January, 2009

Closet Installation: PART I

The right step at the right time saves a lot more than a dime.

By Gary Katz

In my previous article on Closet Design, I reviewed some basic rules for closet shelving layout, and illustrated how those layout rules spell the difference between profit and loss. In this companion article, I’m going to cover a simple step-by-step system for installing closet shelving, a system that belongs in your company’s Manual of Practice. Developing a Manual of Practice that covers every layout and installation procedure is an effective way of managing your crew, improving the quality of your work and the efficiency of your team. With the market for new construction slowing, remodeling closet shelving is one more niche you should be including to get more work from the customers you already have. Closet shelving is also one more way of introducing yourself to the customers you need.

Like many carpentry chores, installing closet shelving is a step-by-step process. Follow the right steps at the right time, and the job will go quickly and smoothly; fail to follow the right installation sequence, and the job will turn into a profit- guzzling nightmare.

Step 1: Layout the Dividers
The dividers must be laid out on the wall first! Dividers should always be laid out for standard-sized packages of linen shelves or double shelf-and-pole sections (see LBM Journal, November 2008). Layout all standard-sized packages first, leaving the ‘special’ single shelf-and-pole sections until last. The single shelf-and-pole sections should be the only ‘custom’ measurements in each closet. Strike a plumb line for each divider, place an X on the side of the line where the divider goes, then measure and mark another line on the wall for the exact thickness of the divider. Measure from that line to the next divider.

Step 2: Start with a Story Pole
In the previous article on Closet Design, I explained how to make a story pole for closet shelving layout. Save that story pole and use it on every job. That’s the first step in systematizing your crew. Place the story pole in the first corner. With the pole resting on the floor, mark a line on the wall at the very top of the pole—that’s the bottom of the top cleat, then mark a line on the wall corresponding to the cleats for that section. Those marks will be at the top of the shelving cleats or hook strips. If the floor is out of level, don’t be concerned. These marks are just a starting point. Remember,
linen shelving notches should be on one edge of the story pole; shelf-andpole notches should be on the other edge.

Step 3: Measure the ‘Specials’
There should be only a few custom measurements needed for most simple closets.
The last single shelf-and-pole width will always be a custom measurement, made by pulling a tape measure from the last wall to the last divider. The top shelf is also a custom measurement. That measurement must be made high along the wall, near where the shelf will be installed. For long awkward measurements, use a laser measure and you’ll avoid the necessity of an expensive two-man layout crew.

Look for the second part of this article in the next issue of the LBM Journal

GARY KATZ, with nearly 40 years experience in the industry, is a contributing editor to Fine Homebuilding magazine, a frequent contributor to the Journal of Light Construction, and produces the Katz Roadshow—Carpentry Clinics at lumberyards all over America. To learn more, visit his web site: www.GaryMKatz.com.