Save Money by Constructing a Personalized DIY Closet That Is Stylish and Functional
When you’re on a limited budget, it’s incredibly helpful to save money wherever you can by doing the work yourself. Building our own DIY custom closet was a great way to cut down on a steep price tag. Follow this simple step-by-step tutorial to create a beautiful closet space for your master bedroom that is both functional and magnificent.
Constructing a custom DIY closet turned out to be easier than I thought and a lot more affordable. The first step was to get a quote for a new closet to see how much it would cost. Those numbers were way over budget, and I definitely didn’t want to settle for wire shelves.
After designing a custom closet layout, I realized I could build a DIY closet system for a fraction of the price in labor and materials. It turns out that closets aren’t that difficult to make. However, they do require time, accuracy, and of course, a little patience.
Take a look at how I achieved my DIY plywood closet and how you can do the same!
Materials Used
These are the materials I used based on the measurements for our closet in the master bedroom. The amount of materials you’ll need will vary depending on your own custom closet build. Be sure to use the proper power tools for this DIY project:
- 4′ x 8′ Baltic birch plywood (for my whole closet, I used 15 sheets of plywood from Home Depot)
- 3/4″ MDF for spacing
- Cut pieces for finishing edges
- Ryobi nail gun
- 1″ Brad nails
- Wood glue
- Table saw
- Circular saw
- Level
- Tape measure
- Closet rods
- Stud finder
Step-by-Step Process
- Rip the Plywood: Start by ripping your 4′ x 8′ sheets of plywood into 16″ wide strips. I chose 16″ because I could get exactly 3 strips from each board. One sheet I ripped down to 3 1/2″ thick for my shelf hooks.
- Measure Twice, Cut Once: It’s critical to measure everything carefully before cutting. A level is also a great tool for ensuring everything is straight and accurate.
- Begin with a Plan: My bedroom closet measures 12′ wide x 15 1/2′ long. For our custom closet, I built organizers down both sides of the room and then added a floating island in the center. The island is being built by a professional company for us, as drawers can be tricky to construct.
- Build the Base: Start by constructing the base. I used 32″ x 3 1/2″ strips of plywood for this. Place one in the back, one in the front, and one piece in the center for support.
- Add Shelf Hooks: After building the base, I added shelf hooks to the wall. These vertical pieces (the 3 1/2″ strips of plywood) are where your shelves will sit. Be sure to position these hooks with proper spacing for your shelves.
- Install Dividers: Next, I added the dividers. I nailed them into the shelf hooks and secured the bottoms to the base for additional strength.
- Build Thicker Dividers: To give the closet a more custom look, I added another 3/4″ thick strip of plywood to the existing 8′ divider, making the divider 2″ thick. This step helps make the closet feel more high-end.
- Install Shelves: After the dividers are in place, you can begin adding the shelves. You’ll use plywood over the top of the base to create the bottom shelf and place shelf hooks on the dividers for support.
- Shoe Shelves and Hanging Rods: For closet organization, I built shoe shelves in two different sizes: one for athletic shoes and another for boots. I also added multiple hanging rods: one for shirts, one for coats, and one for long dresses. My husband even has 10″ x 10″ cubbies for his hats.
Closet Dimensions & Organization
Here are the measurements I used for various closet components:
- Small hanging rod: 36″ high
- Medium hanging rod: 40″ high
- Large hanging rod: 60″ high
- Shoe rack: 6 1/2″
- Boot rack: at least 10″
- Clothing shelf: 16″ to 20″
Once all the shelves are installed, I added plywood to the top shelf area and secured it by nailing into each divider, making the closet structure even stronger.
Finishing Touches
- Top Molding: Since the ceilings are 10′ tall and the plywood is 8′ tall, I decided not to extend the closet to the ceiling. Instead, I added 2 1/2″ MDF molding to the top of the closet to cover the shelf hooks and create a polished look. I also added 1 3/4″ divider trim that ran all the way to the floor.
- Caulking & Putty: This is a labor-intensive step, but it’s essential for a high-quality finish. I caulked around every shelf and shelf hook to ensure a smooth surface. I also used putty to fill in any nail holes, sanded everything down, and allowed it to dry before sanding again for a smooth finish.
- Priming and Painting: I primed the entire closet with a wood primer to ensure an even coat of paint. I used a sprayer to apply two coats of Chalk White Satin by Benjamin Moore. Spraying gives a smooth, even finish, but brushing or rolling will work as well. After allowing the paint to dry overnight, I skipped the finish coat, but if you’re leaving natural wood or staining, you may want to apply a clear coat finish.
Completed Closet
I’m thrilled with how the closet turned out! It gives us that custom, high-end look for a fraction of the price. Here are the materials used for finishing touches:
- Paint: Chalk White by Benjamin Moore
- Light: Development Lighting (Chandelier)
- Island: Natural white oak from Foxwood Cabinets
- Countertop: Porcelain from Dal-Tile
- Flooring: Vintage Off-White from ADM Flooring
- Hanging Rods: White
- Cabinet pulls: D. Lawless Hardware
Building your own DIY built-in closet is a fantastic way to transform your space without breaking the bank. It not only helps save money but also allows you to create something practical and stylish.
Happy Building!