elfa!!!!! sjhockeyfan, the salesperson was incorrect--shelf lengths can, and often are, cut down to size, where and when needed. They can cut them for you in the store prior to pick-up, but will often leave them uncut for onsite cutting, which is usually a good idea (especially if using their installer, or if you have the tools to cut them yourself). Minor tweaks and adjustments (with regards to shelf and/or rod lengths) can come into play during installation (also 30% during the sale, BTW!). An unexpected extra inch or two of shelf or rod space could mean enough space for an extra hanger or two, or fitting a shoe or storage box on a shelf without it overhanging the edge. Shelf depths cannot be cut, but there are different depths from which to choose. A nice thing about elfa, is that you can return/exchange parts if, as you are putting the closet together (or putting away your "stuff" in the newly elfa'd closet) you realize you need more hanging vs shelf space than you'd realized (or vice-versa), or decide to add accessory items once you see your closet take shape. For ex., shortly after my closet was put together, I realized I needed more hanging space (and less shelf space) than I had originally thought so I returned a few shelves and brackets, and picked up another length of rod. I also realized it would be more beneficial to have a gliding shelf in place of one of the stationary wire shelves. I brought the wire shelf back to the store, and swapped it out for the gliding shelf (which was also 30% off; I just paid the difference in the cost of the more expensive shelf).

We have had two closet systems installed Closets by Design. Both times we had positive experiences with the install; just be clear whether you want it to be notched in the back for baseboard, in my opinion it looks better to remove your baseboard so it’s not notched. It’s also worth it to add the baseboard and crown, and increase the height of the system to the ceiling. The salespeople do have a “poor mentality” to make sure they get the sale so you really have to push to add these extras. We are pretty handy, so the third closet system we did ourselves using Menard’s Dakota system for a third of the cost or less. It looks as nice and sturdy the rest.

We priced out all of the closet systems ($40,000+ for California Closets anyone?) and like you, cost was king after our renovation. Ikea had Pax on sale over Columbus Day and we just finished installing. Surprisingly easy to design and build and seems sturdy. Just waiting for a few backordered items and we'll be done. I'm told they have 15% off Pax in Jan/Feb each year. I haven't figured out how to upload photos or I'd show you. I love it!!

I have used elfa in our master closet and absolutely love it. It is easy to install and very flexible - you can change /add something very easily. I have done it couple of times. We also used gliding drawers in our pantry and they are very good as well. To save money, we used HomeDepot's closetMaid solution in couple of places - it takes lot more time to install and does not have much flexibility, and not as strong as Elfa. Not to mention does not look very good. I put a bin with some heavy stuff in our coat closet and the shelf collapsed. I should have been more careful. Anyway, we are replacing it with Elfa. In our basement, we used Lowes solution - Rubbermaid - homefree. It also takes lot longer to install, lot less flexible than Elfa but better than closetMaid. In one of the storage closets we put in 18" shelves that hold heave stuff like books, holiday stuff..luggage, and it is holding up great. The biggest advantage of Elfa is that, you have lots of components and you can purchase any single item or a kit. With Rubbermaid, there are very few individual components that you can buy. Elfa also looks much nicer. I don't have any experience with IKEA closets - I checked it out one time and to me it did not seem very sturdy. Elfa's biggest sale is in December after Christmas - 30% off - that will be the time to buy entire closet system. If you miss that, there is the summer sale in August (I think) which is 25% off.