How to Install Closet Brackets, Shelves, & Rods
Why closets?
I have been getting my share of closet modifications lately. Last month I installed built-in’s, using IKEA Rast dressers. Now, it was time to tackle my daughter’s closet. This closet was simple: cleats, brackets, rods, and shelves.
Within this blog I will show you how to install cleats, brackets, shelves, and rods for your own DIY closet. .
Have you ever wanted to adjust your closet rods?
Adjusting the rods and shelves, or adding a second set of shelves/rods may be exactly what your closet needs to increase storage.
Double Rod, Double Shelf.
Both my girls are toddlers; therefore, I chose to go with a second rod that is slightly lower than standard application. My girls like to be able to pick out their own clothes and dress themselves. I support toddlerhood independence 100%.
Future Thinking.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, but Amanda, they will grow up and outgrow the lower rod. That’s perfectly fine. When the day comes to readjust, I will DIY them again.
Full disclosure.
This closet already had an existing shelf that will be staying. I will be attaching bracket supports, brackets, and a rod for the upper section. Then completing the whole process for the lower section.
Skill level: Beginner.
Utilize Free Cuts at Home Depot/Lowes.
It was 10 degrees here when I did this project so I had the amazing lumbar worker at Home Depot do all of my cuts. That made everything including transporting the wood home so easy!
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click the links. This is at no additional cost to you. However, I only recommend products I use and love. For full disclosure statement, click here. Thanks!
Listed are the supplies you will need if you are going to install a double rod and shelving system like I am.
Supply List:
- 2 melamine shelves cut to the size of your closet
- 6 heavy duty brackets
- 2 closet rods (I like metal)
- screws 2.25” or 2.5”
- 1″x3″ x (length of closet) x2 boards
- 1″x3″ x 15″ x4 boards
- 1″x3″x 8″ x6 boards
- paintable caulk
- paint
- primer
Tools:
- stud finder
- drill
- drill bit for pilot holes
- level
- painters tape
- marker
- caulk gun
Preparation
- Remove everything from your closet, including the doors (this gives you more working room if they are bi-fold).
- Take down existing structures that you wont be using.
Planning
Where do you want your shelf and rod to go? If doing a double rod, how far apart do you want them? I have found the standard to be about 36″-40″ between each rod set and then between the first rod and the floor.
Mine are 34″ apart as I did not want to move existing cleats (leaving me ample space on top shelf for boxes).
Measure and Make Cuts.
Make all cuts if not already done for 1×3’s.
Board Prep
Sand boards well and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Primer and paint will not adhere well to dust.
Mark.
On the walls, mark where you want your cleats to go. Mark all of your studs with painters tape, that way you know bracket and screw placement. Here is a simple stud finder that works well.
Board Placement
This is how your 1×3’s will be placed in the closet. They will run along the back as pictured as well as each side. The 6 shorter pieces will be bracket supports.
Tips and Tricks.
For maximum ease, a partner / second set of hands and two drills are ideal. A helper to hold your boards while you secure boards to the walls. Two drills, one with a pilot hole attachment and another with a Philips head attachment.
Solo.
To do this alone there will be a lot of holding boards while switching between drill bits. I had a second ladder close by to put stuff on.
Instead of screws, you could use nails and a hammer or a nail gun. I chose screws for easier removal if I chose to change the closet heights later on.
Board Attachment: Shelf Supports
- Make sure all boards you attach are level before securing.
- Once level, drill a pilot hole in the 1×3 boards and through the wall (hitting the stud).
- Screw in place.
- Do this for all the shelf supports running the length and width of the closet
Bracket Supports
Here you will use all of the 8″ pieces. Attach the pieces to the wall where the studs are for maximum hold.
- Using pilot holes then screws attach all 6, 8″ pieces as shown.
- Tip: find where your bracket is going to be secured as you don’t want a screw in the way.
Caulk
Fill all gaps along the edges with a paintable caulk. Let the caulk dry per package directions (about 30-60 minutes).
Prime and Paint
Once everything is dry, prime the closet and supports. Paint with a semi-gloss after the primer has dried. Kilz3 primer works well (2 coats primer). and I use inexpensive paint in closets (Valspar).
Once the paint dries, it will be time to attach all of the brackets. If you made it this far, you are almost done!
Bracket attachment.
Secure brackets with the provided screws (pilot holes first!)
Shelf Attachment
Secure the shelf in two places as indicated by the bracket holes. This will be on the underside of the shelf. You can do pilot holes, make sure the drill bit does not go all the way through the shelf.
The brackets will provide the rod a place to rest on.
Rods
I simply placed my rods on as they were already the correct size. Cut rods to size if needed. To cut a metal rod a hack saw with a metal blade works fine, but takes a few minutes to cut.
Finishing up.
That’s all! Installing closet brackets, rods, shelves doesn’t have to be difficult. Closets are not as hard as they may look, especially if you are lucky enough to have a second set of hands. There is another closet how to tutorial post linked below.
Today’s tutorial is much easier and less time consuming than the IKEA Rast built-ins hack. A double rod double and shelf closet like this can easily be completed in an afternoon (not including paint dry time).
Let’s Chat.
How many rods and shelves do you have in your closet? Have you tried a closet makeover project like this before? Please leave me a comment below, I love to hear from you!