Building your own closet can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. With the right planning and materials, you can create custom storage that perfectly fits your space and organizational needs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps of constructing a closet from scratch, from designing the layout to installing the finishing touches. Follow along and you’ll have a closet you can’t wait to show off and organize.

Selecting the Location

The first step in any closet build is deciding where to put it. Consider the following when picking a spot:

Size and Layout

Measure the area where you want to build the closet and sketch out some rough layout options on graph paper. Will the closet be a walk-in or reach-in? Determine how much hanging space you need and if you want any specialty features like drawers, shelves, or other storage solutions. Make sure to leave room for doors and openings.

Accessibility

Pick a location that will be convenient to access. Having to constantly move furniture or squeeze into a tight space defeats the purpose of extra storage. Closets off the bedroom, hallway, or entryway are typical placement options.

Plumbing and Electrical

If you want features like lighting or a rod for hanging clothes, plan for access to electrical outlets and wiring. Avoid plumbing pipes and vents to prevent issues down the road.

Structural Limitations

Consider the room’s construction like wall materials and load bearing walls. This will determine what modifications are possible when framing the closet space. Consulting building plans is wise if undertaking a major renovation.

Natural Lighting

Windows can let light into deeper walk-in closet spaces. Just be mindful of privacy concerns depending on the window placement.

Once you’ve assessed your options, decide on the best spot with a layout that fulfills your needs.

Designing Your Closet

Sketching ideas and making a plan is key before building a closet. Consider the following elements in your design:

Hanging Rod Placement and Length

Determine a comfortable rod height and total hanging space length based on your height and number of garments. Standard rod height is 5-6 feet from the floor.

Shelf Specifications

Decide how many shelves you need and what depth works best. Shelves around 12 inches deep accommodate folded clothing. Slightly deeper shelves help organize accessories.

Drawers for Additional Storage

Incorporate drawers for undergarments, socks, accessories or anything you don’t want to hang. Measure drawer dimensions in existing furniture for sizing.

Doors or Curtains

Doors keep the space enclosed while curtains provide a soft, open feel. Bi-fold doors can save room in tight floor plans.

Moldings and Trims

Moldings like baseboard, crown, and shoe molding give a polished, built-in look. Add them to finish corners and edges.

Lighting

Pot lights overhead or LED strips installed on sides or shelves brightly illuminate the space. Hardwire or battery-powered options are available.

Ventilation

Vents or louvred doors provide airflow. This prevents mold and mildew from moisture.

Flooring

Choose flooring that’s easy to maintain and clean. Vinyl plank, linoleum, and laminate are closet flooring options. Extend flooring from an adjoining room for seamless flow.

Draft up a floor plan with dimensions to visualize how the layout will look. This will assist as you gather materials and start building.

Necessary Tools and Materials

Constructing a closet requires using a variety of tools. Having these tools and materials readily available will make the installation process go smoothly:

Lumber and Boards

• 2x4s and drywall for framing the enclosure
• Plywood or MDF boards for sides, shelves, drawer boxes, and cabinetry
• Furring strips for shimming and leveling

Hanging Rod

• 1 1⁄4” diameter wooden closet rod
• Metal rod brackets and flanges for support

Doors and Drawers

• Hollow core or pre-hung doors
• Drawer slides and roller guides
• Cabinet handles and knobs

Refinements

• Molding and trim pieces for finishing
• Vents for airflow
• Lighting fixtures
• Paintable wall panels or drywall

Tools

• Tape measure and level
• Stud finder
• Drill/driver and drill bits
• Saw (circular, miter, jigsaw)
• Hammer
• Plane
• Router
• Sandpaper
• Nail gun with finishing nails
• Screwdriver
• Safety gear (glasses, ear protection, gloves, etc.)

Shop for materials once your design is finalized and you’ve listed what’s needed. Having extra boards and hardware on hand prevents setbacks if any errors occur.

Framing the Closet

The framing creates the structure to enclose the closet area. Follow these steps:

Mark the Layout

Use a stud finder to locate studs. Measure and mark the perimeter of the closet on the floor and walls based on your plan.

Cut Wall Openings

If the closet area shares a wall with a room, cut out drywall to create any doorways. Secure with a header spanning the top. Use a jigsaw for clean cuts.

Build Framework

Use appropriately sized boards to frame the perimeter. Attach vertical studs spaced 16” apart with top and bottom plates using wood screws. Refer to the floor plan measurements.

