be placed on top of the ceiling using wood shims. The top plate and bottom plate will hold the framing studs. Once you have made the top and bottom plates, you can install the closet organizer. This step is very simple and will save you time and money in the long run.

Materials

While there are many options when it comes to materials for building a closet, some types are much more durable than others. One option is melamine over MDF, a type of thermo-fused plastic. While it does not look like wood, melamine is long-lasting and easy to care for. Unlike wood, melamine won’t break, peel, or crack. It is also lightweight and resistant to moisture. It is a great choice for custom closets.

A typical closet wall will require two x four top and bottom plates. The top plate must extend the entire length of the wall to be enclosed. Use a measuring tape and a 2×4 wood to find the correct length. Once the top plate has been cut to the right length, attach it to the wall with two 1/2-inch wood screws. Be sure to pass the screws through the drywall and ceiling joists before they’re installed.

Another option for closet shelves is particle board. Particle board is affordable and easy to assemble. It can look almost identical to expensive wood varieties. Although it is lightweight, it isn’t terribly durable and can warp and bend over time. So, if you’re going to use particle board, it is best to stick with wood instead of melamine. And if you’re worried about warping or bending, you may want to consider MDF instead.

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Before you begin building a closet, make sure your measurements match the required minimums for your local building code. A standard reach-in closet will need to be 24 inches deep, but if you want to store bulky hanging items, you’ll need a deeper closet. Measure the room’s width and length, and note corners and other features. Then, review your design to make sure everything fits in the room.

Construction

In the event that you are looking to build a closet, you must consider a few factors. You must meet the local building codes, for example. A reach-in closet is typically 24 inches deep, but you might need to make your closet deeper to accommodate bulky hanging items. Once you have determined the dimensions, you can decide where to place the closet. Remember that as you add drywall and additional materials, the thickness of the walls will increase.

To construct a closet, you must attach the closet frame to the studs behind the drywall or attic joists with screws. You can use a stud finder to locate studs and mark their locations on the guidelines. After that, you must place brackets on the studs. This step should be done in stages. Before you begin installing the closet rod, measure the length of the wall and mark it for mounting.

Cost

While many DIYers are not aware of the actual cost of building a closet, they can get the job done for less than $500 with the right resources. Whether you opt to buy a ready-made closet organization kit or build a custom walk-in wardrobe, the cost of building a closet will depend on the materials and the amount of labor involved. For a more affordable option, consider adding a climate-controlled storage unit to your home.

Lighting is another popular option for customizing your closet. Ribbon, puck, and baseboard lights are three popular choices by Architectural Digest. These additional finishing touches will add to the cost and timeline. Moreover, they may require a building permit, which can cost up to $2,200. Moreover, if you opt for premium materials, you’ll need to spend an additional $200 to $500 for installation. The cost per square foot of light fixtures depends on the type of lighting you want.

Before beginning the construction, choose a design. A walk-in closet, for instance, requires more time and effort. A reach-in closet doesn’t need to be as complex, and it doesn’t trigger building codes. Make sure to choose a contractor who knows about building codes and has the proper permits. Getting a quote is crucial – even if it’s $500, a faulty construction can cost you much more.

A well-designed walk-in closet can add value to your home. While it won’t return you a high ROI, it will make your life easier. For a buyer, a closet is a major amenity. A new closet will make storing and finding your things easier and more comfortable. However, you should ensure the cost of building a closet is affordable. If you can, consider remodeling the space where you plan to put the closet, as it can add value to your home.

DIY options

If you don’t have a lot of time to hire a professional to build a closet, you can build one yourself using a few simple tools. A basic closet wall starts with a 2×4 top plate, which you will secure to the ceiling with two 1/2-inch wood screws. The next step is to attach the top plate to the ceiling joist or truss. The bottom plate is used to hold the framing studs.

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You can use wooden or metal screening to create hooks and pegboards for jewelry. You can also use cord clips to create drawer dividers, or a silhouette machine to make labels for your storage. For additional tips and ideas, check out Practical Perfection’s tutorial on labeling storage. There are several other ways to organize your closet, including building a custom shelf for your clothes and a DIY towel bar organizer.

Another important aspect of closet organization is the type of door. You can use a traditional swinging door, a sliding one, or a bi-fold one. Choosing the type of door depends on what you’re trying to achieve. A hinged door requires a considerable amount of clearance, while a sliding door doesn’t. A sliding door will also allow you to fold clothes without having to worry about space for swinging.

Before starting construction, make a rough sketch of the closet’s layout. Then, make mock-ups to test whether it works. If you’re not sure what looks best, you can use string to make mock-ups. Also, when designing a closet, consider the items you want to store in it. Make sure you have plenty of space to accommodate each item. And don’t forget to consider the type of hardware you’ll need to make the closet look great.

Why trust Handyman.Guide?

s written by Itamar Ben-Dor, who has 25 years of experience in renovations, carpentry, locks, creation, landscaping, painting, furniture construction, and furniture renovation, works with concrete, plumbing, door repair, and more.

Itamar Ben-Dor has been in the home improvement business for over 25 years. Itamar Ben-Dor is a jack of all trades. He's worked in the renovation field for years, doing everything from locksmithing to carpentry. He's a small repairs specialist. But his true passion lies in furniture construction and renovation - he loves seeing old pieces come back to life with some new woodwork or a fresh coat of paint.

He has taken courses on many topics in these fields at professional colleges in Israel. Over the years, Itamar has also become quite skilled in gardening, carpentry, and renovations. He's worked on projects of all sizes, from massive renovations to small repairs. No job is too big or too small for him!


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