Having space between garments makes it easier to find a coat.
You are protecting your investment when you store coats in a well-made closet. Sturdy hanging rods inside the closet make it easy to put away coats in an organized fashion as well. It pays to make room for air circulation between coats and jackets, so coats don't mildew or get too wrinkled between wearing times. Secure shelves for gloves and scarves, along with lower shelving for boots and shoes add appeal to the closet. Does this Spark an idea?
Closet Framing Support
Frame your closet with 2-by-4-inch lumber to create the skeleton of a closet with maximum strength. Secure the framing to house studs to give additional strength. Hardwood closet framing -- red oak, maple or poplar -- is a good choice for a sturdy closet versus soft woods, western red cedar or pine, for example. Install closet studs on 16-inch centers, identical to house wall studs, which means there is exactly 16 inches of space between the center of one stud and another. Toenail (drive nails at an angle) closet framework to the top plate (board outlining the ceiling shape) for strength by using several nails for each vertical stud .
Basic Closet Shape
Nail or screw framework into wall studs using an electric screwdriver and 4-inch screws to ensure sturdiness.. You don't have to change the room's flooring in the bottom of the closet, if the flooring is hardwood or tile. Envision the finished closet as a large cabinet sitting on the floor area or built into a recess along a wall, whereby the flooring is fully exposed when you open the closet door. Construct all framework to form a cabinet with a wide opening to install sliding doors, standard doors with a threshold or pocket doors, for example.
Wiring Needs
Run electrical wiring into the space for any recessed lighting before closet walls are covered. Route the wiring between studs or drill proper holes into studs to run the wiring.
Wall Covering Options
Drywall works well as a wall covering inside and outside the coat closet. Beadboard is excellent for a coat closet as well, because beadboard can withstand a lot of use. While an exterior covering and solid framework is important, the interior design of the closet will get the most wear and tear, so plan accordingly.
Wood Trim and Finishing
Trim the interior and exterior with baseboard materials, much like a small room. Wide baseboards that are 6 inches versus 4 inches high are an excellent choice, so vacuuming or mopping outside the closet will not harm the closet exterior. Use baseboards and door trim that fit with the room's wood trim. Install heavy-duty crown molding at the top of the closet for a well-designed look.
Interior Hardware and Design
Heavy-duty hardware for one or more hanging rods can support many coats. Choose well-crafted closet hardware, because heavy items can pull the hardware out of wall framing. Use screws that are driven into the wood framing for hardware installation. A round metal or wooden rod approximately 3/4 inch in diameter works fine for each hanging section. Or, you can buy a closet system made of wire or other materials with hanging sections and shelving to fit the closet.
Tags: closet will, closet with, hanging rods, space between, wall studs
