How much does it cost to install a custom closet system?

Custom closets are designed to make maximum use of available space and showcase an individual’s personal sense of style. While standard, run-of-the-mill closets built by the builder may not necessarily accommodate your individual needs, custom closets are built to suit you and the clothes and accessories you have. They prevent things from getting messy and chaotic and make it easy for you to find the right outfit, saving you both valuable time and effort.

A custom-designed 8 ft. pine wood closet system can be installed for around $1,800-$3,000, depending on size, location, and materials.

Things to do before installation

Before planning your custom closet, first determine how much storage you will need and where you will build it. If you have to make any structural changes to the house, costs may go up and you will also need a permit.

The design phase involves a lot of careful consideration and planning. Do you need lots of drawers, slanted shoe shelves, or a safe to keep your jewelry and valuables? What kind of lighting do you prefer? Where will you build your custom closet? Will you have to tear down the current closet system and how will that affect the final cost? Is there a need for new flooring? What material should you choose for your closet system?

While you may choose to design your custom closet yourself, a professional will be able to evaluate the space in your house and advise you on the best location for a custom closet and design. An experienced closet designer can also help you make sure that you have used every inch of available space in the best way possible to create a space that is specifically tailored to meet your needs. You may choose to avail free design and estimation services from your chosen custom closet company or hire a professional closet designer separately for $55-$85 per hour. Again, some companies offer free removal of existing closet systems while a handyman may charge around $60-$90 per hour.

Paint

The right paint color and finish can help you create a custom closet that is both attractive and functional. A light, neutral shade lends a bright appearance and helps you see your clothes better. A paint with a shiny finish such as semi-gloss will reflect more light and make your closet appear larger and is therefore a good choice for small spaces. Ideally, you should paint your closet at least two days before installation. This will give the paint enough time to dry. One gallon of paint ($30-$33) is usually enough to paint a standard custom closet. A painter would charge $20-$35 per hour. A standard 8 ft. closet can be prepped and painted in one day.

Flooring

If you are planning to put in new flooring or clean existing flooring, you should do so before installing your custom closet. Removal of a floor mounted closet after installation can be very difficult.

Choosing the correct flooring for your closet is very important because you are most likely going to stand barefoot while hunting for the right outfit. While carpet ($270-$360 per sq. ft.) provides warmth, it is difficult to clean and maintain. A better option would be to install ceramic tile ($10-$15 per sq.ft.) flooring with a decorative throw carpet that you can remove and clean. Easy cleaning and maintenance makes wood ($8-$11 per sq.ft.) and vinyl ($3-$5 per sq.ft.) other popular choices for closet flooring.

Lighting

Proper lighting can transform your custom closet from ordinary to extraordinary and help you distinguish between colors and match clothes with ease. There are many excellent options available for closet lighting.  An elegant crystal chandelier ($350-$750, including fixture and installation) provides ambient light and adds drama and extra illumination. Recessed lights ($130 per light, including installation) and track lights allow you to see individual items and accessories with perfect clarity.  Also available are sensor lights ($8 for a 2-pack) that switch on and off automatically when a drawer is opened or closed. An electrician will charge $65-$85 per hour for installing new wiring and lighting fixtures.

Custom closet components

Depending on your individual needs and lifestyle, you may choose to include the following items in your new custom closet:

• Jewelry drawers ($55 per unit)
• Bench ($200)
• Hamper ($90)
• Ties and belts organizer ($20)
• Under cabinet lighting ($40 for 5-pack, 2.5 inches puck lights)
• Shoe racks ($35 per shelf)
• Double hanging rods ($10)
• Full-length mirror ($100-$300)
• Wall hooks ($15-$32)
• Wide drawers ($50 per unit) 
• Center island ($850-$2,000)

Closet organizer systems

Closet organizer systems combine different types of storage to make maximum usage of available space. Some offer multiple configuration options and come in a variety of colors and finishes, while others can be easily adjusted and expanded to suit changing needs.

