What Are Custom Closets Made Of?

There are tons of companies out there claiming that they can give you the closet of your dreams. That sounds great and all but the real question is, what are the materials made of? Are the materials coming into your home safe for you and your family? Will the materials break down over time? Is there a warranty involved and what all is covered in this said warranty?

At SpaceManager Closets, we design, manufacture and install custom closets, but we like to educate our readers about all types of closet and organizing solutions. In this article, we’ve offered the essential things to look for when purchasing custom organizing solutions. By the time you finish reading this, you should have a better idea as to whether a custom built storage system is right for you and your family and the different materials companies are using to construct them.

Different Materials Used to Construct Custom Closets

    • What is Melamine?

      • Melamine is essentially manufactured wood. It is the way Melamine is constructed with an edge banding that makes it similar to particleboard but Melamine is much stronger. The shelves and materials are all constructed the same way. According to Kitchen Cabinet Kings, “Melamine is made using particles of wood, paper and resin, which are all combined under extreme pressure.” So are Melamine and real wood the same thing? No, they are not. Melamine will not dent like real wood will and real wood will not scratch as Melamine would.
      • Most big-box stores that you can just walk in and purchase a “Do It Yourself” closet or shelving offer a cold-pressed Melamine. Cold-pressed is exactly what it sounds like. The material is bonded together at room temperature with an adhesive. While a custom closet company can offer more of a heat-lathed Melamine which is more durable and a professional grade that is bonded under heat and pressure to create a longer-lasting product.

    • What is MDF?

      • Medium-Density Fibreboard is an engineered wood composite that a lot of companies use for construction of closets and shelving. The difference between MDF and Melamine is that MDF is a solid product while Melamine is more aerated. Companies who use MDF, can cut into the product to create different designs styles and drawer front types like Shaker and Raised Panel.

    • What is Thermofoil?

      • Thermofoil is a surface finish that wraps around the entire finished product of MDF which creates a smooth edge finish. Don’t be fooled by the name Thermofoil, there are no metal contents in it. Thermofoil provides a clean look where there are no hard edges.

So in the end, are the materials safe? We know the materials that we use at SpaceManager Closets are safe but we can’t vouch for any other company.

Different Drawer Front Styles

What is Shaker?

Shaker is a slightly raised square border around the edge of the drawer of the cabinet door. The Shaker style is to considered to be a more contemporary look.

What is Raised Panel?

Raised Panel is a kind of style for a drawer front or cabinet door that is considered to be more traditional. On Raised Panel drawer fronts and cabinet doors, the center and edges are raised in a more intricate detail than the Shaker style.

Why Purchase a Custom Closet vs. Buying from a Big-Box Store?

Purchasing a custom anything is just that. A custom designed, manufactured and installed space just for you. Buying something that is custom, gives you the custom size, the perfect customized fit and different color options. Purchasing from a Big-Box Store, you have to make your space fit what is offered and there is nothing unique about you and your neighbors having the same exact storage system.