Cedar Closet DIY
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: September 6, 2011
Tools:
Compound mitre saw
Jigsaw
Tape measure
Hammer
Caulk gun
Construction adhesive
IMPORTANT: before using Cedar, remove planks from their packages and place them in the area where they will be installed. Allow the pieces to acclimate for a minimum of 24 hours. Like all wood, cedar will expand and contract as its moisture content changes; this waiting period allows for this process and helps prevent warping or gaps after the closet is completed.
Measure the surface you wish to cover to determine square footage needed. If you are lining a closet, measure the square footage of each wall. Example: if the area of the walls, ceiling, and floor totaled 96 square feet, and a package covers 10 square feet, you would need 10 packages. (96 divided by 10 equals 9.6. Fractions are rounded to the next whole amount.)
Lay out the planks in the order in which they will be installed, staggering the ends for a random appearance. Set aside a few knot free pieces to fill in the gaps.
Although super cedar can be applied vertically, diagonally, or horizontally, horizontal installation is recommended
for most do-it-yourselfers.
Remove shelves, hanger rods, moulding, etc., from the closet. If using nails, locate wall studs using a stud finder and mark a centerline along each stud to indicate where nails are to be driven. ( Standard studs are 16" on-center.)
Place the grooved side against the floor, beginning in a bottom corner. BE SURE THE FIRST ROW IS LEVEL.
Nail at stud mark directly through the face of the plank, using 1 1/2" panel nails if going through the sheetrock and 1" nails if installing directly over studs.
Cedar may also be installed using sub-floor adhesive. Just apply the adhesive following the manufacturer's
directions. BE SURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER VENTILATION.
Adhesive is recommended if planks are being installed vertically. Once the first piece is in place, continue that row across the length of the wall. To finish the row, saw one piece to make a perfect fit. Use the remainder of that piece to start the next row. Continue until the entire wall is covered. Completely line one wall before starting another.
Rip (cut) the pieces that were set aside to fill in gaps along floor base, corners, or ceilings. When working around doorways, run the plank all the way up to the trim. Cutting and fitting is usually required above doorways also.
Maintenance
Super Cedar requires no finishing. In fact, to do so would seal in the aroma and defeat the purpose of the product. If using cedar for an accent wall, however, you may wish to cover it with polyurethane or other clear finish.
This will highlight the wood's natural beauty, though you will lose the fragrance.
Over time, cedar oils will crystallize on the surface of the planks, sealing in the aroma. It can easily be regenerated with a light sanding, as needed (every few years).
Compound mitre saw
Jigsaw
Tape measure
Hammer
Caulk gun
Construction adhesive
IMPORTANT: before using Cedar, remove planks from their packages and place them in the area where they will be installed. Allow the pieces to acclimate for a minimum of 24 hours. Like all wood, cedar will expand and contract as its moisture content changes; this waiting period allows for this process and helps prevent warping or gaps after the closet is completed.
Measure the surface you wish to cover to determine square footage needed. If you are lining a closet, measure the square footage of each wall. Example: if the area of the walls, ceiling, and floor totaled 96 square feet, and a package covers 10 square feet, you would need 10 packages. (96 divided by 10 equals 9.6. Fractions are rounded to the next whole amount.)
Lay out the planks in the order in which they will be installed, staggering the ends for a random appearance. Set aside a few knot free pieces to fill in the gaps.
Although super cedar can be applied vertically, diagonally, or horizontally, horizontal installation is recommended
for most do-it-yourselfers.
Remove shelves, hanger rods, moulding, etc., from the closet. If using nails, locate wall studs using a stud finder and mark a centerline along each stud to indicate where nails are to be driven. ( Standard studs are 16" on-center.)
Place the grooved side against the floor, beginning in a bottom corner. BE SURE THE FIRST ROW IS LEVEL.
Nail at stud mark directly through the face of the plank, using 1 1/2" panel nails if going through the sheetrock and 1" nails if installing directly over studs.
Cedar may also be installed using sub-floor adhesive. Just apply the adhesive following the manufacturer's
directions. BE SURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER VENTILATION.
Adhesive is recommended if planks are being installed vertically. Once the first piece is in place, continue that row across the length of the wall. To finish the row, saw one piece to make a perfect fit. Use the remainder of that piece to start the next row. Continue until the entire wall is covered. Completely line one wall before starting another.
Rip (cut) the pieces that were set aside to fill in gaps along floor base, corners, or ceilings. When working around doorways, run the plank all the way up to the trim. Cutting and fitting is usually required above doorways also.
Maintenance
Super Cedar requires no finishing. In fact, to do so would seal in the aroma and defeat the purpose of the product. If using cedar for an accent wall, however, you may wish to cover it with polyurethane or other clear finish.
This will highlight the wood's natural beauty, though you will lose the fragrance.
Over time, cedar oils will crystallize on the surface of the planks, sealing in the aroma. It can easily be regenerated with a light sanding, as needed (every few years).
