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

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With the door opening roughed in, Karl and Cathrine turn the empty room into a fabulous closet. They install the new door, then Cathrine works with a closet expert to get organized and design her dream closet. Karl helps them install the components.

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Facing trim will cover the raw edge of the doorway.

Installing the Door

• Reinforce the studs around the door opening with screws. Use a drill with a screwdriver bit to drive the screws.

  Safety Alert: Wear safety glasses and use caution when using a power drill, power saw or other power tools.

• Cut out the threshold so the door frame doesn't create a bump in the floor.

• Pre-hung doors like the one Karl used come in two parts: One part includes the door, frame and the trim for one side; the other part includes the trim for the other side of the door. Slide the part that includes the door and jamb into the opening first, coming from the inside of the closet space.

• Use a level and shims to make sure the door is level and plumb. Slide shims in between the door frame and the studs to shift it and hold it level.

• Once the door frame is plumb and level, nail through the door frame and shims into the studs. Add shims and nail through at different points around the door frame until the door is secure.

• Trim the shims flush with the door frame.

• Add the facing trim to the raw side of the door frame.

• Install the doorknob hardware.

	Custom closet systems take advantage of every inch...
	To create a place for everything.

Installing Closet Storage

A new closet is a perfect opportunity to purge clothes, shoes and accessories. Remember, the easiest way to improve storage and organization is to eliminate items you no longer use or wear. Cathrine worked with a closet professional to help get her possessions under control.

• Measure the closet space.

• Take a good look at the clothing and other items that need space in the closet. Get an idea of how much storage you will need, with room for additional items.

• Determine the best arrangement of closet rods, shelves, baskets and specialty storage items for the ideal closet. Closet system websites offer online design tools; you also can sketch out a scale drawing of the design on graph paper.

• Purchase the necessary closet storage components and install according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

  Tip: Assemble the storage components outside the workspace, but always make sure the final product will fit through the door.

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