Get matched with top closet pros in Lakeport, CA

If you’re on a tight budget, the least expensive material you can buy for DIY closet shelves is chipboard, a.k.a. particle board. This inexpensive material is made from a pulp of sawdust, resin, and glue that’s pressed together under high temperature and pressure. As you can imagine, it’s not very sturdy and might buckle under your blue jean collection, so you should only use it if you’re storing very light items. 

On average, building a custom or built-in closet costs around $2,100. However, the total price can range from as little as $500 for a simple DIY project to $6,000 or more for a large, high-end custom closet. Most projects typically fall between $1,500 and $5,000.

The final cost depends on several factors, including the closet's size, type, materials, and features. Here is a general cost breakdown by closet type:

• Reach-in closet: $500 to $1,500

• Walk-in closet: $750 to $5,000

• Wardrobe: $2,000 to $6,000 or more

Choosing a prefabricated closet system is generally less expensive than a fully custom build. The scope of design and construction services will also significantly impact the price.

You can turn an adjacent room into a walking closet by just rearranging the room. This means removing the furniture and adding racks and an island in the center if you have that in your budget. Houses with two bedrooms connected to each other are great options for large walk-in closets that don't require any structural changes or much building whatsoever.

Different types of closets are defined mostly by size. A few different types of closets include:

• A reach-in closet is a smaller closet that you can stand in front of and reach everything inside it. Aside from the size, the doors and the level of drywall finish are typically the largest price factors.  

• A walk-in closet can be anything from a small 5-by-5 feet closet that has a narrow walkway with shelves on both sides to a 100 square foot bedroom-sized closet with shelving along the walls and plenty of room to move around in.

• A built-in wardrobe often does not have a door and leaves the clothes and other contents open to the room, whereas a closet usually has a door to separate it from the rest of the room.