Built-In vs. Drywall Closets?

last year

I have a nook in the front hall where we can put a wardrobe (furniture) or a closet. We live in a cold climate, so boots and coats are a reality, and we need coat storage. Originally, I was going to have a cabinetry-based built in closet, with 2ft drawers at bottom and a rod and shelf above, with doors hiding it all. But… I am splurging more in kitchen so I want to dial back my budget in other areas - without sacrificing quality. Other alternative would be to sheetrock this space and do a standard closet with double doors.

Similarly, one bedroom upstairs (vaulted ceiling) does not have a closet space, the thought being we’d do a cabinet/built-in standalone. Would I save $$ by adding 2x4s and drywall and making more of a drywall-based closet than a cabinetry based? The closet would have to go up to 10-11 feet as it is a higher ceiling. I like the look of cabinetry, but I fear that could be more expensive and maybe unwise when I’m trying to trim the budget.

Comments (11)

chispa
last year
If you are still in the framing stages, or earlier, then the standard closet will be cheaper. Add a light in the closet if possible. The built-ins do look pretty, but only you can decide if the extra cost is worth it in your house.
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
last year
Built-ins are generally more efficient in the storage of clothing, depending on the design. Whether that efficiency is worth the extra expense is up to up to decide.
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It's difficult to say how much actual work (cost savings) you can perform under the direction of a professional but that might be an option. If you are comfortable assembling pre-cut kits, you should be able to assist a pro. Even small jobs that involve hanging drywall/paneling,doors and 2x framing requires or at least benifit's from a helper. You would need a pro for one day. Two hours to measure and make a material list for you to buy,plus four hours on the day he returns to cut and nail things togeather then two hours to tape and texture. Material for all wood,no texture will be a little more expensive and take longer to trim but you should be able to cut and install trim useing an inexpensive miter box/back saw. At any rate you can paint/stain/finish the project. Find a custom cabinet shop and give them your sketch ups for an estimate.
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I like a mix I saw a walk-in closet first time in my life when I first came to the States. I thought it's kinda neat)) When my late Grandma did her first and last remodel, in the eighties, she "borrowed" space between two rooms (we had three altogether, and it didn't go by bedrooms like here)-and that's how we had two big, not walk in but still quite big closets. That was neat too. It was a nicely sized apartment but we were six people there. Everything was very organized..had to be. But we had lots of free standing pieces..say my and my brother's clothes all except for coats went in a small wardrobe, and the wardrobe wasn't in our room, but in a different, bigger room, where Grandma and Grandpa slept. Books, we had in every room. We have a lots of books now too-but to be honest, it's but a small percentage of what we used to have when I was a little girl. One can't compare. In short, I still find the concept of built in closet pretty neat)) But I love free standing pieces too, a lot. I think the right mix gives one function, form, flexibility and beauty. So I go by that. Except for the garage..that's my DH's kingdom..and he abhores the thought of ruling there too..:) but doesn't want anybody's help as much as I beg. He thinks closets help, shelves help, this or that surface will help..no, nothing will help..I will help if you let me:) The concept is important, but it can't be fully functionable and enjoyable without people handling it, you know.
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@DavidR - not "irresponsible", most likely correct, we are 3rd owners and bought the home when it was ~12 years old. . .the wainscoting looks very good with the Stickley cherry set, we're "updating". . . The baseboard is 2 1/4 inch hemlock, it looks shorter because of camera angle, this photo is in another room where we've used it. We had drywall repair/texturing done after pulling wallpaper and wainscoting in nook (and kitchen), unfortunately drywall/texturing/etc. is not our bailiwick. Husband is most concerned about nailing into drywall to hold curved wood to wall, I would assume glue would help. A thin piece of shimmed wood between molding and drywall also? Thanks again everyone for your comments! Even if we don't apply it here, ideas and information are part of the educational process.
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kathleen MK
last year
The 2x4 framing for sheet rock will take up space. Could you build it with plywood sheets, texture and paint outside to match walls then use large cabinet doors to match your cabinetry? Making it a closet that goes to the ceiling will give room for shelves over the rod and a bench with baskets under it. Put wire baskets or shoe bag on the backs of the doors.
Lorraine Leroux
last year
A reach in drywalled closet is a lot less but very efficient and can be built upon at a later date without much cost to dismantle. I always look at the return on your investment. Are built ins a return on investment or will IKEA Pax or a drywalled closet be more in line with the homes value.
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
last year
Built ins will cost you more. I would spend the $ in other areas where you need it.

Most of the closet for the hall is going to be boots and coats. You need a drawer for neither of these.

For the drywall closet, I would add in some drawers for gloves, scarves, (inside the closet. On a less expensive level, you can add shelves and have bins. Each person can have a bin or you can divide into categories like gloves, scarves, etc. whatever works for you.

You can even have a closet company finish out the inside for you. (many different options at numerous price levels)
palimpsest
last year
You can always build conventional closets and add a modular closet system later. Your inspiration pictures would be very expensive, maybe 5X a conventional closet, to start.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
Is this the main entry for the family ? Usually the front hall closet is more for guests . I do not understand the drwaers for anything shoes need to air dry so do boots so some kind of slatted shelf would be more practical
ci_lantro
last year
We live in a cold climate, so boots and coats are a reality, and we need coat storage.

As already noted that cabinetry based closets being much more expensive...

Ideally, closets for storing adult winter gear should have extra depth. Typical closet depth is 24"; 28" is the suggested depth for coat closets.

Sheet building material is usually 48" width so building 28" deep modular storage gets even more expensive because of the waste factor.
Kendrah
last year
Built ins will always be more expensive. Make closets and deck them out with less expensive organizers inside. Use really nice door hardware so it still has a lux look and feel. Plus, I'd rather chuck my wet coat inside a closet where it can drip and I'm not worrying about ruining the interior finish of a nice built in.
WestCoast Hopeful
last year
Since you live in a cold climate I’m guessing it may also be wet? If that’s the case you want boot racks on the floor and lots of hanging with space so stuff dries out. I would absolutely do a regular closet with organizer in it.
kandrewspa
last year
I have a Waterhog mat on the floor of my foyer closet so you can put wet shoes or boots in the closet, on the floor. They're available from LL Bean and other sources and come in many different sizes and colors.

Built-In vs. Drywall Closets?

Comments (11)

chispa

Mark Bischak, Architect

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kathleen MK

Lorraine Leroux

CDR Design, LLC

palimpsest

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ci_lantro

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WestCoast Hopeful

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