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Closet Rods?

tyearian | Posted in General Discussion on September 29, 2006 08:52am

I want to put some nice closet rods in house I’m working on.  What looks good and holds up over time?  I’m not looking for anything top-of-the-line, just something solid and pleasing.  Spans are only 3 feet and 5 feet but wood ones I took out sagged a lot.    

Reply

Replies

  1. JohnSprung | Sep 29, 2006 09:29pm | #1

    There are decorative plastic covers that slide onto 1" steel pipe.  Personally, I just use the pipe.  DW has so much on hangers you never see it anyhow.  ;-)

     

     

    -- J.S.

     

  2. BUIC | Sep 29, 2006 09:51pm | #2

      They make a chrome plated pipe for closets.

       1 1/4" with matching flanges for the ends.

      Nice looking, not expensive, and very strong. If you have solid backing for the screws you could do chin ups on the bar!

      By me Lowes, HD, and local hardware suppliers all carry it.

     Buic 

  3. woodguy99 | Sep 29, 2006 10:43pm | #3

    We use 1" ID galvanized steel pipe, which works well with 1 3/8" sockets.  It's heavier duty than anything else out there, and most people like the looks (especially the no sagging part) but some people think it's too industrial looking.

  4. gordsco | Sep 29, 2006 10:54pm | #4

    I buy standard metal closet rods at the hardware store and use a bracket to support any rod and shelf over 50"

    View Image

    May neighbors respect You, and troubles neglect You.

    Gord

                            

     

     

  5. Piffin | Sep 29, 2006 11:17pm | #5

    Waterworks stainless steel is top of the line.

    Knappe and Voght have several diameeters and gauges of stainless pipe and different varieties of mounts in a much lower price range , but very good quality.

    For wood, I prefer a 1-5/16" fir rod, but it seems like they are getting harder to find

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

  6. User avater
    basswood | Sep 30, 2006 12:42am | #6

    Look for Lido products. Very sturdy rods in a variety of finishes: chrome, brass, white, etc.

    http://shopping.msn.com/results/shp/?bCatID=4846,av=2-4558135

  7. User avater
    JDRHI | Sep 30, 2006 12:58am | #7

    What BUIC said.

    Home Despot carries them.

    Strong like bull.

    J. D. Reynolds

    Home Improvements

  8. gordsco | Sep 30, 2006 01:55pm | #8

    I call standard closet rods aluminum. I buy the longer rods and cut them to fit with a pipe cutter.

    Rods and shelves 50" or longer get a bracket mounted on a 1X3 block over the wall stud nearest to center span. 

    May neighbors respect You, and troubles neglect You.

    Gord

                            

     

     

  9. MisterT | Sep 30, 2006 03:18pm | #9

    the wood ones wont sag if you use Quarter-sawn Fir rods.

    most real lumber yard carry them

    Namaste

    "The truth, when told does nothing but bolster a mans character." -Big Cal Stew 2006

    "There are 2 kinds of people in the world, those who divide the world into 2 kinds of people and everyone else"   -Gloria Steinham

    "The shrub administration is a bunch of Focking CrIminals" -Me

    1. gordsco | Sep 30, 2006 06:13pm | #10

      I forgot. I'm clear on the square rods, but which way do you turn a round rod to make it quarter sawn?May neighbors respect You, and troubles neglect You.

      Gord

                              

       

       

      1. Piffin | Sep 30, 2006 06:19pm | #11

        LOL 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      2. Brooks | Sep 30, 2006 09:57pm | #12

        one quarter turn...

        1. gordsco | Oct 01, 2006 01:11am | #13

          Now that's funny!  View ImageMay neighbors respect You, and troubles neglect You.

          Gord

                                  

           

           

      3. alwaysoverbudget | Oct 01, 2006 05:44am | #14

        your smarter than me,i keep turning the square rod and can't figure which ways up? ideas wanted larry

         hand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.

  10. alrightythen | Oct 01, 2006 06:37am | #15

     

     

    Here is what I did. did not  want the wire shelves that everyone around here is putting in, and the usual cup type holders for wood bars are pretty blah, so I made these.

    still a bit of touch up paint to do.

    if you wanted a stronger bar you could go w a metal one I guess.

