How To Figure Out The Square Footage For A Cedar Closet?
First, you’ll want to grab a measuring tape and measure the inside dimensions of your closet. You’ll need the length and the width, so make sure you get both of those. Remember to measure the usable interior space, not the outer dimensions.
Once you have the length and width, simply multiply them together to find the total square footage. For example, if your closet is 8 feet long and 6 feet wide, you’ll end up with 48 square feet.
Now, if your cedar closet has walls with different lengths and widths, just measure each wall separately, calculate the area for each, and then add them all up to find the total square footage.
If you’re also planning to cover the ceiling and floor with cedar, you’ll want to measure and calculate the square footage for those as well and then add them to the total.
Finally, it’s a good idea to add a little extra for waste and cutting. I’d recommend adding about 10% to your total square footage. So, if your total square footage is 48, you’d want to get 52.8 square feet of cedar to make sure you have enough.
What type of cedar should you use for the closet?
When it comes to choosing the type of cedar for your closet, there are a couple of popular options you might want to consider. Western Red Cedar and Eastern Red Cedar are both great choices, but they do have some differences.
Western Red Cedar is known for its beautiful, rich color that ranges from light brown to reddish-brown. It’s also quite durable and resistant to decay and insects, which is perfect for a closet.
The aroma of Western Red Cedar is pleasant and mild, making it a popular choice for people who don’t want an overpowering scent.
On the other hand, Eastern Red Cedar has a more distinct reddish-purple color with white streaks.
It’s a bit denser and more aromatic than Western Red Cedar, which gives it a stronger scent that people often associate with cedar closets. Eastern Red Cedar is also great for repelling insects and preventing moisture.
So, when choosing the type of cedar for your closet, think about the color and scent you prefer, as well as the availability and cost of the wood in your area.
Both options have their own unique charm, so it really comes down to your personal preferences and the specific look and feels you want for your cedar closet.
What thickness of cedar planks should you use?
When deciding on the thickness of cedar planks for your closet, there are a few factors to think about. One of the main things to consider is how you plan to install the planks and the overall appearance you’re aiming for.
Thinner cedar planks, around 1/4 inch thick, are a common choice for lining closets. They’re lightweight, easy to work with, and tend to be more affordable.
Thinner planks are a great option if you’re planning to attach them directly to the existing walls, ceiling, or floor of the closet, as they won’t add too much bulk.
The aroma and insect-repelling properties are still effective with thinner planks, but they might not be as durable or long-lasting as thicker options.
On the other hand, thicker cedar planks, ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 inch, provide a more robust, sturdy feel and can be more visually appealing due to the increased depth and texture.
Thicker planks may be more suitable if you’re constructing a new closet or planning to use them as shelving. Keep in mind that the thicker the planks, the more material you’ll need and the higher the overall cost will be.
In the end, the thickness of the cedar planks you choose will depend on your budget, the design you’re going for, and the installation method.
Just make sure to take all these factors into account so you can find the best fit for your cedar closet project.
Do you need to include the doors, shelves, and other fixtures in your measurements?
When you’re figuring out the measurements for your cedar closet project, whether or not to include doors, shelves, and other fixtures really depends on your plans for the space.
If you want the doors and shelves to also be made of cedar or have a cedar lining, then you should definitely include them in your measurements.
To do this, simply measure the dimensions of each door or shelf, calculate their square footage, and add that to the total square footage you calculated for the walls, ceiling, and floor.
For other fixtures like rods, hooks, or brackets, you generally don’t need to include them in your measurements, as they won’t be covered in cedar.
However, it’s a good idea to keep these fixtures in mind when planning your cedar installation, as you may need to make adjustments or cutouts in the cedar planks to accommodate them.
How should you account for irregular shapes and corners in the closet?
Dealing with irregular shapes and corners in a cedar closet can be a bit of a challenge, but with some patience and creativity, you can definitely make it work.
When you encounter irregular shapes, like angled walls or curved areas, the best approach is to break them down into smaller, more manageable shapes, such as rectangles or triangles.
You can then measure these smaller shapes individually, calculate their square footage, and add them together to get the total square footage for the irregular area.
For example, if you have an angled wall, you could treat it as a combination of a rectangle and a triangle. Measure the length and width of the rectangle, then the base and height of the triangle.
Multiply the length and width of the rectangle and the base and height of the triangle, and then divide the latter result by 2. Add the two results together to get the total square footage for the angled wall.
As for corners, you’ll want to be precise when cutting and fitting the cedar planks to ensure a seamless and professional appearance.
A good tip is to use a miter saw or a hand saw with a miter box to create precise angled cuts that will fit snugly into the corners.
When measuring and cutting the planks, always double-check your measurements and consider any adjustments you may need to make for a tight fit.
Do you need any additional materials for ventilation or moisture control?
When it comes to your cedar closet, ventilation and moisture control are important considerations, especially if you live in a humid environment or if the closet is located in a damp area of your home.
Cedar wood itself has natural properties that help repel moisture and resist decay, but sometimes you might need a little extra help to keep humidity levels in check.
One option is to install a vapor barrier, which is a thin layer of plastic sheeting or moisture-resistant paint, on the walls, ceiling, and floor before you add the cedar planks.
This will help prevent moisture from seeping into the closet and protect the cedar wood from potential damage.
Proper ventilation is also key in keeping your cedar closet fresh and dry. You can achieve this by ensuring there’s some space between the closet and the floor or by installing vents or a small vent fan to help circulate air in and out of the closet.
This can help prevent mold and mildew growth and keep your cedar smelling fresh.
In particularly humid environments, you might even consider using a small dehumidifier in the closet to help maintain optimal humidity levels.
Just make sure to empty the water reservoir regularly and monitor the humidity level to ensure the dehumidifier is doing its job effectively.
So while cedar wood does have some built-in moisture control properties, it’s always a good idea to take extra precautions, like installing a vapor barrier, ensuring proper ventilation, or using a dehumidifier, to keep your cedar closet in top shape.
What is the best method for attaching the cedar to the walls, ceiling, and floor?
When it comes to attaching cedar planks to the walls, ceiling, and floor of your closet, there are a few methods you can choose from, and the best one really depends on your specific situation and personal preferences.
One common method is to use nails or screws to secure the cedar planks directly to the existing surfaces. This is a pretty straightforward approach and works well if you have thin planks and sturdy surfaces to attach them to.
Just make sure to use the appropriate length of nails or screws, so they don’t protrude too far into the other side. And don’t forget to mark and pre-drill holes to avoid splitting the wood.
Another option is to use adhesive or construction glue to attach the cedar planks. This method can be less invasive than using nails or screws, as you won’t have any visible fasteners.
To do this, apply a generous amount of adhesive to the back of each plank, press it firmly against the surface, and hold it in place for a few moments until the adhesive starts to bond.
Keep in mind that you’ll need a well-ventilated space while working with adhesive, and it might take some time for the glue to cure fully.
In some cases, you might want to create a furring strip system, which involves attaching horizontal or vertical strips of wood to the existing surfaces and then attaching the cedar planks to those strips.
This can provide a more even and stable surface for the cedar planks, especially if the walls, ceiling, or floor are irregular or uneven.
The furring strips can also create a small air gap behind the planks, which can help with ventilation and moisture control.
