Rubbermaid Deluxe Adjustable Closet Kit, 3-6 Ft

Easy to understand instructions. Parts were high quality and this closet system was easy to install, although I decided more screws were needed to support the weight of the clothes that hang on the closet system than suggested by the instructions. it was easy to add these extra screws.

**03/07/22 UPDATE**

I installed a second one of these in a larger closet. Same situation, tore out old basic shelf, did all drywall repairs and repainted closet walls and ceilings. Like the first closet I did, the hang bar was done at 80″ vs the 86.5″ that is recommended. This worked out perfectly, again.

This time, I did not use any of the included anchors — for places that required them, I exclusively used toggle bolts I picked up from Lowes. Yes, it cost a few bucks more but the peace of mind is worth it. The hang bar and uprights are not going anywhere!

My wife has already hinted I will be installing these in other closets if that is any indication as to our satisfaction with this organizer. The single “ding” against is that the included anchors are, well, crappy. No other way to describe it. Like I said in my original review, the bang:buck ratio for this organizer is super high. Very much recommended.

**

I completed the installation of this closet organizer kit this weekend, so wanted to share my experiences while it is still fresh in my mind.

Other reviews have gone over all of the features of the kit, so I won’t bore you with that. However, I did want to provide some handy tips for installation –>

– Prior to beginning the installation, I tore out the old shelf + cheap-o anchors, did all of the drywall repair and finally painted the closet walls and trim. This is obviously not necessary and takes extra time, effort and money but it really made the end result look so much better. Very much recommend going this route if you are tearing out an existing system.

– As several other reviewers have suggested, buy some toggles or heavier-duty anchors. The included ones are not horrible, but the chance of hitting studs for the uprights to achieve an optimal layout is pretty low and I would prefer to spend an extra $20 on hardware and know the system is solid.

– Read the instructions + watch the brief install video several times and plan your layout prior to beginning installation. There are some great tips (like using the rail cover as a spacer for the uprights) included that will make things much easier.

– Both the video and paper instructions tell you to mount the hang rail at 86.5″ — this is in no way, shape or form a requirement. I mounted mine at 80″ and it worked out perfectly. The trim in the closet is 6″ high, and the upright extensions end up about 2″ above it. Perfect.

– Take your time. Use a level. Use a stud finder. Measure again before drilling. Yes, simple/silly tips, but you might as well aim to get your installation (at least of the uprights) done right the first time. The shelving/accessory side of things is super flexible post-install, but if you go wild-wild-west with your uprights install, you’re likely going to have a bad day.

– Overall, the installation was not crazy difficult. Anyone with average+ abilities (and the right tools) can totally knock this out alone and get a good result. If you aren’t comfortable with the install, find a handy pal and make an afternoon/learning experience out of it. I can safely say that no advanced skills are required to get a great end result.

So, big question here.. would I buy the kit again? Yes, for sure. In fact, my wife has already asked I begin planning the layout for a closet in another room. The single thing I would do differently is to not use any of the included anchors at all and use 100% toggles. The included screws (for sinking the rail into studs) are good though!

In closing, let’s be clear — this is not a high-end solution. It is, however, a solution with incredible bang:buck that offers some great flexibility given what is included in this kit and the number of accessories out there. The end result (especially after painting the closet to match the room) looks outstanding and all-in was south of $200 including replacing my old 20-year-old stud finder and a new gallon of paint.

Have questions? Feel free to ask and I’ll do my best to answer.

The hardest parts to install are the support brackets (one horizontal 4-5 vertical) as you want them level and you need to screw them in place.

The wardrobe system itself is all modular, very easy to install/change around and super versatile.

I bought it on amazon as it was less expensive then in store where I live.

While in store I compared it to other models/brands in the same price range and it was the only one that didn’t band/warp under pressure/weight.

It not only met my expectations but those of my significant other’s (whom I bought one for), my parents in law (who bought one and are thinking of getting another) and my own parents who are also thinking of getting one.

Before buying, make sure to mesure your wardrobe to make sure you get the right sized kit!

Overall, I’m very pleased with the Rubbermaid “Deluxe” closet kit. It’s not perfect, but still give 5 stars due to the value, flexible configurations, and relatively easy installation.

We have a 5 foot wide reach-in closet in our guest bedroom, so we decided to go the Rubbermade route versus exploring the Elfa or another custom made product. Beyond a couple small annoyances, I’m pleased with the result. But, since I just installed the closet this week, I can’t speak to anything beyond the initial setup and first few days of use.

Before going on, I want to point out that I’m happy I spent the extra $17 on the Deluxe vs. Classic option. Based on our final configuration, we ended up using more of the 26.25 inch shelves than originally thought. And, if you have a closet similar to our size, Rubbermaid’s 3-6 foot set could work, but we wanted the extra hanging space available with this set.

Installation:
From start to finish (not including prep time beforehand or extra time afterwards “re-configuring” the final layout), the installation took me nearly 2.5 hours. But of course, that all depends on your experience doing these types of projects and the amount of help you have.

I completed this project alone, and I’m by no means a professional craftsman. Now that I think about it, this may have been the first assembly project I’ve completed that required the use of a drill. Suffice to say, it’s fairly easy to complete, and while the instructions could always be better, they were easy to understand with minimal headscratching.

Some random installation tips:
-It’d be nice if Amazon posted the instruction guide for these types of products. But beyond what’s included, you will need a drill and a level.
[…]

-You can complete this yourself, but you may want some help at the beginning when leveling the top frame. Without it, you’ll end up like me on the 3rd step of your ladder juggling a 48 inch metal frame, a 2 foot level, and pen to mark hole locations. An extra pair of hands makes that key step a lot easier.

-As instructed, you’ll want to drill into the studs wherever possible. When drillling a location not along a stud, the instructions indicate drilling a 3/8 inch hole to allow for the use of wall anchors (which are provided). Some other reviews mention this isn’t a common bit size found in most basic drill packs. But, I was able to make it work by using a 1/4 inch bit instead, and just going around the edges to enlarge the opening. I’m sure I’ll catch a lecture from another reviewer, but it saved me an unecessary trip to Home Depot (hopefully).

-Step 1D in the instructions indicate fastening the first two screws until after the next step of sliding the second hang rail behind the first. But if your closet is less than 6 feet, the second rail won’t fit. So, only fasten the first screw before going forward. No biggie, but you can thank me later on for saving you the extra 2 minutes.

After attaching the top hang rail, and securing the upright rods, the closet is basically done. You just have to play around with the brackets and shelves depending on your storage needs. I changed my mind at least a few times, and it was easy to go back and tweak the setup.

Overall, here are some pros and cons:

Pros:
-Good value for price
-Easy installation, able to do by yourself
-Clear instructions
-Sturdy materials
-Separate hanging rod allow you to move clothes from one end to another*
-Easy to configure

Cons:
-Upright rails do not attach at top, and therefore, will sway and cause audible clanging against the horizontal hang rail
-*When telescoping rods together, there’s annoying edge that “catches” your hanging when shifting clothes
-Not a very “elegant” process of overlapping the shelves, but it works