What Materials Are Used to Construct Closet Systems?

Common Materials

When it comes to custom closet systems, the two most common materials used are wood and melamine. Wood is a classic, durable material used in closet construction, but you might be wondering what melamine is. Melamine is a type of laminate material that is highly durable and can come in a variety of colors, styles, and finishes.

While both wood and melamine are sturdy materials for closets, they are different types of materials. One may fit your lifestyle better than the other, so knowing the benefits of each will help you choose the right material for your new closet system.

Benefits of Wood

While there are solid wood options for closet systems, many closets are made of plywood or medium-density fiberboards (MDF). According to Hunker, wood can handle heavy items and can be warp resistant.

Plywood is made from layers of wood veneers that are glued together in layers with the wood grains going in various directions. This helps make the plywood strong and able to withstand heavy loads.

MDF is different from plywood; it is made by breaking down softwood or hardwood fibers, mixing it with a resin or wax, and forming it into sections with high pressures and temperatures

The benefits of using wood materials include:

• Durability
• Versatility
• Classic look and style
• Warp resistant
• Can handle heavy loads

One of the drawbacks to wood materials is that it can be more pricey than other closet materials.

Benefits of Melamine

Even though wood materials are a great option for closets, melamine is another excellent material to consider. Melamine is typically considered more durable than wood because it is made from organic chemical compounds. These compounds are nontoxic, warp resistant, heat tolerant, water repellant, and scratch and stain resistant. Melamine makes a great coating over wood shelves and components, as it combines the durability of wood with the benefits of melamine, which include:

• Scratch and stain resistant
• Varieties of colors, styles, and finishes
• Highly durable and strong
• Long lasting
• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Water resistant

Note that melamine finishes may get scratched up over time even though it is scratch resistant. This may happen with heavy use or from objects that can scratch the surface. Additionally, leaving wet or damp clothes on melamine can hurt it over time, so it’s best to store those items elsewhere.

Why Not Wire Closets?

You have probably heard that wire closet systems are a cheap alternative to custom closet systems. While wire systems are available, you run the risk of damaging your clothes and running into organizational issues. With wire closets, you can expect:

• Less space for your clothes, shoes, or accessories.
• Harder to store your jewelry, sunglasses, or smaller items.
• Things will fall through the spaces in the wires and get lost.
• Damage to your clothes from the wires.
• No cabinets or storage options.
• Hard to move or change over time.
• Wires are not durable.
• Cannot customize to your wants and needs.

Using Your Personal Style

With both wood and melamine custom closet systems, you get to add your personal style to your space. Melamine offers a vast array of color options, and you can even choose a wood look at an affordable price.

Both wood and melamine are durable, so you won’t have to worry about sacrificing durability for style. With different knobs, handles, and drawer and door front styles for cabinets, you will easily make your closet stylish and functional.

Accessories that Go the Extra Mile

Your custom closet system will need the perfect accessories to make it your own. Often, you will get to choose from useful accessories, such as shoe fences, tie racks, jewelry drawers, hidden hampers, valet rods, foldaway ironing boards, storage bins, and more. While the first step is picking the right material for your closet, you always want to be thinking about what you need from your finished closet. That’s where the right accessories come into play. You can also find great ideas for DIY organization tips at The Family Handyman.

Conclusion

Going with a custom closet system will help you stay organized and known exactly where everything is. You won’t be searching for hours for that perfect outfit anymore. Now that you have a good understanding of wood and melamine custom closet systems, you will be able to pick the best material for you and your family and have the closet you have always wanted.

Sources

• https://www.hunker.com/13402642/the-best-material-to-use-for-closet-shelves-that-will-not-bend-or-warp
• https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/cheap-closet-updates-you-can-diy/