Woodworking Hub: 1x12 Easy to Build and Hang Modular Closet System

Looking for the BEST DIY-friendly way to upgrade your closet on a budget? My free modular closet system set of plans has you covered:

✅ Fully customizable — mix and match six different modules to fit your space and style
🪚 Super beginner-friendly — all units built from easy-to-find 1x12 boards
💰 Budget-friendly — way cheaper than buying! No need to spend thousands on a closet!
🔨 Simple to build and install — French cleat system makes hanging a breeze
📏 Free plans with diagrams, cut lists, and step-by-step video tutorials
🧰 Works for small closets, big walk-ins, or anywhere you need organized storage
✅ Designed to fit 11" cube storage bins!

It’s hands-down the easiest and most affordable way to get a custom closet look without the custom price tag. I love this method SO much that I've already built it 3 different times!

modular closet system

shown in closet double hanging and 3 shelf hanging closet components

Modular Closet Components

By using different organizers, you can create the closet of your dreams! Here are the standard modular closet components.

diy modular closet plans

All of the components are constructed with the same steps, the only difference is the length of the sides and the number of shelves. Follow the construction steps below, but use the diagrams linked below to come up with your cut lists.

3 Shelf Hanging Modular Closet Organizer Plans - Good for hanging shirts and more shelf space
1 Shelf Hanging Modular Closet Organizer Plans - Good for hanging dresses and longer items
5 Shelf Tower Modular Closet Organizer Plans - Good for shoes, small items, 11" baskets and bins
Double Hanging Modular Closet Organizer Plans - Good for maximum shelf hanging of shorter items
2 Shelf Hanging Modular Closet Organizer Plans Good for medium length hanging, shelf space
Filler Top Piece - Good for filling in between organizers at the top, full length hanging

📏 Measuring & Planning Your Closet Components

Before you start cutting boards, take a few minutes to plan your closet layout. A little prep goes a long way!

Measure your closet carefully – Take note of the total width, height, and depth.
Leave 1" of wiggle room – Always subtract about an inch from the total width to make installation easier, especially if you’re building wall-to-wall.
Plan for hanging vs. shelving – Think about what you’ll be storing. Need double hanging for shirts and pants? Or more shelf space for bins and shoes? You can mix and match the units to fit your needs.
Stick to standard shelf sizes – Each shelf fits 11" deep storage cubes, so aim for widths like 24" or 36" to keep things simple and efficient.
Sketch your layout – A quick drawing (even on paper) helps visualize how the components will stack and fit in your space.

Taking time to plan ensures your closet not only looks great, but functions perfectly for your daily life!

EASY! Hanging Your Closet Organizers

Hanging this closet system is SO easy!!! Just cut a 1x3 board to the full length of your closet, and attach it to the back wall to studs in the wall, with the bottom of the cleat at 72" (or as desired). Then just set the organizers on the 1x3, so the 1x6 back piece sits on top, and then screw the organizers to studs in the wall. This way you can hold the organizers in place, match them all up, and make sure everything is hung level!

Modular Closet Build Video

I have built this closet plan in full closet systems three times now. It is my go-to plan for easy to build closets (and easy to hang). In this video, I built using a French cleat hanging system (but it is not necessary to hang with the French cleat, you can use the 1x6 method as instructed in the plans).