How to Build a Closet on Both Sides of a Window

When there is a long wall with a lone window in the center, one way to dress it up is to add closets on either side of it. The closets can be any width, but if they go wall to wall it will create a new décor to the room and give the window a balanced look.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2-by-4-by-92¾-inch lumber (14)
• 2-by-4-by-27-inch lumber (4)
• 16d box nails
• 2-by-4-by-16-inch lumber (4)
• 2-by-4-by-82½-inch lumber (4)
• 2-by-4-by-22½-inch lumber (2)
• 2-by-4-by-54½-inch lumber (2)
• 2-by-4-by-8¾-inch lumber (3)
• Carpenter's level
• 3-inch drywall screws
• 2-by-4-by-40-inch lumber (2)
• 2-by-4-by-9-inch lumber (3)

Framing

1. Place the four pieces of 2-by-4-by-27-inch lumber on a worktable. These are the top and bottom plates of the closet's side walls. Form two rectangles with the 92¾-inch pieces (studs) between the 27-inch pieces and secure them with 16d nails.

2. Place the 2-by-4-by-54½-inch pieces (top plate front wall) on the worktable. Measure from each end and make a mark at 14½ and 16 inches. Secure a stud between the lines with the 16d nails.

3. Secure a stud on each end of the 54½-inch top plates. Next, secure one of the 16-inch pieces (bottom plates front wall) on the bottom of the studs with the 16d nails. There should be 22½ inches between the two inside studs.

4. Place a 2-by-4-by-82½-inch on each of the inside studs flush with the bottom of the bottom plate. Secure them with the 16d nails. These support the header.

5. Place one of the 22½-inch pieces on top of the header supports and secure them in place through the wall studs with the 16d nails. Next, place one of the 8¾-inch pieces on each end between the 22½-inch piece and the top plate (next to the stud) and one in the center of the header.

Installing

6. Measure out from the corners and make a mark on the walls at 54½ inches. Place the carpenter's level on the marks and draw a plumb line on the wall.

7. Set the side walls on these lines and secure them to the existing wall with the 3-inch drywall screws. Next, set the front walls in place and push them against the existing wall they meet.

8. Secure the front wall to the side wall with 3-inch drywall screws. Next, check the depth of the other end of the front wall to be sure it is the same as the side walls.

9. Place the carpenter's level on the front of the front wall to be sure it is plumb. Secure the front wall of the closet to the existing wall with the 3-inch drywall screws. Secure the top and bottom plates with the 3-inch drywall screws

10. Secure the three pieces of 9-inch lumber between the two pieces of 40-inch lumber, one on either end and one in the center with the 16d nails. Secure this to the space between the closets at the ceiling with the 3-inch drywall screws. Cover the walls with paneling or drywall.

Tips & Warnings

• Use shims between the top of the wall and the ceiling to hold it in place while installing the drywall screws if needed.
• Finish the closet door openings with 1-by-4-inch lumber.
• Do not leave construction equipment and tools unattended in the presence of children.
• Do not paint the closets without proper ventilation.
• Always wear safety glasses when framing walls.

References

• Two Simple Closet Plans

Resources

• How to Add a Stud Wall inside an Existing Structure