4 of the best DIY closet systems for your perfect closet - TruBuild Construction (2023)

FAQs

Which closet maid system is best? ›

Plywood. Whether you are replacing old cabinet drawers or are starting a project from scratch, one of the most versatile and dependable closet shelving materials you can use is plywood. This type of wood is a terrific choice for closet shelves because it's very strong and resistant to sagging and warping.

It's more durable. Plywood is strong enough to withstand a lot of wear and tear. MDF is much weaker; it cannot withstand too much wear and tear.

Installing a reach-in custom closet is usually the most affordable choice, costing between $500 and $1,500. Built-in closets usually cost between $1,000 and $2,500. However, constructing a built-in closet could be significantly more expensive if you need to carry out renovations to create a suitable space.

An average pro-installed walk-in closet costs about $1,200 to $3,000 or more for materials and installation, but their expertise and experience can help you avoid costly mistakes in the long run. The total cost really depends on the size of your closet and the type of system you choose.

Closetmaid shelf supports and shelves will fit on the Rubbermaid or Elfa vertical hangers and vice versa.

When it comes to popular custom closet material choices, wood and Melamine are both superior choices, as they are both durable & long-lasting. They are also available in the most color and finish options so that you can truly create the custom closet of your dreams.

This largely depends on how your shelves are installed, but typically wooden shelves are more reliable for heavier items. While wire shelves are typically easier to keep clean because they don't accumulate dust as easily, it can be harder to clean up sticky spills.

A good closet floor should be attractive and easy to maintain. Carpet adds warmth, but can be difficult to vacuum and keep clean. Both wood and vinyl floors are better choices for a closet. "You could also go with ceramic tile with a throw rug you can take out and clean," says architect Duo Dickinson.

MDF is vulnerable to extreme heat Remember that engineered wood is made out of wax and/or resin-like compounds. This is why you should not leave MDF units in proximity of heaters, radiators, fireplaces, ovens, stoves as well as out in a hot summer. 4. MDF can't support too much weight.

Where should you not use MDF? ›

There are a few areas where MDF should never be used – kitchen or bathroom cabinets and trim in the bathrooms. These are the two areas we see the most failure because of moisture. Window sills are also problematic if the windows have any sort of condensation or leaking problems.

The short answer is yes, a custom closet can help with the resale value of your home with a higher return on your initial investment than other renovations. Adding a customized wardrobe to an empty spare room can make it feel like an extra bedroom, increasing the home's value.

Yes, the IKEA Pax wardrobes are definitely worth the investment. You can organize and customize your closet space under a budget. The quality is also nice and sturdy.

IKEA will not schedule to install your closet UNLESS your baseboard trim has been removed (if you decide the DIY option is not for you) before installation. This can be a BIG PROBLEM IF your home resembles This Old House AND you're not an experienced DIY'er.

When considering a custom closet, the easiest way to think about cost is a simple phrase, “more product = more cost.” However, the average cost of a custom closet can range from $2,500 to $10,000. Custom closet prices for most customers sit around $3,500 to $5,000 based on your closet size and customizations.

The average cost of labor for a custom closet project is between $50 and $100 per hour. The cost of design is another important consideration. If you hire a professional designer, you can expect to pay for their time and expertise. The average cost of design for a custom closet project is between $500 and $1000.

That means the Elfa ventilated shelf is 3x as expensive as the Closetmaid (but the Elfa is sturdier, the edge looks nicer, and you'll need to cut the Closetmaid down from a larger piece to achieve the savings).

The brand offers three types of closets: The FastTrack system that features expandable all-in-one shelving, the Direct Mount system that includes basic non-adjustable wire shelves, and the Configurations system, the one I have complete with bracket supports, hang rod supports, telescoping rods and more.

Complete garage system. ClosetMaid's heavy-duty Maximum Load ShelfTrack creates the ultimate garage storage solution for heavy and bulky items. Made with industrial-strength extruded steel, Maximum Load products can hold up to 600 pounds per 6' shelf.

What can I put in my closet to absorb moisture? ›

Silica packs or equivalent products can be placed in your closet to reduce humidity levels. These packs contain anhydrous calcium sulfate, which acts to absorb moisture from surrounding areas.

Whites, grays, browns, beiges are all good choices.

These light neutrals provide a good backdrop for all different colored clothing. Keeping the walls neutral in a closet will make it visually appealing. A light-colored paint will help brighten the space which is important.

Melamine is typically a better option when it comes to curb appeal. Its wide variety of customization options gives it more opportunity to accommodate a house's color scheme. Plywood tends to come in more limited color and texture options because of the way it's made.

SHOULD I USE A ROD SUPPORT? Oval Rods over 4 feet long should use a Center Support or a rod & Shelf Support. Round 1-1/16” Diameter Rods over 5 feet long should use a Center Support or a rod & Shelf Support. Round 1-5/16” Diameter Rods over 6 feet long should use a Center Support or a rod & Shelf Support.

If the cost of the materials is not a concern, woods like mahogany, African padauk, and koa are considered the best woods for bookshelves, thanks to their durability, strength, and longevity.

The Problem With Wire Shelving

They're often not secured into the studs of the wall. That combined with flimsy material make them prone to collapse. If you've ever heard a closet collapse, it's certainly unnerving! On top of the loud crash, you'll be greeted to an overwhelming mess of your belongings.

If you're installing a new floor, pedestal sink, and toilet, you should install the laminate flooring first so it's under the sink and toilet. Because laminate flooring floats above the sub-floor on top of underlayment, it will expand and contract slightly with the temperature and humidity of the room.

