Cedar Closet Installation Tips

Using cedar in your closet gives it that luxurious sophisticated feel that so many people love. You can line your closet in cedar, use cedar rods and shelves, or even use cedar hangers and cedar accessories to enjoy the many benefits of cedar in your closet.

Cedar has a natural aroma that reminds us of our childhoods. The scent is produced when the oils in the cedar evaporate. Many people grew up with a cedar armoire that was used by their grandparents, or a cedar chest for holding heirloom quilts. But cedar is used for more than its fabulous smell. Cedar actually deodorizes the air around it. It absorbs moisture protecting your clothing and closet from molds and mildew. The scent repels moths and many other pests that are attracted to the oils in our skin that inevitably ends up on our coats, suits, shoes and other items kept in the closet.

The cedar that works best in closets is Eastern Red Cedar. Western Red Cedar does not produce a strong enough scent to effectively protect your clothing. However, the moisture absorbent properties are still there. So, if you're not crazy about a strong cedar aroma, you may decide to go with Western Red Cedar. Both have beautiful red wood grain and have benefits in a closet.

You can line your closet with cedar for the ultimate in high-end luxury. To do it yourself, select your cedar wood planks, cedar closet liner, or sheets of cedar with quality in mind. If possible, hand-select each piece of wood that is to be used. Check for splits and rough patches that may not sand as smooth as you want them to. Most stores and outlets that sell lumber and planks will have the intended use of the wood listed so that you know you are buying a grade that is suitable for closets.

Cedar splits easily, so you may want to pre-drill your holes for installation. When you get to a corner, you can miter the edges at forty-five degrees for a perfect fit, or you can overlap. Either way you will have a nice looking corner. You can use wood glue to fasten planks to the wall, but clamping is nearly impossible. Small nails are generally sufficient. If a plank will be load-bearing, then you will need to securely screw at least 1.5 inches into the stud.

In addition to lining the walls with cedar, you can install cedar shelving or use cedar accessories in your closet. An easy way to add luxury with the benefits of cedar to your closet is to invest a little into heirloom quality cedar clothes hangers. Cedar hangers will remain aromatic for years. If the oils on the outer layer evaporate, you can lightly brush the outside of the hangers with a fine-grit sandpaper to restore the aroma.