It's
Spring Cleaning Time, So While You're Making the Wardrobe Switch
Over,
Learn...
How
To Build Closet Shelving
Knowing how to build closet
shelving is a great way to add additional storage and
organization to any closet. You can purchase pre made shelving
and storage units, or you can create your own. It's a pretty
easy project, and you can usually have a new shelving system in
your closet in just a day or two.
Here's a great
YouTube Video on how
to get started: [click
here to open page in
new window]
Measuring
You will need to measure you closet. Measure the width, the
depth, and the height of the closet. Once you have these
measurements you can then decide what kind of shelves you want
to install. Plan this out and scale your sketches so you will
know how much material you will need. This is easiest with graph
paper since you can assure everything is even. [Print
Some Graph Paper Now] Also, watch the video link above,
it gives you some great guidelines for accommodating your
specific closet needs.
Make Your Mark
Now that you know what measurements you have, you can start
marking the closet sides and backs with pencil. This will give
you a visual picture of your shelves. Utilize the space that
corners give you in a closet. You may want to place some corner
shelves in. Even if you have to move things out of the way, this
will is a great way to use space that is normally unused.
Purchase Your Materials
You can take your measurements with you to the hardware store to
purchase the shelves. You can opt for wood or a hard plastic
material. Some people choose to use metal, but this isn't very
convenient to install and doesn't always look good. Remember to
pick up hardware elements such as brackets and pulls if you
decide to add a few drawers in later. Most often you can have
the wood cut to your specifications at the hardware store. If
this isn't an option, you will need to cut this at home. A table
saw works fine for this.
Paint or Finish the
Shelves
If you have purchased plywood or another unfinished lumber you
may want to stain or paint them to give the shelves a cleaner
look. This seems like a minor thing, but can make the difference
as to whether or not you enjoy the shelves. It doesn't take a
long time to do, and can make function in to fashion at the same
time.
Attach the Brackets
and Place the Shelves
Place your brackets on the wall. Use a level to make sure these
are even, you don't want lopsided shelves. Once you know they
are placed evenly you can use a drill to secure them to the
wall. With the brackets in place, you can slide the shelves in one at
a time. Since these should fit snugly against the wall, you may
need to use a rubber mallet to tap the shelves down in to place.
