DIY Network

Custom Closet and Storage Ottoman Karl turns a spare room into a posh dressing suite. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-206

Learn how to create this dream closet.

Cathrine Erickson has a closet problem: Her closet is two floors away from her bedroom. Add in the prospect of changing clothes three times a day, and Cathrine seems to spend half her life on the stairs.

Host Karl Champley helps her create a spacious dressing room attached to her bedroom, complete with the latest organization products and a custom storage ottoman. But first they need to punch through the wall to connect the new wardrobe space to the bedroom.

advertisement

Materials: safety glasses work gloves pre-hung door shims ClosetMaid closet system (baskets, clothes rails, system hardware) wood glue 3/4" plywood fabric screws paint paint brush drawer guides hardware feet for the ottoman 3" foam

Tools: carpenter’s pencil straight edge utility knife pry bar hammer level tape measure cordless drill screwdriver reciprocating saw circular saw table saw handsaw nail gun staple gun scissors

Paint Colors:
Ottoman:
Benjamin Moore semi-gloss, linen white

Creating the Door Opening

• Measure the door frame to determine what size opening will be needed.

• Determine the location for the door, placing it so that the sides of the door frame will be easy to attach to existing wall studs. Make sure the door won't interfere with any load-bearing wall studs. Installation will go easier if you avoid wall outlets when choosing a spot for the door.

• Using a straight edge and a pencil, mark out area of drywall to remove.

• Use a utility knife to score the drywall along the lines. The knife only needs to go through the outside paper of the drywall.

• Remove the wood trim with a pry bar and set aside.

• Using a hammer, knock through and remove the drywall inside the scored lines. Once the first layer of drywall is removed, mark the drywall on the other side of the studs and remove.

  Safety Alert: Wear a dust mask and gloves when removing the drywall.
  
  

  Carefully move electrical outlets – or call in a pro – before cutting studs.

• Move any electrical outlets that are in the way of the door.

  Safety Alert: Use extreme caution when working with household electrical wiring. Always cut power at the circuit breaker and tape the beaker switch in the "Off" position before beginning work. If you aren’t completely confident you can do the job safely, have a licensed electrician perform the work.

• Remove the wall studs from the door space, making sure to avoid any load-bearing studs. If the studs don’t come out easily, use a reciprocating saw to cut through them.

  Safety Alert: Wear safety glasses when using a reciprocating saw or any other power tool. Reciprocating saws have a strong "kick back" that can make the hard to control; don’t use a reciprocating saw unless you will be able to control its movement.

Page  1 | 2 | 3