Get matched with top closet pros in Ripley, NY

Whether it’s less expensive to build or buy a closet depends on both the type of closet and whether or not you’d be constructing it yourself. The cost of custom closets built by a pro ranges from $1,300 to $3,800, but you may be able to DIY it for as little as $400. By contrast, prefabricated options go as low as $200 and up to $3,000, so it’s almost always less expensive to go this route. 

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.

Bump-out additions can add some space to a closet without requiring any significant structural work. This entails pushing back the existing rear or side of the closet, simply moving the wall into either an adjacent room or unused space. For ground-floor closets, this could even be extended to the exterior of the home, but that has its own complications. Bump-outs are a good discussion to have with your contractor if you’re just looking to increase the space a little—not renovate the entire closet space.

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.