The closet is usually the most underrated space in a home, until you need one and the space it contains becomes an invaluable asset. You don't need a professional to build a wardrobe, you just need to dedicate a few weekends to it and have the right tools at hand.
Steps
Step 1. Decide where you want to place your closet
This may be the most difficult part of the whole process. The most logical place would be in a niche, at the end of a corridor or on a wall with no windows or doors to work on.
Step 2. Arrange the walls and doors
Based on the space available, choose whether to create a built-in wardrobe or a walk-in closet.
Step 3. Remove the carpet and any basic finishes from the walls and ceiling in the area where you are planning to work
Be careful not to break the finish as you will probably want to reuse it.
Step 4. Install the frame, starting with the base and top
Secure the base to the floor with cladding screws and the top to the ceiling. Use 10.2cm toggle pins and construction adhesive.
- Nail or screw the end pins to the side walls, top, and base. Outline the door opening by fixing nails to the top and bottom plate. Usually the nails have a spacing of 40.8 cm. You just have to use the space you have available if the wall width is greater than 40.8cm but less than 61.2cm. Divide the difference for better support of the sheath if the width is greater than 61.2 cm.
- Outline the structure of the door. This will include the rafters on each side. Typically, two 1.83mx 26.7cm beams are used which attach to the wall uprights and two 5.1X 10.2cm beams at the top that will be nailed to the side beams, the ends of which will be fixed in turn on the wall.
- Put small nails (called dowels) between the top beam and the ceiling. This will normally be centered at 40.8cm. The structure will now be complete.
Step 5. Attach 1.27cm drywall or cladding to the walls
Drywall screws are used for both sides of the structure. Cut the drywall to size with a knife and a square as a guide. Cut the edge of the upholstery in the door opening.
Engrave the drywall with a cutter. Start breaking the drywall with hand pressure and then with a square (along the back of the drywall). Drywall should snap into one piece if it has been etched deep enough
Step 6. Place the doors in the closet
How to do it depends on the type of doors you have chosen.
- Insert the door into the opening if you are using a traditional self-attacking door (as for walk-in closets). Then, with a spirit level, put the door flush using shims to keep it aligned. Fit the cover provided by the manufacturer around the door.
- Using a folding door requires that the opening be cut first. Use the finish you have set aside or in any case one that matches the one already present in the room. Attach the door in place and adjust it to fit, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Assemble the accessories, elaborate or simple, that match your needs.
Advice
- A good way to tell if there is enough closet space in the room is to make a plaster sketch of the closet walls, then arrange the furniture you need and see if it works.
- Check the height and width requirements of the door opening you have chosen (if you are using a self-attaching or folding door).
- Self-fixing doors are the easiest to assemble because they are bought with all the tools already installed and with the finish to put around the opening. They are available in most home improvement stores.
Warnings
- You probably won't need a building permit for your closet. However, if you also add electrical components such as lights or sockets, you may need to be upgraded, so consult a licensed electrician. Check the building regulations in your area.
- Make sure there are no pre-existing power lines or plumbing before working or drilling a wall.