Floors with a white finish go with almost everything. A light burlap-like color is a great choice because you still get a light floor, without installing a truly “white” floor. You can use a variety of wood species to create a light floor.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Specifically, ceramic and porcelain tiles are great options for bathrooms. Tile flooring is resilient, waterproof, available in a variety of colors and designs, and generally less expensive than other hard surface options.

MDF board is a timber product made from hardwood and softwood fibres that are glued together with wax and a resin adhesive containing urea-formaldehyde. Both wood dust and formaldehyde are Group 1 carcinogens.

Is MDF illegal in America? ›

The material is often bound together with a urea formaldehyde resin, although formaldehyde-free boards are now also available. Despite rumours to the contrary MDF has not been banned in the USA (or anywhere else), nor is it likely to be. The USA in fact uses more of it than any other county.

The average lifespan of MDF products given in the literature ranges from 14 to 20 years.

Diseases Overview. Formaldehyde Poisoning is a disorder brought about by breathing the fumes of formaldehyde. This can occur while working directly with formaldehyde, or using equipment cleaned with formaldehyde. Major symptoms may include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; and/or skin rashes.

The noncarcinogenic effects of MDF dust and formaldehyde include eye and skin irritation [2, 7, 8], dermatitis, [9] respiratory illnesses such as nasal inflammation [10], asthma [7, 11, 12], bronchitis [13], coughing, loud breathing, and wheezing [11, 12], and lower chest discomfort [8].

Although MDF is stronger, it is more difficult to repair if dents or marks are made on the material. Finger jointed pine is slightly more expensive than MDF. As it is a natural timber material, it is softer than MDF and can be more susceptible to marks.

The level of formaldehyde offgassing is higher than in plywood, even if both are CARB 2 certified – 0.11 ppm in MDF compared to 0.05 ppm for plywood. MDF made with formaldehyde should be avoided where possible in a healthy home.

MDF is fairly stronger than particle-board. Particle-board is not very strong. MDF is quite durable. Particle-boards are relatively less durable.

MDF's softness means that it is likely to sag when used for shelves that will bear heavy weights, so it's best to only use this wood composite for shelves that will not hold heavy things. Plywood is undeniably the best choice for shelves that will hold many books or other heavy items.

They keep air moving, make for cooler, more pleasant home environments, and are highly desirable to prospective buyers. Minor upgrades like ceiling fans contribute to your home's overall marketability and selling price. Equip your home with ceiling fans throughout the main living areas to capitalize on their value.

What upgrades add the most value to a home? ›

By adding drawers, shelves, and hanging rods, you'll maximize every inch of space without actually expanding the closet.

Wood and melamine are the two best materials to use for assembling custom closets. Utilizing wood is a classic choice — it's strong, traditional, long-lasting, and luxurious. Different kinds are available in different areas of the country.

Simply put, a timeless wardrobe means having a thoughtful selection of durable items, which you can mix and match however you like. Because you don't need to keep changing your closet every season, you get to save the environment and stay away from fast fashion.

That means the Elfa ventilated shelf is 3x as expensive as the Closetmaid (but the Elfa is sturdier, the edge looks nicer, and you'll need to cut the Closetmaid down from a larger piece to achieve the savings).

The short answer is yes, a custom closet can help with the resale value of your home with a higher return on your initial investment than other renovations. Adding a customized wardrobe to an empty spare room can make it feel like an extra bedroom, increasing the home's value.

Are the IKEA Pax wardrobes worth it? Yes, the IKEA Pax wardrobes are definitely worth the investment. You can organize and customize your closet space under a budget. The quality is also nice and sturdy.

Whites, grays, browns, beiges are all good choices.

Keeping the walls neutral in a closet will make it visually appealing. A light-colored paint will help brighten the space which is important. If you have a large closet you probably want to give it a cozier feel. You can do this by choosing a darker neutral.

59% express an increase in enjoyment, and 68% feel a huge sense of accomplishment after completing their closet remodel. Moreover, the average closet remodel reports a healthy ROI (return on investment). Homeowners can expect to recoup around 56% of their investment, adding roughly $2,000 to their home value.

Who is a competitor to Elfa? ›

Elfa's competitors and similar companies include Flokk, Metrie, WoodCrafters and Ahsap. Elfa is a manufacturer and distributor of furniture and storage systems. Flokk is a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of workplace furniture.

If you're thinking of investing in a new closet system, we highly recommend Elfa. We've helped create the closets and spaces of so many clients dreams using Elfa (think bedroom, pantry, garage, basement, office, kitchen, bathroom, playroom, basically any room you can think of, we've installed it there) .

There are four closet organization systems to choose from: Elfa Classic, Elfa Decor, Avera, and Preston. The Elfa collections are the most affordable and also offer DIY installation, while Avera and Preston incorporate premium finishes and features.

Our PAX wardrobe system is storage that really suits you because you decide it all – the size, color and style, sliding or hinged doors, and the interior organizers. Start with our suggested combinations, personalize them or design your own from scratch with our PAX planner.

When considering a custom closet, the easiest way to think about cost is a simple phrase, “more product = more cost.” However, the average cost of a custom closet can range from $2,500 to $10,000. Custom closet prices for most customers sit around $3,500 to $5,000 based on your closet size and customizations.

Failure to properly vent basement closets will lead to toxic mold contamination. The basement walls, your stored items, clothing and air space will become contaminated with mold. The elevated mold spores in your closets will contaminate adjacent areas causing health issues for you and your family.