     

     

    View Image

    1. BillBrennen | Oct 01, 2006 09:31am | #16

      Sharp detail. I like it. It is custom without excessive flashiness.Bill

      1. alrightythen | Oct 01, 2006 02:52pm | #17

        Thanks...I know it's hidden in the closets...but I think that fact makes it all that much cooler.

    2. User avater
      Matt | Oct 01, 2006 03:48pm | #18

      Very nice.  I'm guessing that is a wood rod.  I really like guys who put some detail in an area that won't be seen that much... I'm also guessing that is your own house.  I had a little "discussion" with my trim guy a few months ago about some "detailing" around were a dryer pipe came through the wall.  His answer - "look - it's gonna be behind the dryer anyway". :-(

      Back to the closet rod - For the right situation, I prefer a wood rod, although I always want the wood to be stained.

      Edited 10/1/2006 8:53 am ET by Matt

      1. alrightythen | Oct 01, 2006 07:16pm | #22

        yes it is wood....I think the lengh is maxed out but I saw later that they have a larger diametre.

        you're right it is my own home, but I've decided that I will make that a regular feature of my houses when I start builinding regually.

        it took ahwile to make the 1st ones 'cuz I had to figure everything out. But what I'll do, is one day when I got some spare time - I'll camp out in my garage for a couple days with a helper and prefab a stock of em for future use.

        PS...Yeah I agree with you about the more hidden trim details...ie: baseboard I just ran, ( more common one) I included the closet and the HO was pleasently surprised     " wow even in the closet " they said.

        Edited 10/1/2006 12:22 pm ET by alrightythen

      2. FHB Editor
        JFink | Oct 02, 2006 05:30pm | #23

        <<I really like guys who put some detail in an area that won't be seen that much...>>

        I'm with you...I was putting up chair rail in a house over the weekend, and I noticed the previous trim carp had done a really cool detail around the baseboard hvac vent - behind the toilet!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

        Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

      3. tyearian | Oct 02, 2006 10:23pm | #25

        Why stained?  Because paint tends to wear/mar over time?

        Another reason why I was thinking of using metal, everything else in closet is painted and wood seems like it would look out of place.

        1. User avater
          Matt | Oct 03, 2006 02:21am | #28

          Painted looks bad in only a few months time of a regurally used closet.  Stained doesn't mainly because of the dark color.  As far as looking out of place, it  looks fine especially if the place has hardwood floors.  The thing is, if you are doing a house that is suposed to have a vintage feel, the metal rods just don't fit.

    3. tyearian | Oct 02, 2006 10:19pm | #24

      That's really nice.  Wish I'd thought to do something that simple and yet attractive.  Agree with you on wire shelves too.  I like things that look like they'll last. 

      What's radius of wood rod you used?  Looks bigger than usual.

      1. alrightythen | Oct 03, 2006 01:01am | #26

        it's only 1 1/4"

        I saw later that they have a larger diametre, 1 1/2 or maybe 1 3/4" not sure.

        1. tyearian | Oct 03, 2006 01:12am | #27

          Probably 1-5/8" I think is standard.  For some reason photo made yours seem larger but thinking about it now anything much larger wouldn't accomodate most hangers.

          Again, nice work!

    4. hvtrimguy | Oct 03, 2006 05:00am | #30

      WOW! I like it. looks clean, has a nice proportion, beautiful. mind if I use it some time?"it aint the work I mind,
      It's the feeling of falling further behind."Bozini Latini

      1. alrightythen | Oct 03, 2006 06:17am | #31

        Be my guest ...we could use more nicer looking closet shelves around( wire racks UGH! - as I watch the wire rack truck pulling up to every house in my subdivision)

        It actually developed from a more basic design. originally it was straight with only the upper curve, but My father in law who was helping me pointed out that the hangers wouldn't clear. ( aren't father in laws great : ) ) so rather than making the cleat bigger I decided to do the drop, with the double curve...turned out to be a good desiscion.

