Building your own custom closet gives you the freedom to design it to suit your personal needs.
Many homeowners find themselves in need of additional closet space. Building a new closet is easy and fairly inexpensive. Extra closets are typically built into corners, however they can also be built in existing alcoves, under stairs, or along any windowless wall. Building an extra closet does not typically alter the structural integrity of the house and therefore does not require building permits or contractors. It is a simple home remodel that anyone can do. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Decide where you want your new closet to be. Measure out the floor space the closet will occupy and remove any carpet or molding from the floor using the utility knife or prybar. Measure all dimensions of the closet including length, depth and height. The standard minimum depth of a closet in 27 inches.
2. Mark on the floor where the footers and top plate will go. When measuring the footers, leave a gap for either a single or double door. Use a miter saw to cut the 2-by-4s as this will ensure a straighter cut. Using drywall screws, attach headers to the ceiling and footers to the floor. If working over a concrete floor, pre-drill holes using a masonry bit.
3. Frame out the closet with 2-by-4s. Measure and cut the uprights. Screw uprights to the headers and footers and re-enforce by placing horizontal 2-by-4 boards between the uprights about halfway between the floor and ceiling. Place each upright 24 inches apart. If using solid doors, it is recommended that you install two uprights together on either side of the door for additional strength. For hollow doors this is typically not necessary.
Place 2-by-4 uprights between the header and the top plate to reinforce the door frame.
4. Measure and cut drywall to cover the frame. Secure with drywall screws, making sure the heads of the screws sink below the surface of the drywall, but not deep enough to tear the drywall. Spackle and sand drywall.
5. Mount doors to the uprights. Attach hinges to the door first, then hold the door in place. Mark the upright through the holes in each hinge. Remember to shim the door up off the floor so it does not drag when opening. Screw the hinges to the uprights.
6. Prime the drywall prior to painting to ensure even paint coverage. Hang a rod using pole sockets. Place one pole socket on the end of the rod and screw the other to the wall inside the closet. Then place the free end of the rod into the pole socket on the wall and position the rod. Then screw the second pole socket to the opposite wall.
Tags: pole socket, drywall screws