Add Cross Supports

Install horizontal blocks between studs for strengthening shelves, rod brackets, and cabinetry. Place at desired heights and depths.

Install Headers

Frame door openings with vertically oriented headers along the top to maintain structural support.

Attach to Floor and Ceiling

Secure bottom boards to the floor with finishing nails. Cut vertical studs short to leave a gap up top.

The basic frame is now complete. Refine for functionality in the next steps.

Building Functional Components

With the underlying framework in place, start constructing and installing the functional parts of the closet:

Hanging Rod

Cut a closet rod to the desired length. Insert rod brackets into the side framing for support. Tap rod into brackets and secure with included fasteners.

Shelving

Cut plywood or boards to shelf dimensions. Attach metal shelf brackets into framing studs. Set shelves into place on the brackets.

Drawers

Assemble drawer boxes ahead of time if using premade components. For custom drawers, cut sides, fronts, and backs to size from plywood. Join together with nails or glue before inserting drawer slides on shelves.

Doors

Install pre-hung doors into door frames. Use shims for adjusting until plumb and level. For curtains, mount rods and rings into side framing. Hang curtains after painting.

Moldings

Measure and cut trim pieces like baseboard, crown, and shoe molding. Miter corners to 45 degrees for a finished seam. Use a brad nailer.

Ventilation

Cut out vent openings in walls or doors. Attach wall vents or louvres over cutouts to allow airflow while blocking light.

Lighting

Run wiring and add boxes at desired fixture locations. Mount top lights or LED strips and install bulbs.

Building these functional components brings the closet together and makes it user-ready.

Finishing Touches

The final details give a closet a clean, built-in appearance:

Insulation

For sound dampening and added warmth, insert fiberglass insulation between framing studs. Keep away from light fixtures.

Wall Panels

For a custom look, attach pre-cut MDF panels with construction adhesive and trim. Drywall can also be installed and taped.

Painting or Staining

Apply primer then paint or stain with two coats. Light colors help brighten the space. Paint doors and trim to match walls.

Flooring

For a complete look, install flooring like vinyl planks throughout the closet space. Extend existing hardwood or laminate flooring for seamless integration.

Hanging System

Add closet organization items like shelves, racks, and rods. Install hardware into side framing or wall panels, leaving room for clothes.

Once you finish these final details, load the closet up and admire the custom storage space you created! Adding organization solutions down the road like baskets, dividers, and accessories will keep it tidy.

FAQs About Building Closets

Still have some questions about constructing your own closet? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How much does it cost to build a closet?

The cost to build a closet ranges from $1500-$5000 on average depending on size, materials, and customization. Pre-fabricated versions cost less but have less flexibility.

What kind of wood is best for framing a closet?

2×4 studs and plywood made from versatile pine wood provide an affordable and sturdy framing base. Use kiln dried lumber for stability.

Should you insulate a closet?

Insulating around the framing dampens noise and keeps the interior temperature more regulated. This prevents condensation from forming.

What height should closet rods be?

Standard single rod height is 5-6 feet above the floor. Double hanging rods can have one at this height and one higher up around 7-8 feet for long dresses.

How deep should closet shelves be?

A depth of around 12 inches accommodates most folded garments, though deeper shelves around 16 inches work better for larger items like sweaters. Shallower shelves help organize accessories.

What size doors are best for closets?

Most reach-in closets use 24-36 inch doors in sizes like 30”, 32”, or 36”. Walk-in closets can have standard-sized doors like 30” up to double 48” doors or barn doors to maximize the opening.

Should I get doors or curtains for my closet?

Doors keep dust out and muffle noise but take up space opening and closing. Curtains save room but don’t enclose the space fully. Choose based on your preferences and floor plan.

How do you ventilate a closet?

Ventilation prevents moisture buildup. Methods include installing wall vents, louvred doors, or simply keeping closet doors open when possible. Dehumidifiers also help maintain air quality.

Building your own closet allows full customization so you can match your unique storage needs and style. Follow the steps outlined above and you’ll have closet storage you love showing off while keeping organized.

Conclusion

With proper planning and construction, building your own customized closet can be an achievable DIY project. Determine the ideal location in your home, design an efficient layout suited to your needs, assemble the necessary tools and materials, frame in the space, add functional storage components, take care of finishing touches, and finally organize and enjoy. Use this comprehensive guide to gain confidence for tackling this hands-on home improvement project and enrich your living space with expanded, well-designed storage.