        1. MisterT | Oct 03, 2006 01:47pm | #32

          Looks nice!!

          but...

          me hopes the rod is anchored to something besides the cleat...

          looks like a potential short grain failure...

          but...

          you, being a consumate professional, have already thought of this..Namaste

          "The truth, when told does nothing but bolster a mans character." -Big Cal Stew 2006

          "There are 2 kinds of people in the world, those who divide the world into 2 kinds of people and everyone else"   -Gloria Steinham

          "The shrub administration is a bunch of Focking CrIminals" -Me

          1. alrightythen | Oct 03, 2006 04:39pm | #34

            :)

            yes...good observation

            the rod is screwed from underneath directly into the cleat with trim screws. as well I drilled out the drywall so that the rod runs into the wall and rests in the hole.....and just for fun Loctite adheasive the works.

            I think the sum of all the parts adds up pretty well.

            Edited 10/3/2006 9:48 am ET by alrightythen

          2. MisterT | Oct 04, 2006 12:34pm | #36

            You did go to town on that one!!!

            and ran for mayor!!!Namaste

            "The truth, when told does nothing but bolster a mans character." -Big Cal Stew 2006

            "There are 2 kinds of people in the world, those who divide the world into 2 kinds of people and everyone else"   -Gloria Steinham

            "The shrub administration is a bunch of Focking CrIminals" -Me

          3. tyearian | Oct 04, 2006 07:05pm | #37

            Can't quite figure out what you mean by screwed from underneath into cleat? 

            Do you mean through rounded part of cleat into side of rod, then you filled screw hole?

          4. alrightythen | Oct 05, 2006 12:28am | #38

            well yeah...and no...

            yes  thru rounded part - thru rod - into upper section of cleat. ( all predrilled)

            but it is a black trim head screw that is countersunk flush. the black screw actually looks nice against the white, but since it's underneath only my kids can see it. :)

            later when I get back home I'll take a shot from underneath so you can see it.

            gotta run to the lumber store...catch ya later.

          5. alrightythen | Oct 05, 2006 03:26am | #39

            ok here some shots from below..I actually like the screw visible like that, it looks like it is meant to be there....

            and like I said before I still have some touch up to do.

            sorry bout repeat shot I uploaded it by accident and don't know how to delete it from the post

            View Image

  11. JLazaro317 | Oct 01, 2006 04:33pm | #19

    Top rail for chain link fence works great. Strong, doesn't sag, and hangers slide well. It looks very utilitarian. If you want to dress it up, us the pole covers as suggested earlier.

    John

    J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.

    Indianapolis, In.

     

    1. MisterT | Oct 01, 2006 05:57pm | #20

      Chromed Mercedes-Benz truck drive shafts are the best.

      shows you aren't afraid to waste $$$ on even the most trivial details.

       Namaste

      "The truth, when told does nothing but bolster a mans character." -Big Cal Stew 2006

      "There are 2 kinds of people in the world, those who divide the world into 2 kinds of people and everyone else"   -Gloria Steinham

      "The shrub administration is a bunch of Focking CrIminals" -Me

      1. JohnSprung | Oct 04, 2006 02:04am | #35

        That, or maybe crankshafts, with a way to turn them.  That would help with the garment selection process.  ;-) 

         

        -- J.S.

         

  12. DonK | Oct 01, 2006 06:04pm | #21

    You can also use electric conduit. Get a size that makes you happy. It's  galvanized and has a little shine. Strong too..

    Don K.

    EJG Homes     Renovations - New Construction - Rentals

  13. archyII | Oct 03, 2006 02:29am | #29

    1" type L copper pipe is nice.  I have used it for shower curtain rods and it is strong enough for a closet rod.  I patina it and coat with satin poly.  The brackets are pipe caps that I notch to accept the rod and drill a hole in the cap for a screw.

  14. MikeSmith | Oct 03, 2006 02:21pm | #33

    tye... we've used galv. pipe, wooden dowel, wooden closet pole...

    what  i like best is ClosetMade, especially their SuperSlide

     

    Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

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