How to Build a Large Storage Closet

As the years go by, we all tend to collect stuff, sometimes forcing us to try lessening the clutter at home by renting a unit in a storage facility. For most do-it-yourselfers, however, building a large storage unit is not out of reach. Basic carpentry skills are all that is needed for this project.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2-by-4-by-18-inch lumber (18)
• 2-by-4-by-48-inch lumber (12)
• 3-inch drywall screws
• 2-by-4-by-92¾-inch lumber (8)
• 18-by-48-by-¾-inch plywood (6)
• 1½-inch drywall screws
• 2-by-4-by-52½-inch lumber (2)
• 2-by-4-by-8¾-inch lumber (4)
• 24-by-96-by-¼-inch plywood (2)
• 48-by-96-by-¼-inch plywood (2)
• 52½-by-11¾-by-¼-inch plywood
• Paneling nails
• 1-by-4-by-49½-inch lumber
• 1-by-4-by-81¾-inch lumber
• 4d finish nails
• Wood putty or painter's caulk
• 100-grit sandpaper
• Outside corner molding 96 inches long (2)
• Closet door

Building

1. Place the 18- and 48-inch lumber on a worktable. Form a rectangle by placing two of the 18-inch pieces between two of the 48-inch pieces. Secure them together with the 3-inch drywall screws. Secure a third 18-inch piece in the center of the rectangle. Repeat this process to create six rectangles.

2. Place the 92¾-inch lumber on the worktable. Measure from one end and make marks at 30 and 54 inches on each of them.

3. Install three of the assemblies from Step 1 to four of the 92¾-inch lumber. Place one assembly as the bottom shelf, one on the 30-inch marks and one on the 54-inch marks.

4. Next, set one side of the units against a wall with 48 inches separating them. Secure them to the wall through the 18-inch lumber with the 3-inch drywall screws.

5. Install the 18-by-48-inch plywood on top of the rectangles with the 1½-inch drywall screws. Next, nail the 82½-inch pieces to the 92¾-inch lumber, flush to the bottom, where the door opening is located. These will support the header.

6. Build the header by placing the 8¾-inch lumber between the two 52½-inch pieces. Secure one on either end space the other two out evenly. Set this on top of the support posts and secure it to the studs with the 3-inch drywall screws.

7. Install the two pieces of 48-by-96-by-¼-inch plywood to the 48-inch width of the storage closet 'walls' with the paneling nails. Repeat this with the 24-inch plywood on the front walls and the 52½-inch piece above the door opening as well.

Trimming

8. Secure the 1-by-4-by-49½-inch lumber to the bottom side of the header with the 4d finish nails. Next, secure the 1-by-4-by-81¾-inch lumber to the sides of the door opening.

9. Fill the nail holes with wood putty and let it dry. Sand the wood with 100-grit sandpaper.

10. Install the two pieces of outside corner mold with ¾-inch brads. Install any closet door unit that fits a 48-inch closet door opening.

Tips & Warnings

• Use painter's caulk in the nail holes if the 1-by-4s are going to be painted.
• Use storage closet organizers to further organize the closet's contents.
• Do not leave power tools unattended in the presence of children.
• Do not paint or stain the storage closet without proper ventilation.

References

• Closet Organizers

Resources

• Storage Closets