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Overview:
This project will show you how to install a closet rod. Nothing's as satisfying as a perfectly organized closet. A simple closet rod is the perfect solution for keeping your hanging clothes looking their best.
Materials:
wooden dowel, rod supports with screws, 1 x 4 wood cleats, nails
Tools You'll Need:
power-lite cordless drill or 6-in-1 interchangeable screwdriver, 10ft. or 25ft. tape measure, 4-in-1 level, 7oz. or 16oz. hammer
Before You Begin:
Empty out your closet completely. Be ruthless! Throw or give away unwanted or old items. And consider this: there may be more money in your closet than the loose change you find in your pants' pockets! Take your gently worn items to a consignment shop for resale. Your refreshed closet should contain only your favorite and most frequently used things. If you have the time and energy, give the closet a fresh coat of paint after you complete Step Two.
Barbara's Tips:
To keep the wood from splitting when you are nailing close to the ends, first use your drill to make small holes for the nails. Then hammer away!
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Step 1: Line
Your closet may already have molding around the interior walls. If it does, skip right to Step Three. If not, you will install wooden cleats to attach your rod supports. Decide what height you need the rod to be. For full-length items, 65" to 68" above the floor is usually best. Once you've determined the height, use your level and draw a line that runs across the back wall of the closet and along the two sides. Take the stud finder and locate the wall studs in the closet. Mark them with a pencil mark just above the line. Indicate the sides of the stud with a vertical line and the center with an "x".
Step 2: A Little Support
Measure the sides of the closet and cut the 1 x 4 cleat so it extends from the back wall until at least the first stud from the corner at the doorway. Position the wood along your pencil line and screw or nail it to the studs. To keep the wood from splitting when you are nailing close to the ends, first use the drill to make small holes for the nails. Measure and cut your wood to fit along the back wall, fitting between the side pieces. Attach the wood to the studs along the back wall.
Step 3: Pulling It All Together
If you're going to repaint the closet, now is the best time! Once the paint is dry, determine the correct depth to place the rod. About 12" from the back wall is standard. Lightly mark the spot with your pencil. Attach the closet rod brackets to the lower part of the wood cleats with screws. Now measure the distance between the brackets. Cut your wooden pole 1/8" shorter than this distance and it into place.
Step 4: Something Extra For Your Efforts
If you already have molding around the edges of your closet – or you've installed wooden cleats – you've also got a ready made resting place for a shelf above your closet rod! Measure the interior of the closet carefully and pop off to the lumber store for a pre-cut piece of wood to match your measurements. Carefully rest in on top of the molding above the pole and secure it with finishing nails, if you want. It's the perfect spot for storing small items or accessories!
Step 5: Worth Hanging Around For
Hang your clothing and place your accessories on the shelf. Step back and admire your new wardrobe storage. It looks marvelous – and you did it yourself!
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