How to Build a Reach in Closet

Installing Rods

• 1

  Determine the placement for your two shelf and rod brackets. These brackets will hold up the closet rod, so you will want them at eye level or a bit above. You can also place two sets of shelf and rod brackets if you want two closet rods in the reach-in closet. Choose high-quality brackets that will hold your clothes easily. Some of these brackets can hold as much as 1,000 pounds.

• 2

  Measure from the top of the ceiling to the area you want the rod to determine how many inches down your brackets will be placed. This way, you’ll know that both sides are the same height and your rod will be level.

• 3

  Attach the shelf and rod brackets to the wall with an electric screwdriver.

• 4

  Place a closet rod onto the hook part of the shelf and rod brackets. Purchase a rod online or buy a circular wooden rod cut to your specifications from a lumberyard. PVC pipe is another option that you can have cut to size. The PVC pipe will allow hangers to slide smoothly from one end to the other.

• 5

  Place a piece of plywood over each set of your shelf and rod brackets. This straight edge will hold a shelf easily. The plywood should be wide enough to completely cover the bracket's top edge but should not obstruct the rod positioned underneath. Before installing the plywood, sand and paint or finish it to give the closet a professional look.

• 6

  Screw the plywood into the shelf part of the bracket with sheet metal screws. These screws are specifically designed to attach metal to wood.

• 7

  Attach a plywood shelf to your other shelf and rod brackets if you installed more than one set.