Custom Closet Chronicles: Top Materials for Custom Closet Systems
When I design custom closets, I work with my clients to create the storage system they need to hold all of their belongings. Function is, of course, the first consideration. Closely behind function, however, come style and durability. The choice of materials plays a large role in how aesthetics and longevity blend together to create the perfect custom closet system every time.
What are the best materials for custom closet systems?
- Composite Wood
- Thermally-Fused Laminate
- Wire
Let’s get started on this topic, so you have some idea of what materials might go into your custom home organization system.
Composite Wood: Elegance and Sturdiness Combined
Wood has been a popular favorite for furniture construction, and for good reason. Wood is attractive, warm, and durable. Custom closets are no exception: My clients generally want their closet systems to look nice, to last a long time, and to be appealing to use. All of these make composite wood an excellent choice for a closet system.
Wood is able to withstand the test of time in the sense that it looks good and stands up to regular use. Thick shelves made from composite wood won’t warp the way plastic or wire might, and it can be easily customized with a variety of finishes, paint, and stains. Hunker.com discusses some of their favorite wood types to consider for a closet system.
One disadvantage to composite wood is that it isn’t impervious to moisture, although it is engineered to be more resistant to moisture than pure wood. Closets can be humid at times, particularly during damp, cool weather when you might not have your climate control running throughout most of the day and night.
Thermally-Fused Laminate: A Modern Solution for Custom Closets
Melamine shines when it comes to being stain-, scratch-, and moisture resistant. It’s a versatile resin material that can be thermally fused to wood – giving it those desirable characteristics.
It comes in a wide range of colors and styles – allowing you to choose from wood-like stains or solid colors. It’s easy to clean and maintain, too. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth on occasion, and it will stay dust- and smudge-free. It has a smooth finish, too, so dust won’t accumulate in rough areas.
At S & S Cabinets & Closets, we prefer thermally-fused laminate, as we’ve found this gives our clients the best blend of both materials. During your consultation, you’ll be able to see samples of the different colors and shades available, and you can try them out using our 3D design software.
Wire: A Closer Look at a Less Effective Choice
Many of the closets my team sees are made from wire. These are the components that we’re asked to replace with superior materials.
Wire does have some advantages. First, it’s very inexpensive. If you’re on a very tight budget and you need to put in some type of shelving, you might choose wire. It’s also available at any home improvement store, and it’s lightweight and easy to install. If you needed to DIY, you might choose wire components simply because they’re simple to manage on your own.
The main drawback of wire is that it’s not durable. If you put something too heavy on your wire racks, they’ll likely collapse, and they might bring down some of your drywall with it – necessitating a fairly complex repair. Since you’ll be buying these off of a shelf, they probably won’t fit your space perfectly, which means there will be gapping or buckling. Over time, this leads to a lot of movement, which can make marks on your wall and cause minor damage.
Finally, wire custom closets just don’t have the same aesthetic appeal that sturdier materials do. They won’t add value to your home like a custom closet system made of composite wood or thermally-fused laminate would. They tend to get dusty because they’re not simple to clean; you need to wipe down every wire, which is cumbersome. All in all, I can’t recommend wire as a versatile material to use as a building material in your custom closets.
Conclusion
When it comes to home improvements, I would always recommend using the best quality materials you can afford. Custom closets are included in that. My favorite building materials are, of course, the ones I use in my own home and in the homes of my clients. Both composite wood and thermally-fused laminate are excellent choices as they will hold up to typical closet conditions and will look great for many years.