| Closet Expansion: Clearing Out Closet and Installing the Track System |
From "Weekend Handyman"
episode WKH-211 |
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Time: 16 hours over 2 days. Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 2 on the Weekend Handyman scale. Materials: Closet system
Spackle
Paint Tools: Cordless screwdriver
Level
Square
Hacksaw
Circular saw
Hand screwdrivers
Stud finder
Rubber mallet Notes: - The modular units used on the show were available in cherry or white laminate. They are made of thermal fused melamine, which is more resistant to water, and more durable than paper melamine. They come in standard-size configurations from 4' to 10' in width and can be mixed and matched for a perfect fit.
- The first thing you need to do is decide on a design for your closet. You need to think of each wall as a reach-in closet. Measure each wall separately and plan the storage one wall at a time, taking your personal needs into account. If one person is using the closet, it's a good idea to put the hanging wardrobe rods on the left and right sides of the closet and turn the corner with shelves -- this makes a great use of the corner space (figure A).
- When two people are sharing a master closet, it works well to lay out the design with one wall for each person (figure B). If you have enough space, you can add a tower between the hanging sections on each side. The towers hold long vertical clothes, shelves, drawers and baskets. Then the back wall can be shared space (figure C). This type of planning is a critical first step toward a great closet. Figure out what you want and what you need. Take an inventory of your clothes, etc. A little pre-planning will save you time and money.
- Order your closet system in advance. Closet systems are also available at home stores and can be purchased the day you plan to do the project. All the supplies you will need come with the kit.
Day One - Remove all the clothes and take out all the racks.
- Patch all the holes with spackle. Lightly sand the walls and then paint them.
- Mark the walls where you need to put the track (figure D). The track is the backbone of the design and supports the whole system. The placement is determined by your design. Mark the studs in order to secure the track properly -- the track must be installed into the studs.
- If some panels are placed in-between studs, you will need to install toggles. Drill a 1/2" hole on both sides of panel location. Slide metal channel through hole and pull it so it is flat behind wall. Slide plastic cap along the straps until the flange is flush with the wall (figure E). Push side to side to snap off the straps at the wall.
Expert Tip: The tracks come in 4' and 8' lengths. If your closet is more than 8', you may need to cut your track back to the nearest stud and then start your new track beyond that. It's very important to install the track into the studs. - The track must end on a stud, if it is too long, cut the track with a hacksaw. Drill the track in place around the perimeter of the closet.
In the next segment, Ryan will start assembling the closet -- putting together the draws and adding all the bells and whistles.
RESOURCES :
Walk-in Closet (Windquest)
Starter Unit, Cherry, Model #RB1460-C
Hanging Tower, Cherry, Model #RV1472-C
4" Drawer, Cherry, Model #RD2504-C
8" Drawer, Cherry, Model #RD2508-C
Shelf Kit, Cherry, Model #RS1423-C
Shelf Kit, Cherry, Model #RS143-C
Corner Shelves, Cherry, Model #RS3003-C
Shoe Cubes, Cherry, Model #RS1500-C
Belt Rack, Chrome, Model #8024
Tie Rack, Chrome, Model #8034
11" Basket, Chrome, Model #9211-CH
Wardrobe Valet, Chrome, Model #RA1204-CH
Jewelry Tray, Green, Model #RJ2403
Windquest
Website: www.windquestco.com/
GUESTS :
Randy Tallman
3311 Windquest Dr.
Holland, MI 49424
Phone: 616-339-3311
Marketing Manager
Windquest
Louise Kurzeka
3301 Library Lane
St. Louis Park, MN 55425
Phone: 952-929-5653
Owner
Everything's Together
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