Do it Yourself: Wood Closet
Organizing existing space or maximizing limited space does not need to break the budget to create the desired results. Although several types of do-it-yourself wood closet kits and ideas are available, some are expensive, while others fall apart under the weight of clothes or other items stored on them. Before starting any DIY project, make sure all the tools are handy, and the overall cost of the wood closet project will not break the budget. Does this Spark an idea?
Cedar Closet Paneling
To ensure the closet remodel is practical for year-round use, the first issue is to address the storage of off-season clothing. Lining the closet with aromatic cedar will eliminate most bugs, like moths and silverfish, known to feed on wool, silk and other common fabrics. If lining the closet with cedar paneling is out of the budget, then replace the molding in the closet with cedar molding, which will cut down on the amount of bugs in the closet, but may not eliminate all of them.
Oak Wood Closet Storage Unit
It is tempting to buy a prefabricated unit instead of building one from wood. Surprisingly, building one from oak should run less than $200 and will last longer. The overall project uses 4-by-8-feet pieces of 3/4-inch oak plywood, along with solid oak trim pieces to complete the project. You will also need 1 1/2-inch wood screws, 6d finishing nails and some 3/4-inch brad nails, along with common carpentry tools to complete this project.
Building the Wood Closet Unit
Measure the closet dimensions and cut the oak plywood vertical dividers and shelves to size. It is best to use a stationary guide to make perfect crosscuts in the oak wood. Measure the height and thickness, then cut notches with an electric jigsaw on the vertical dividers so they fit over the baseboard. Use an 80-grit sandpaper to smooth the oak plywood edges, and use wood glue and 3/4-inch brad nails to tack on screen molding to the unfinished edges that show. Lay out the center support shelf, glue, and screw into the two vertical dividers. Cut the remainding oak shelves and hook strips. Sand and coat with the desired wood finish.
Assembling the Oak Closet Unit
Level the center divider unit into the closet using shims. Level the hook strips with the top of the two center dividers, then pre-drill and attach them to the closet studs with 6d finishing nails. Continue this process all around the closet. Trim the top shelf to fit snug with the side walls of the closet and nail it to the top of the center dividers and the hook strips with 6d nails. Measure and place the final shelving to the desired heights and glue and nail into place.
Tags: closet with, hook strips, vertical dividers, Yourself Wood Closet, 4-inch brad, 4-inch brad nails