When it comes to lining a closet with cedar, one of the most common questions is how much cedar is needed. The answer to this question depends on the size of the closet and how much of the space you want to cover with cedar. Fortunately, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure you have enough cedar to effectively line your closet.
To start, it’s important to note that there are a few different ways to use cedar in a closet. Some people opt for cedar planks, while others use cedar chips or cedarwood oil. Each of these options requires a different amount of cedar, so it’s important to decide which method you want to use before determining how much cedar you need.
Once you’ve decided on the method you want to use, you can begin to calculate how much cedar is needed. This typically involves measuring the square footage of the closet and determining how many boxes of cedar planks or bags of cedar chips you’ll need to cover the space. With a little bit of planning and calculation, you can ensure your closet is properly lined with cedar to provide a fresh, aromatic scent and protect your clothing from pests.
Understanding Cedar Wood
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Cedar wood is a popular choice for lining closets due to its natural properties that repel insects and control moisture levels. However, it is important to understand the different types of cedar wood and how much is needed for a closet project.
There are several types of cedar wood, including Western Red Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, and Aromatic Cedar. Western Red Cedar is the most commonly used for closet projects due to its durability and attractive appearance. Eastern Red Cedar and Aromatic Cedar are also popular choices, but they are softer and may require more maintenance.
When it comes to determining how much cedar wood is needed for a closet project, it is important to take into account the size of the closet and the desired level of coverage. Generally, it is recommended to use 1/4 inch thick cedar planks or panels for lining the walls and ceiling of a closet.
To calculate the amount of cedar needed, measure the length, width, and height of the closet in feet. Multiply the length and width to get the square footage of the walls, and then multiply by two to account for both sides of the walls. For the ceiling, simply multiply the length and width.
For example, if a closet is 6 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet high, the total square footage of the walls would be 96 square feet (6 x 8 x 2), and the ceiling would be 24 square feet (6 x 4). Therefore, a total of 120 square feet of cedar planks or panels would be needed for the project.
It is important to note that the amount of cedar needed may vary depending on the thickness of the planks or panels being used. Always consult with a professional or refer to manufacturer recommendations to ensure proper coverage and installation.
Calculating Closet Dimensions
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To determine how much cedar is needed to line a closet, it is essential to calculate the closet’s dimensions accurately. Here are the steps to calculate the closet dimensions:
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Measure the length, width, and height of the closet using a tape measure.
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Multiply the length, width, and height measurements to get the total cubic feet of the closet.
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Subtract the area of any doors or windows from the total cubic feet.
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Multiply the resulting cubic footage by 0.75 to determine the amount of cedar needed in board feet.
It is essential to note that the amount of cedar needed may vary depending on the type of cedar used and the thickness of the planks.
It is also crucial to consider the type of closet when calculating the dimensions. For instance, a reach-in closet will require less cedar than a walk-in closet.
In conclusion, accurately calculating the closet dimensions is essential when determining the amount of cedar needed to line a closet. By following the steps above, one can determine the amount of cedar needed in board feet.
Determining Cedar Quantity
To determine the amount of cedar needed for a closet, there are a few factors to consider. The size of the closet, the height of the walls, and whether or not you plan to line the entire closet or just certain areas all play a role in determining the amount of cedar required.
One way to calculate the amount of cedar needed is to measure the square footage of the closet’s interior walls. For a standard 4-ft. by 8-ft. closet with an 8-ft. ceiling, you would need approximately 12 boxes of cedar closet planks. However, if you plan to line the entire closet, including the ceiling, you will need to calculate the square footage of the ceiling as well.
Another factor to consider is the type of cedar you plan to use. Western Red Cedar is a popular choice for closet lining due to its natural antiseptic, antifungal, and insect-repellent qualities. However, it is important to note that the amount of cedar needed may vary depending on the thickness and width of the planks used.
If you plan to install cedar shelving in addition to lining the walls, you will need to factor in the additional square footage of the shelves. It is also important to note that while cedar has a strong scent at first, it will mellow over time. For those who prefer a stronger scent, cedar sachets or essential oils can be added to the closet.
In summary, determining the amount of cedar needed for a closet involves calculating the square footage of the walls and ceiling, considering the type of cedar used, and factoring in any additional shelving. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your closet is properly lined with cedar for its natural benefits and pleasant scent.
Additional Considerations
When considering adding cedar to a closet, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind:
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Cost: Cedar is a more expensive option compared to other closet materials. Depending on the size of the closet, the cost of cedar can range from $3,500 to $6,500 for the material alone.
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Maintenance: Cedar requires some maintenance to retain its scent and effectiveness. Over time, the oils in the wood will evaporate, and the scent will fade. To maintain the scent, you may need to sand the cedar lightly or apply cedar oil periodically.
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Compatibility: Cedar may not be suitable for all items. While cedar is a natural insect repellent, it can also absorb moisture, which may not be ideal for certain items such as artwork or antiques. Additionally, the scent of cedar may not be appealing to everyone.
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Amount of Cedar: The amount of cedar needed for a closet depends on the size of the space. To line the interior of a standard 4-ft. by 8-ft. closet with an 8-ft. ceiling, approximately 12 boxes of cedar closet planks are needed. However, the amount of cedar needed will vary depending on the size of the closet and how much coverage is desired.
In summary, adding cedar to a closet can be a great way to protect clothing and other items from insects and musty odors. However, it’s important to keep in mind the cost, maintenance, compatibility, and amount of cedar needed before making a decision.
