Looking to give your closet a new look by replacing your closet rod? Or have you designed a new closet system and the closet rod is the last finishing touch? Installing closet rods is one of the easiest projects for a new DIYer so if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t worry! As long as you take proper measurements and have some basic tools, you can install closet rods in a quick weekend DIY project.
Supplies:
- Closet rod (we used a nickel-coated rod)
- 2 Rod sockets (package with 1 open-lip flange and 1 closed-lip flange works best for us)
- Screws (usually included with the rod sockets)
- Stud finder
- Wood for support/wood cleats (optional)
- Pencil
Tools:
Instructions
Step 1 – Take Measurements
Before you do anything, you’re going to want to make sure that you have accurate measurements. Measure the width of the closet so you know how long of a closet rod you will need to buy.
Also make sure that there are studs where you’ll be installing your rod sockets and if not, take measurements for wood supports/wood cleats to install on the wall so that you can screw the wood supports into studs, and then install your sockets on those wood supports. Your closet rod may not seem like it will need this extra support, but once you add clothing, the additional weight will need to be accounted for either on the studs or the wood supports.
Step 2 – Cut Closet Rod
Once you have all of your measurements, you will cut your rod down to size using a hacksaw. Your pole length is generally the distance between the side walls minus 1/2 inch.
Step 3 – Mark Sockets
When you’re ready to install the closet rods, figure out where you want your rod sockets to go and mark those spots with a pencil.
When you’re deciding on where to put the rod sockets, make sure that you keep in mind the kind of items you’ll be hanging when considering the height and depth of the rod socket placement. If you are hanging long items like long coats or dresses, or you plan to have an upper and lower rod, you’re going to want to place it higher up. If you’re planning on just one rod and aren’t hanging anything long, you can usually plan to place it at just above eye level.
Depth is important to consider as well. You want to be able to put a hanger on the rod without it hitting the wall behind and you want to be able to close the closet without the hangers getting in the way.
Lastly, make sure that both sides are equal distance on the wall, otherwise you will have a rod leaning to one side (You could also double check how straight your rod is after you’ve installed the rod with a level).
Step 4 – Install Rod Sockets and Rod
Next it’s time to install the rod sockets. Use your drill to screw the rod sockets into the marks you made on the wall.
After you install the rod sockets, all you’ll need to do is put the closet rod in place. It usually just snaps in pretty easily as long as your measurements were correct. You’ll place the rod into the closed-lip flange first, then gently slide the other rod end into the open-lip flange.
Once your closet rod is in place, give it a tug to make sure that it is secure before you start loading it up with clothing. If it feels strong and sturdy then you’re done!
