Get matched with top closet pros in Bloomfield, NE

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. 

A "reach-in pantry" is a smaller, cabinet-style pantry that allows you to grab items by simply reaching inside. On the other hand, a "walk-in pantry" is like a closet or small room that offers a larger space that you can physically enter to get your food. Walk-in pantries allow for more customizable shelving. A reach-in pantry is usually around 5 feet wide by 2 feet deep, while a walk-in pantry is closer to 5 feet by 5 feet or larger.

Plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and solid wood are all popular options for closet shelving. Plywood and solid wood are sturdy and ideal for extended shelves or heavy items. MDF is a budget-friendly choice for light to moderate storage, but it can sag under heavy weight if not adequately supported. Wire shelving is another alternative that allows airflow, making it especially useful in humid spaces such as laundry rooms or basements.

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.