Hello there!
Linen closets can get messy quickly if they do not function properly for our needs. That was the main issue with our linen closet, as shown in the picture below.
Today's post is about demo-ing and rebuilding the linen closet, trying to follow the plan I discussed in one of my previous posts.
A three-drawer base cabinet was bought and assembled. As per the plan, drawer storage was needed in the closet.
With the cabinet fully assembled, it was time to tackle that closet!
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DEMO
There were only three simple tasks to do during the demo. Most of them required plain tools, such as a utility knife, to score the caulking along the joints to prevent damage to the Sheetrock. A hammer, a pry bar, and plenty of shims.
The first task was to remove the door, starting with the door trim and continuing with the entire door using a hacksaw.
The second part was dealing with the framing. Removing the door opened the closet, but the framing around the door had to go, too.
Next, the set of 2 x 4s, one on each side of the door, was removed.
From the inside of the closet, I measured the length/distance of that overhang and transferred that measurement to the outside wall. That line was the one I followed to make that opening flush with the closet wall.
The third part of this demo was to remove the shelves and clean up the area.
The picture below shows what I was left with. I still needed to frame that area to start building the new closet.
The multitool, as I always say, is the tool that gets me out of trouble in small spaces like this, where I didn't want to remove the Sheetrock.
FRAMING THE NEW CLOSET
The supports inside the wall were cut an inch and a half back to bring the stud flush with the framing already in place.
I also installed a half-inch thick wooden board over that 2x4, not shown, to finish that area, making it flat with the Sheetrock inside the closet.
A top plate was also installed.
On the right-hand side, I removed a 2x4. There was another stud right beside it, which, according to my measurements, had to stay in place. I glued and nailed a 1/2" trim piece on the outside edge of that stud.
But, most importantly, I needed to measure the baseboard against it. That would determine how low or high that cabinet should be installed.
Take a look at the video. AI is helping me put a voice onto those vids, as I struggle in that department. ;)
A platform or base was built out of 2x material to bring the baseboard right below the lowest drawer.
INSTALLING THE BASE CABINET
The cabinet was installed on the base, making sure it was level. Wood shims were used wherever possible to make it fit properly.
The base cabinet was installed, making the face frame flush with the wall.
At this point, I brought in an old piece of trim to see how the closet would look with trim alongside it. I didn't like it much.
Something else I noticed was the front face of the drawers sticking out (Right picture below). I didn't like that setup. Those drawers had to be flush with the wall!
I had to loosen up those screws and push back the cabinet a little more.
The area below the cabinet, or toe-kick, had to be close up, as the baseboard would run straight through it.
Two boards were attached to create the 90-degree cover to fit in that space.
BUILDING AND INSTALLING THE COUNTERTOP
I built my own countertop using leftover plywood. Two boards, one of 3/4-inch and one of 1/2-inch, were glued and nailed together.
Remember that the counter needs to follow the contour of the inside of the closet.
The countertop front edge was finished off with a 1 x 2 board that was rounded with a router.
This is how the closet looked after covering those shelves, patching the Sheetrock, and laying the baseboard without securing it.
I had some visitors that were coming to stay for a few days. I didn't want to have a huge mess. This area was cleaned up, and that closet was arranged the best I could while I had the time to finish this project completely.
As you see, I utilized the same shelves; they were covered. All the details about those shelves will be shared in an upcoming post.
I still needed to build the doors as I'm not a fan of open shelving, especially in the hallway. Oh, I also needed to paint the base cabinet and add hardware, but that's something I will share during my next post when I'm also revealing how this closet turned out.
Thanks for stopping by!
Take a look at the video. AI is helping me put a voice onto those vids, as I struggle in that department. ;)
UPDATE:
This linen closet makeover is DONE!
Look at the process and the final reveal by visiting the links below.
I love your posts, we have a linen closet in our master bath , small about the same size. Going to show my husband what you accomplished. Impressed with everything you do.
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