A few years ago, my husband got us an online woodworking course for beginners. I picked up the power tools and never looked back! We bought a new house and I’ve been slowly working my way through, building new furniture and giving all the rooms more character. I did some built-ins in my daughter’s room, but I used store-bought shelves, so for this closet project I wanted to challenge myself to build it all from scratch! And it was fun to do a project for a room that I knew could just be 100% for me.
![Original Closet](https://blog.strongtie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Before-Closet.jpg)
For this DIY closet, I started with a dresser I already had and just made up the rest! I had a vision in my head to add modular hanging space and make the shelving more efficient. I usually just draw out my designs in my notebook and measure as I go. I just find ideas of things I like on Pinterest and Instagram and then put them all together and make them my own.
![New DIY Closet: hanging and drawer space](https://blog.strongtie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Rotated-closet.jpg)
The materials I used for this build included MDF and plywood for the shelves and cubbies, pine trim, Behr paint (Norwegian Blue), wallpaper from Amazon, drawer hardware from Home Depot and Simpson Strong-Tie Wafer-Head Construction screws and Finish Trim screws.
![Simpson Strong-Tie Wafer-Head Construction screws and Finish Trim screws.](https://blog.strongtie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/274933973_533896601296207_8238912826034777746_n.jpg)
The wafer-head screws are great for construction because they help keep you from over-driving and cracking the wood, especially in plywood. And the trim screws are great fasteners that are perfect for areas you will want to wood-fill and paint over. They both drive so easily and there is little to no cracking of the wood at the drive site.
![New DIY Closet: built-in shelving and shoe space](https://blog.strongtie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/274757518_1249877709109990_756230669855780065_n.jpg)
My project turned out well. I’m so happy with my new closet. It’s just a way better use of the space, and it’s so fun to go in and get ready in the morning now! I enjoyed using the Simpson Strong-Tie hardware for this project. I’ve used Simpson Strong-Tie products in past DIY projects, so I know how well they work. I participated in the WBSK workbench challenge last fall and got to build my dream workbench! I’ve also used Simpson Strong-Tie products to build a fence-top pergola accent and a small fence in my backyard. As for new Wafer-Head and Finish Trim screws, they would be great for any kind of built-in projects or small-scale cabinet construction.
![Jen Palo in her new DIY Closet](https://blog.strongtie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/274848830_2237305383085535_5613453337620113153_n.jpg)