What is the normal height of single and double closet rods?
I’m sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
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Single rod at 72"
Double rods at 40" and 80" common (I prefer 42" and 84").
thanks guys- i was going o ask that question today!
68" Tuff to stuff a box on the shelf above the rod if higher.
42, 84"
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
I do double at 42 and 84" , single at 70". At 68 it seems too low at 72 seems too high.
How about a fixed rod at 68 - 70 with a swing down rod that stores at about 106, but rotates down and out for access at about the same 68 - 70. Use the fixed one for long pants, dresses, coats, etc. and shirts on the moving rod.
-- J.S.
I set the shelf at 64" to 66" depending on the height of the intended occupant. That would make the rod a couple inches lower.
I was superised to see so many installing them highedr. I like the occupant to be able to see what is on the shelf. The only time an archy has speced a higher one, it was at six feet or so, but that was an overbuilt wardrobe, with shoe racks below. Tjhe ladies version had a double with top one at 84" and secondary midway to the shoe rack under it, then she also had one tall one set at six feet so gowns would flow free.
Given the variety, out of curiosity, I checked my ID Portable Handbook.
It shows a single at 5'2" t5o 5'10", top of a double a foot higher and secondary at 3' or so. They also reference variable at shoulder heigh, allowing for human dimensioning.
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I wonder when these standard heights were determined. Kitchen countertop heights were standardized at 36" more than half a century ago. People are now a couple of inches taller on average and 37" or 38" counters would suite most people better. Handrail heights have moved up about 6" in the last 100 years to accomadate the taller people of our time. The reference to shoulder height for closet rods, is a good idea (likewise, counters can be set at 3" below the elbow).Anyway, some customers use the floor of the closet more often than the shelf above the rod. I like to add a shoe shelf 6" off the floor and the higher shelf and rod allow this to be more accessible.
wonder when these standard heights were determined
Well, the often quoted 42 & 84 makes sense, based on lenght of clothes items. Most things on hangers are about 36-38" down from the shelf. Allowing for some space above the floor, and an intermediate shelf (if used) is about 36 + 6, or 42" per rod. Given that manu closets have a 96" tall ceiling, that permits 12" of storage on the top shelf.
That being said, 82" up is about the 85-90th percentile max reach, checking my ergonomic notes--that's right where the rod would be with the shelf at 84". So, that does take current "people sizes" into account.
Now, I find that providing 12" to 18" of space "per wall," for full-height hanging items is a very good thing. That' true for stopping a 42" shelf & rod short, or for a specific 66" space.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
In a 24" deep closet 16"wide single rod shelf at 66", I like to add a 12" shelf above at 78".
In a walk-in closet 66" is a nice rod shelf height and gives some room between it and the 80" top shelf above it..
Additional closet or linen shelving:
Any rod or shelf more than 50" long gets a bracket. Never mind centering the bracket, put it on a stud. (unless you like call backs).
Double rods have to adapt to the client. Standard is 40" and 80" but some suit coats have become longer, rods for mens suits are 42" and 84". It depends on the customer only the men need the extra clearance and 84" is a tough reach for anyone under 5'-10" tall.
"Any rod or shelf more than 50" long gets a bracket. Never mind centering the bracket, put it on a stud. (unless you like call backs)."I never had any problem running a leg down from the ledger at midpoint, glued & crossnailed to the rock....
"I never had any problem running a leg down from the ledger at midpoint, glued & crossnailed to the rock...."
Depends...
A 60" rod with a bracket at 30" stuck to primer and paper might hold. Make that rod 100" with a bracket at 50"...
Things happen. Kids use rods for monkeybars, people store books on closet shelves. One closet I repaired was so packed with clothes, couldn't squeeze a finger between a hanger. Every rod I've ever repaired was on a block pinned and glued to the board. Never fixed a center bracket screwed to a stud.
In this case the HO bought that wire shelving from Lowes. I will be putting a clip at the back and a knee brace to the front for every stud.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Well, as It happens I'm putting in a 60" rod tomorrow....If it was 100" I'd be finding a stud, too
Just for fun I beaded the bottom of the ledger, & ran the beading down & around the leg for the bracket....4 hand mitre cuts with an angled guide block, a little chisel & coping saw work, & presto...hope the HO gets a kick out of it ....
Ed, go lower if it's a kid's bedroom. Helps them select and dress themselves sooner.
What if it's an adult who acts like a kid?I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
68" for a single rod & shelf.
42" & 84" for double rod, shelf at 84"
Those measurements are to the top of the cleat, so the actual rod height is a little lower.
9'-6" for Shaquille
2'-1" for Grumpy or Happy