Get matched with top closet pros in Caribou, ME

Although you can complete a closet frame in just an afternoon, finishing the entire closet will take a few days to a week. However, that’s still not as much as the average time it takes to remodel a closet, which can take anywhere from several weeks to more than a month. That’s because you also have to consider the time it will take to demolish the existing space, plan a new design, order materials, and actually install it. 

To prevent sagging, consider both the material and the span of the shelf. Using sturdy materials such as plywood or solid wood can provide better support than particleboard. Additionally, limiting the shelf span to 36 inches or less can reduce the risk of sagging. For longer shelves, incorporating center supports or brackets can offer additional reinforcement.

The differences between a built-in closet and a walk-in aren’t that different from a built-in wardrobe and a walk-in closet. It’s fairly simple—a walk-in closet is a closet you can physically enter, stand in, and walk around in. A built-in (whether wardrobe or closet) is more akin to covered shelves installed into a recess in the wall. Another big difference is walk-in closets almost always have traditional full-size doors, while built-ins either have no doors or use sliding doors.

You can design your own closet, but it’s usually better to hire a professional to do the work for you. Not only will you get years of design experience to guide you toward the right layout and material choices, but you’ll also only pay slightly more hiring a professional than you would creating your own plans and hiring a carpenter. A high-quality closet designer can provide insight into how to lay out your closet, and they may be able to find you a good deal on the carpentry or complete the work using an affordable, in-house team.