Organize your closets this year by constructing this straightforward DIY closet organizer with drawers.
This month, we are taking on the major task of arranging my daughter’s incredibly messy closet. To see how chaotic it was at the beginning, check out the kids closet makeover plan here.
I knew we needed a solution that would bring plenty of storage and organization to the closet, so I teamed up with Kreg Tools and their new project plan website, dopten.com, to create it! The centerpiece of the updated closet is this uncomplicated closet organizer, featuring 4 drawers and an open storage compartment.
The closet system consists of a straightforward cabinet frame. Its traditional face-frame style provides the organizer with a polished appearance while remaining an affordable way to arrange your closets!
Which type of closet can accommodate this DIY closet system?
This closet organizer was created for easy installation in most closets. It works in bedroom closets, linen closets, entryway closets, and many others!
To install the DIY closet system, your closet must include a shelf measuring at least 15″ deep. This simple organizer is designed to attach beneath the shelf, while also securing to the wall for support. The shelf serves as the cabinet’s top.
If your closet lacks a shelf, there is no need to stress! Installing one is simple when you follow these steps:
- Fasten 1×3 boards around your closet’s perimeter at your chosen shelf height. Be sure to drive 2 1/2″ long screws into the wall studs.
- Check that the boards are even with a level. Do not depend on the walls to provide a level surface.
- Trim your 3/4″-thick shelf material, whether plywood or particle board, so it matches the width of your closet. Most clothing closet shelves measure roughly 15 1/4″ deep, leaving ample space for hangers.
- Set the shelf over the 1×3 boards and push it completely against the back wall. Fasten it with construction adhesive over the 1x3s or drive wood screws through the shelf’s top into the 1x3s.
- Apply paint to the shelf and supporting boards.
How to Build a Simple Cabinet Frame
You may already know that I really enjoy constructing cabinets. Search cabinets on this website to find plenty of helpful information.
I appreciate building cabinets because they are incredibly practical. They can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, closets, custom bookcases, and many other spaces!
They are also simple to construct. Cabinets are made up of numerous 90-degree corners. Joining those corners with Kreg pocket holes makes assembly fast and creates an exceptionally sturdy cabinet.
If the thought of making cabinets intimidates you, these quick suggestions can help you successfully build your first cabinet: this DIY Closet Organizer system!
Helpful Cabinet-Building Tips
- Confirm that your saw blades cut at 90 degrees to the wood. Straight cuts will give you perfectly square 90-degree angles.
- Use the Kreg pocket hole jig to create pocket holes every 4-5 inches for durable cabinets.
- Apply wood glue to every seam.
- Hold cabinet components at right angles with clamps while fastening them with pocket hole screws.
- To check whether the cabinet is square, measure from one corner to the opposite corner. Take measurements across both sides; matching measurements mean your box is square!
What Is the Cost of Building the Closet Organizer?
The closet storage system is made from plywood and 1×2 boards. There are several varieties of each material available, with prices covering a broad range.
A 3/4″ sheet of plywood generally costs between $45-$60 dollars. Less expensive plywood is an excellent choice for a painted closet system, while pricier birch plywood is suitable if you plan to stain the wood.
For the 1×2 boards, affordable lumber works perfectly well. I have completed similar projects using 1×2 furring strips priced below $2 each. However, you will need to spend time selecting straight pieces, as I explain in the beginners guide to buying lumber.
For our DIY closet organizer, I chose 1×2 select pine boards costing approximately $6 per 8′ board. I also enjoy using poplar for face frames, as I did in our budget kitchen remodel. Poplar costs around $1 per linear foot, or approximately $8 for an 8′ board.
You will also require half a sheet of 1/2″ plywood and half a sheet of 1/4″ plywood for the drawers. These drawers are simple to make using this DIY drawer tutorial.
Also, remember to account for the drawer slides. Based on the style you select, a set may cost anywhere from $5.50-$20.
Considering all these materials, you could construct your own DIY Closet system for less than $150 if you need to buy every component.
I managed to complete the entire project with leftover plywood and only had to purchase one 1×2 board. We reused the budget-friendly drawer slides and pulls taken out during our kitchen island renovation. As a result, our total stayed below $30, and my scrap wood collection became slightly smaller.
DIY Closet Organizer Building Plans
If you are prepared to organize your closets this year as well, I am offering the DIY closet organizer plans for free on dopten.com.
Click here to view the full building plans!
My daughter’s closet makeover is also beginning to take shape. We have accomplished a great deal, including creating a shoe storage tray, as shown in the image below.
