This project was built and designed by David from dk builds. It’s a budget-friendly closet upgrade that uses repurposed materials to create custom shelving and a shoe rack, all for less than the cost of a fast-food meal.
David transformed a cluttered guest room closet into a clean, functional space by repurposing the closet doors themselves. The total out-of-pocket cost? Just $7.88—proving that a smart design and some basic tools can go a long way.
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Tackling a Cluttered Closet
The closet started off like many others—overstuffed and underutilized. With one clothing rod and a few random hooks, the space lacked real storage and the sliding doors barely closed due to the mess inside.
David decided to take on the challenge without buying new lumber. Instead, he removed the sliding doors and set out to use them as his primary building material for the makeover.
Repurposing the Closet Doors
The old doors were made from high-quality plywood, making them perfect for cutting down into shelves and panels. After removing the hardware and patching some minor wall damage, David prepped the plywood for use.
He was able to get nearly all of the shelving components out of just over one door. The remaining portion was used for the shoe rack, keeping waste to an absolute minimum and highlighting the benefits of repurposing rather than tossing out.
Building the Custom Shelving Unit
The first part of the build focused on a sturdy shelving system. David cut the plywood into sections and used rabbet joints for the top and bottom shelves, with a dado joint securing the middle shelf.
To make the unit stronger and more customizable, he glued one shelf permanently and left the others adjustable. This gave him the flexibility to change shelf heights later on based on storage needs.
Even though the doors had old oil-based paint on them, David went with a latex-based paint for the new finish. He sanded the surfaces thoroughly to help the new paint adhere and to remove years of wear and grime.
Constructing the Shoe Rack
The shoe rack used up the remaining door material. It followed a similar construction process as the shelves, but David added a few visual and functional upgrades to make it stand out.
Rounded feet gave the rack a clean, finished appearance, while the side pieces extended slightly above the top surface to help keep shoes from slipping off. While sanding, he discovered the doors had once been painted turquoise—a small surprise that added character to the project.
Assembling and Installing the Closet System
Before installing the shelves, David removed the baseboard along the back wall and patched any exposed drywall. Once the shelving unit was in place, he secured it directly to the studs for added strength.
He reinstalled the clothing rod, adjusting it to fit with the new shelving layout. The result was a much more organized and user-friendly closet that better used the available vertical space.
The Finishing Details That Matter
David didn’t stop at functionality—he took time to add clean finishes to the project. Edge banding was applied to cover exposed plywood edges, giving the project a more polished, built-in look.
He also used a router to round over all the exposed corners, softening the edges for both comfort and aesthetics. A laser level helped ensure the clothing rod was installed perfectly straight, adding a professional touch to the final reveal.
Breaking Down the Budget
The most surprising part of this entire closet transformation was the price. Thanks to using leftover materials and repurposing the doors, the total project cost came in at just $7.88.
This included paint, edge banding, and a few fasteners—everything else came from David’s existing stockpile of materials. It’s a perfect example of how smart planning and creativity can deliver high-impact results on a shoestring budget.
Why This Project Stands Out
This closet makeover wasn’t just about adding shelves—it was about taking control of a cluttered space and doing it with minimal resources. By reusing what he already had and designing around it, David kept costs down and waste to a minimum.
Repurposing materials like plywood doors is a great way to reduce landfill waste and stretch your workshop budget. It also allows for more flexibility in design since you’re building around what’s available rather than starting from scratch.
Final Thoughts
David’s closet upgrade proves that you don’t need fancy tools or expensive lumber to create something functional and attractive. With smart joinery, careful planning, and attention to detail, even a small investment can deliver big results.
Whether you’re updating your own closet or looking for ideas to inspire your next low-cost build, this project shows that resourcefulness can be just as valuable as a full tool rack or big budget.
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