Looking to elevate your closet space with practical and stylish storage solutions? These modular closet cabinets were designed and built by Shara from Woodshop Diaries, and they provide an excellent way to maximize functionality in any walk-in closet.
Materials:
- (4-5) 4’x8′ sheets ¾″ plywood
- (1) 4’x8′ sheet ¼″ plywood
- 6′ long 1 ⅜″ diameter dowel rod (or closet rod)
- (4) pair 16″ ball bearing drawer slides
- 1 ¼” pocket hole screws (100 count box)
- 1 ¼” wood screws
- 2 ½″ long screws
- Edge banding (optional, but recommended)
- Knobs and/or drawer pulls
Tools:
- Drill/Driver
- Circular Saw
- Plywood cutting guides (Kreg Rip Cut & Kreg AccuCut)
- Miter Saw
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Speed Square
- Sander
- Stud Finder
- Level
- 1 ⅜″ diameter Forstner Bit
Step 1: Preparing the Closet Space
Before building the cabinets, start by clearing out your closet. Remove existing brackets and rails, and save them for later if needed. Then, paint the walls to create a bright and clean slate for your new storage solution.
Step 2: Building the First Closet Tower
For the first closet tower, cut two tall sides and three shelves (top, bottom, and middle) from ¾” plywood. You’ll also need to cut two 3.5″ wide strips for the toe kick and top back support.
Edge band the front of these pieces to cover the plywood edges, then drill pocket holes to assemble the cabinet.
Step 3: Adding Shelves and Drawers
Install two stationary shelves into the top section of the cabinet. For the bottom section, plan to install four drawers—three deeper and one shallow. Measure and install four pairs of 16″ drawer slides into the bottom section.
Step 4: Constructing the Drawers
Build the drawers by cutting down pieces of plywood for the drawer boxes. Assemble the boxes using pocket holes and screws, and add a plywood bottom to each box.
Step 5: Installing the First Closet Tower
Position the completed cabinet in the designated corner of the closet and secure it to the wall studs. Add painters tape to the drawer boxes so you can still open them after installation.
Step 6: Building the Second Closet Tower
For the second tower, cut two plywood strips for the toe kick and top support, along with four shelves and two tall sides. Assemble this cabinet similarly to the first one.
Step 7: Adding Shelves and Hanging Rod
Install the bottom shelf at an angle for storing shoes, and add a hanging rod across the top. Mark the locations for the rod and secure it with screws.
Step 8: Final Assembly and Finishing Touches
Install the top shelf across the cabinets, secure it in place, and apply a few coats of clear coat to the cabinets. Replace the baseboards and add knobs to the drawers to complete the look.
With these steps, you now have stylish and functional storage in your closet! Customize your modular cabinets to fit your needs, and enjoy the newfound organization in your space.
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