How to Build Closet Shelves

There are several closet system options available for purchase, but customizing your closet might be easier and cheaper than you think. Your closet most likely has a whole lot more room than you thought, so here's a great way to give yourself the closet of your dreams.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Graph paper
• 3/4 inch melamine sheets
• Edgebanding
• Tape measure
• Closet rails
• Brackets
• Self sinking screws
• Plywood strips
• Drill
• Shelf pins
• Saw (table or circular)
• Glue
• Screw hole caps

Instructions

1. Measure your closet. Shelves are typically 12 inches deep. Also consider the things you want to store in your closet, such as clothing, shoes and laundry baskets. To hang shirts and pants you need an area 40 inches in height, and to hang dresses and long coats you'll need 65 inches. Make sure your measurements are accurate.

2. 

   Draw your plan. Translate your closet to graph paper and pencil in what you want. Save places for adjustable shelving and hanging clothes. Leave at least 12 inches above the top of your layout so that you will have one, full length shelf for long-term storage (i.e. winter clothes in the summer).

3. Make corners accessible from one side even if you'll have to move hanging clothes out of the way to reach the space. Don't waste space. You'll appreciate it later.

4. Cut the melamine to length. Cut slowly because melamine can chip.

5. Edgeband the front edges. You don't need to use edgebanding on the sides or the backs because they will not be seen.

6. Drill holes for shelves. There are templates and jigs available to help speed up the process but all you need is a tape measure and patience. Make sure you use a drill bit equal to the size of your shelf pins. You don't want them falling out, nor do you want to smash them into place.

7. Remove your old shelves.

8. Attach the melamine to the walls first. Then attach closet rods. Finally, insert the shelves. If your measurements are a little too long you can always trim the shelves. If they're too short it's more cost effective to get longer closet rods.

Tips & Warnings

• To remove excess glue when edgebanding use mineral spirits or paint thinner.

• You may want to take your cut list to a local cabinet shop and inquire about their pricing. If it's something they could do in a couple of hours or less they may not charge an arm and a leg.