DIY closets

March 27, 2005 · Comments

When we remodeled our house 2 years ago, we put a lot into the master closet. I got [Alternative Closets](http://www.netconnection.us/alternative/index.html) in to design and install our closet so we didn’t need any additional storage furniture in the bedroom. I’ve gotten used to having all my clothes in the closet and don’t want to go back to using a dresser again. I like keeping my shirts and sweaters on shelves rather than in drawers.

When we move, our new master bedroom will have two smaller walk-in closets. Each are 48“ x 70” which is not huge but it’s respectable. Rather than deal with an expensive closet company again, I think I’m going to go with a do-it-yourself option. Or more accurately, “order the closet parts and pay a handyman to install it” option. Right now, our former bedroom furniture is in our guest room and we’ve decide to sell it before moving.

There are two companies that have amazing websites for closets…[easyclosets.com](http://www.easyclosets.com) and [closetstogo.com](http://www.closetstogo.com). Both use a Flash-based interface to lay out your closet online, then you order the parts and print the plans & instructions. Free shipping and quantity discounts, too!

First easyclosets.com. This is what I designed for my closet and saved:

Easyclosets

I had a lot of fun mixing and matching and clicking on options until I found what I liked. If you try and put something in that doesn’t fit or doesn’t give you enough clearance, the application tells you. Catch is, the site doesn’t work in Safari but it’s fine in Firefox.

Another site is [closetstogo.com](http://www.closetstogo.com). Very similar. Flash-based online design application. Works fine, but not quite as pretty and clean as easyclosets.com. This is how I designed Eric’s closet (I came up with one design for each of us based on our individual tastes and need and replicated it in both applications):

Closetstogo

The prices are nearly identical. Even though closetstogo.com is more expensive, they offer a better discount. When all is said and done, both come out to around $1650. Not terrible since we don’t have to buy anything else for the bedroom besides a bed and nightstands. The handyman is charging us $45/hour to install the closets and do some light electrical work. We close on June 22nd, but we’re not having our stuff moved in until June 25th so we’ll have those two days in an empty house to get things done.

I ordered samples and brochures from both companies to help me make up my mind which one to use. closetstogo.com says that their closets are pre-assembled and can be installed in 2-3 hours. I’m paying someone by the hour to do it, so that’s a plus. I would hate to judge them down simply because their Flash interface is ugly. Anyone have any experience with online DIY closet companies?

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