How to Build a Large Storage Closet

Building

• 1

  Place the 18- and 48-inch lumber on a worktable. Form a rectangle by placing two of the 18-inch pieces between two of the 48-inch pieces. Secure them together with the 3-inch drywall screws. Secure a third 18-inch piece in the center of the rectangle. Repeat this process to create six rectangles.

• 2

  Place the 92¾-inch lumber on the worktable. Measure from one end and make marks at 30 and 54 inches on each of them.

• 3

  Install three of the assemblies from Step 1 to four of the 92¾-inch lumber. Place one assembly as the bottom shelf, one on the 30-inch marks and one on the 54-inch marks.

• 4

  Next, set one side of the units against a wall with 48 inches separating them. Secure them to the wall through the 18-inch lumber with the 3-inch drywall screws.

• 5

  Install the 18-by-48-inch plywood on top of the rectangles with the 1½-inch drywall screws. Next, nail the 82½-inch pieces to the 92¾-inch lumber, flush to the bottom, where the door opening is located. These will support the header.

• 6

  Build the header by placing the 8¾-inch lumber between the two 52½-inch pieces. Secure one on either end space the other two out evenly. Set this on top of the support posts and secure it to the studs with the 3-inch drywall screws.

• 7

  Install the two pieces of 48-by-96-by-¼-inch plywood to the 48-inch width of the storage closet 'walls' with the paneling nails. Repeat this with the 24-inch plywood on the front walls and the 52½-inch piece above the door opening as well.

Trimming

• 8

  Secure the 1-by-4-by-49½-inch lumber to the bottom side of the header with the 4d finish nails. Next, secure the 1-by-4-by-81¾-inch lumber to the sides of the door opening.

• 9

  Fill the nail holes with wood putty and let it dry. Sand the wood with 100-grit sandpaper.

• 10

  Install the two pieces of outside corner mold with ¾-inch brads. Install any closet door unit that fits a 48-inch closet door opening.