Types of closets

To choose the right closet for your needs, lifestyle, and budget, you first need to know the differences between the various types of closets, their characteristics, and the pros and cons of each option.

Reach-in closet

Reach-in closets ($400-$1,000) are not wider than 3 to 8 feet and have limited depth (between 24 and 30 inches). They may be found in hallways, kids’ bedrooms, and older homes. A standard reach-in closet consists of a single rod below a shelf and return walls. Additional components such as cube organizers and drawer units can help you add more functionality. You can have hinged doors, pull-outs, bi-folds, sliding doors, or even curtains. You may consider a reach-in closet to be a smaller, more condensed version of a walk-in closet.

Walk-in closet

Walk-in closets ($300-$3,000) provide more space, depth, and versatility than traditional reach-in closets and are usually part of master bedroom suites. They may be just a few square feet in size (minimum 6 feet wide) or as large as a bedroom. Depending on your style and needs, you can set up separate storage areas for seasonal clothes and regularly used items such as ties and belts and also add amenities such as a center island, a vanity, or seating area. A professional will be able to evaluate your needs and space and design a closet that is just right for you. One huge disadvantage of walk-in closets is that the extensive space may encourage hoarding.

Custom closet

A custom closet ($400-$6,500) is an ideal choice when a reach-in closet or a regular walk-in closet does not do the job. It makes efficient use of space and is designed specifically to suit the needs of an individual. A custom closet will give you the flexibility that a prefabricated closet does not have, for example, tons of extra storage for your footwear or handbag collection.

Custom closet vs built-in wardrobes

If space, style, and budget limitations are stopping you from building a custom closet, you may want to consider putting in a built-in ¹ wardrobe. Built-in ¹ wardrobes ($150 per linear foot) can help you create storage in an unutilized part of your home, save floor space, and increase home value. Though wardrobes, like closets, can have many add-ons to organize your stuff, they can be installed quickly.

Labor

While some homeowners choose to build DIY custom closets, there are certain problems you may run into. For example, custom closet installation requires a number of tools such as cordless drill, circular saw, hacksaw, and level, which may not be readily available at home. If the wood used is not sanded ², stained, and painted properly, you may end up snagging your delicate sweaters on the shelves. Building a custom closet on your own may also end up taking significantly more time than hiring a team of professionals.

If you hire a handyman for installation, be prepared to pay around $60-$90 per hour. A basic closet system can be installed in three hours, costing $360-$540 in labor for a team of 2. A licensed handyman may also be able to tackle other jobs such as installing lighting fixtures, painting the walls, and  putting in new flooring.

Enhancement and improvement costs

• Consider installing a hidden ironing board ($100-$450) inside a wall cabinet or a pull-out drawer in the closet for added convenience. You can pull it out whenever you need it and store it out of sight once you’re finished.
• Built-in shelving ($2,050 for 10 linear feet) can enhance the look of your custom closet and avoid space wastage.

Additional considerations and costs

• For optimum utilization of storage space in your walk-in closet, use the corners and angles correctly.
• Most local governing bodies require a building permit if you are planning to make structural changes. Check with the authorities in your area before you begin installation to avoid penalties.
• If you have budget limitations, you can consider adding inexpensive DIY closet organizers such as open shelving units (for clothes and shoes), canvas bags (for clothes that cannot be put on hangers), valet rods, shoe boxes, and plastic bins.
• Choose wire systems for closets that may be regularly exposed to moisture, for example, an entry closet where you’ll store wet jackets or boots.
• Before hiring a custom closet contractor, find out if the warranty applies only to you or future owners of your house as well.
• If you are remodeling an existing closet, note that some companies may consider repairing holes from previous system as extra work and bill accordingly while others may do this work free of charge. A handyman will charge you $60-$90 per hour.  

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Built-in: An item of furniture, such as a bookcase or set of cabinets, that is built directly into the structure of the room. Built-ins are therefore customized to the room and not detachable

² Sanded: Process of removing the top surface of a material, such as wood, using sandpaper and/or a specialized sanding machine (for large surface areas)