Question: Are all "Custom Closets" created equal?
Posted by Michael Cota on Sun, Mar 29, 2009 @ 08:44 PM
Here is an article I found while browsing through the latest edition of Closet Magazine.
This article explains the difference between two different installations of a wall hung closet system.
I am looking forward to some feedback on this article.
Mike
New England Closet Design
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Closets & Home Organization article dated March 18-20, 2008.
Jeff writes: 45 degree hanging angle iron???
I have seen a hanging system that relies on a 45 degree "angle iron" to be fastened to the wall, and then the modular sides to be hung off it via some, "routs" on the back sides. Does anybody know a source for that piece of angle? What I have seen appears to be painted and has holes across the bottom edge.
Thanks in advance!
Wood-N-Concepts writes:
Re: 45 degree hanging angle iron???
I've seen this system used by a few companies and I don't recommend it. I know I'll draw some flak from those who currently use it, but as an installer with over a decade of experience, I believe it's possibly the worst wall mounted system on the market. The notch routed into the panel creates a fracture point about an inch to an inch and a quarter deep. Melamine is simply particle board, sawdust and wood glue holding hands. Expansion and contraction of melamine due to temp and humidity weakens the structure of this route over time, multiplied by overtaxing of the material due to loads most clients try to stuff into the average system. Then there is the installation aspect. No wall is truly flat, and the notch in the panel will be stressed from the initial installation on due to the non scribed nature of the system. In order to get these perfect rectangles to join together, and function properly, there needs to be some degree of adjustability to get the flat back of the system to hang against the waves of the wall.
I recommend the rail and bracket system available from Hafelea and a few other vendors. It allows adjustment vertically as well as away from the wall, making the system perfectly level and snug to the wall everytime without creating a stress point in the material.