Choosing the Right Materials for Your Custom Closet Systems
When I sit down with a client interested in custom closet systems, I like to talk to them about the various types of materials we use. You can go to any home improvement store and pick up a set of closet racks to use, but is that the best option? Let’s talk about selecting the ideal materials for your closet system.
The materials you’ll have to choose from include:
- Wood
- Melamine
- Wire
- Plastic
Let’s get started learning about the various materials you might want for your custom closet system.
Wood
Wood is the classic choice for custom closet systems. It’s high in quality, offers timeless elegance, and has unmatched durability. Wood grains add warmth to the space; you can always choose from various types of wood to match your design preferences; various sealants and paints can also change the appearance. Wood also allows you to store heavy items because it’s strong and sturdy.
There are two major drawbacks to wood: The first is that it’s not impervious to stains, scratches, and moisture. The second is that it’s expensive. Having a custom closet system built out of solid hardwood would cost more than most people are willing to pay for storage products. Also, if the system is heavily used, as most custom closets tend to be, the wood cabinetry and shelving would be vulnerable to damage.
Melamine
Melamine is a thermally-fused material that serves as a coating for wood. Usually the wood used is engineered. The melamine finish creates a smooth and durable surface that’s resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. This makes it an ideal choice for busy households.
This is my favorite and most recommended material to use in the closets my team builds. It’s easy to clean and maintain, and it looks sleek and modern. There are various finishes available, so if you prefer a wood grain, you can choose that as an option. There is generally a finish that will work for you no matter what your personal preference is in regards to style, and it’s a great choice for those who don’t want to deal with maintenance issues.
Wire
If you were to go to your local home goods store, you’d probably find wire closet systems. The benefits of wire are that they’re inexpensive and lightweight. You can easily carry it home and put it up in your closet.
However, that’s really where the benefits end. Wire closets aren’t built for the space they’re occupying, so it’s likely you’ll have either gaps or areas that are too tight, which can lead to stress and breakage. They tend not to mount well to the walls, so if you were to put something heavy on a wire shelf, it could pull the screws out – causing damage. They also don’t stand up well to the test of time, and they look like (and are) a temporary product.
The Organized Mama shares a quick solution to the common problem of items falling through the shelves if you currently have a wire system and are waiting to upgrade to wood.
Plastic
Finally, plastic shelving might be something you see in your favorite home improvement or discount store. Like wire, these are inexpensive and easy to move around. If you were looking for one standalone shelf or a cheap solution to a temporary storage solution, plastic might be a good choice.
Like wire, though, plastic doesn’t offer any real strength. The shelves can blanch, crack, or warp when heavier items are stored on them. Plastic also tends to fade and look ragged over time, so you wouldn’t want to choose this type of shelving if you were planning on using it for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I’ve found that the best, most long-lasting material to use in custom closet systems is melamine fused to wood. The wood gives it the durability you want and need, and the melamine provides resistance to the types of conditions a closet encounters with daily use. It’s also available in a lot of different finishes to appeal to a wide range of homeowners. Talk to my team about which finish would look best in your home during your free consultation.