Looking for the best DIY closet systems? In this post, I compare three top options we considered, Allen Roth, ClosetMaid, and Easy Track. This guide is designed to help you find the perfect mix of style, customization, and budget! Post contains affiliate links.
When we first dipped our toes into the world of custom closets, it was over a decade ago in our very first house…before kids, before fixer-upper projects, just us and a walk-in closet that felt like such a dream.
We went with Closets by Design, and even though the most basic setup ran us about $2,000 (which felt like a huge splurge at the time!), I absolutely loved it. It only came in plain black or white and had none of the fancy finishes, but still…having that organized walk-in space felt luxurious.
Fast forward to our current home, and I figured we’d do the same thing. I got another estimate, just for a clean, simple closet. Nothing premium, no extra bells and whistles. This time? The total came in at over $4,000. For a house where we already had a long list of renovation projects, that number felt out of reach.
The Search for a Polished Closet on a Budget
That’s when I started digging into other options. I wanted the same kind of polished, built-in feel without the designer price tag, and that research led me down the rabbit hole of DIY closet systems. Once I realized how many affordable kits are out there, it became super exciting!
I could finally get that luxurious custom closet look I’d dreamed of, within our limited DIY capabilities, and for a fraction of the price! We created something more beautiful than I thought possible, a luxurious, furniture-style closet with Allen + Roth.
Comparing the Top DIY Closet Systems
Before going with Allen and Roth, we researched all the options available, to see what would fit our needs best. If you’re currently exploring all your closet options, I’m excited to share everything I learned during my rabbit hole of closet kit research!
See how the Allen Roth Closet System stacks up to the ClosetMaid DIY closet systems and Easy Track closet organizer kits, two other popular DIY closet systems at Lowe’s! They are all amazing, but in slightly different ways!
Quick Comparison Table
| Closet Brand | Price Range | Material | Installation Difficulty | Look & Finish | Best For |
| Allen Roth | $$ | Solid Wood | Easy to Moderate | High-end furniture look or Ventilated | DIYers wanting a luxe custom look |
| ClosetMaid | $ | Composite Wood | Easiest to Install | Functional and Modern | Budget-friendly DIY closet system |
| Easy Track | $$ | Composite Wood | Moderate | Sleek Modern Look | DIYers seeking modular system with a built-in appearance |
1. Allen + Roth Review: Furniture-Style DIY Closet System
The furniture-like, solid wood look instantly made our Allen Roth closet feel like a high-end custom installation. It comes in two core designs, solid and ventilated.
Additionally, the detailed bevel cabinet-style doors and trim details add a luxurious feel that really makes a big impact. This system is highly modular and adjustable, you can move drawers, cubbies, and shelves around to suit your needs.
Beyond the initial kit, you can add more shelving, hanging rods, drawers, baskets, and shoe storage, so the closet can grow with you. We used two reach in kits and a couple extras like some ventilated shelves to create a customized walk-in with this modular system.
The system comes in three colors: White, Java, and Antique White. We chose Antique White, which I love for its timeless, elegant look. When we were getting our custom closet estimate, they only offered black or white at no extra cost, so the wood and Antique White felt extra special!
The Java finish is also very beautiful. My husband would have definitely picked that if he’d had more say in the design, ha! The quality of the solid wood really feels luxurious, and hubby especially loved that it was real wood. You can read more about our Allen Roth Closet experience here!
Quick Take: If you want a luxurious, solid wood feel with classic finishes and immediate elegance, Allen Roth delivers. It’s highly customizable with add-ons, but expect to pay for the premium materials.
Pros:
- Solid wood construction feels premium!
- Highly customizable: adjustable shelves, drawers, bins, and shoe storage in modular towers
- Luxe aesthetic, closest DIY closet system alternative to a designer closet
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- Higher price point than ClosetMaid
- Slightly more involved installation
- Limited color/finish options (white, antique white, and java)
2. ClosetMaid Brightwood Closet System
It’s clear to see why this ClosetMaid system is so popular! One of the biggest advantages of the ClosetMaid system is its flexibility. They have several options, but the core kit gives you exactly what you need to get your closet up and running. It includes just the bare minimum: hanging rods and the essential tower structure.
Because of this, it’s very budget-friendly to get started with the essentials. It offers two different options for tower width, perfect for small closet spaces! From there, you can customize at your own pace. Top shelves, drawers, and shoe storage can be added a la carte, which means you can gradually build the closet you’ve always wanted without committing to the full system upfront.
ClosetMaid also offers multiple finishes, white plus three faux wood options, so your closet can match your style right away. The variety of drawer sizes and shoe shelves make it easy to organize everything efficiently. The drawers are a shaker style, which definitely looks higher end then flat face panels!
Whether you want to fully plan your custom closet before installation or start small and upgrade over time, this diy closet system gives you the flexibility to make it your own immediately or evolve it as your needs change, a definite advantage for anyone who loves a mix of budget control and customization.
Quick Take: ClosetMaid is perfect if you want to start small on a budget and build your custom closet over time. Highly modular and flexible, it lets you add drawers, shelves, and accessories right away or gradually. However, you’re working with laminate finishes rather than solid wood.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly and widely available
- Modular! You can add shelves, drawers, and rods
- Ideal for a functional DIY closet system
Cons:
- Composite wood: doesn’t feel as premium as solid wood
- Aesthetic isn’t as high-end: will need the a la carte add-ons and styling upgrades to look “custom”
3. Easy Track Closet Organizer System: Customization Meets a Built-in Look
Easy Track is surprisingly impressive in terms of customization. Much like what I loved with Closets By Design, you can create a fully enclosed system that looks truly built-in, giving a polished, professional feel. The corner unit is a standout feature, especially for DIYers working with walk-in layouts. The finish is higher end with beveled drawers.
Among Lowe’s closet options, Easy Track is by far the most customizable system available. That said, all the customization comes at a price. While they have very basic kit options starting very affordably under $200, their walk-in closet kits can run over $1,000.
I’d say the cost is on par with Allen Roth, (and it’s very likely to be higher once you start adding extra features!) even though it’s still a laminate product. But, with Easy Track, you’re paying for incredible flexibility and the additional options for a seamless, built-in look that is unique in a DIY system.
Honestly, looking back, I’m surprised we didn’t explore Easy Track further when we were designing our closet. It really makes a walk-in layout easy to customize! I absolutely see the appeal in this amazing Easy Track system. For anyone prioritizing flexibility and a built-in look, I think this system does that best of all!
Quick Take: If customization and a built-in appearance are your top priorities and budget is less of a concern, Easy Track offers the most options! However, be prepared for costs to add up quickly if you go with add-ons and a more custom design!
Pros:
- Modular and expandable
- The style of the system provides a truly built-in look
- Flexible configurations are good for walk-ins or irregular spaces
Cons:
- Composite wood, vs solid wood with Allen Roth
- Can look more “basic” without the drawers and fun styling upgrades
- Installation can be a bit more complex depending on the setup
Conclusion: Best DIY Closet Systems
Each of these systems has something unique to offer, depending on what matters most to you.
- Allen + Roth stands out for its solid wood construction, classic styling, and long-term durability. It’s ideal if you’re after a furniture-like, high-end look and want a closet that can last for many years.
- Easy Track shines in its customization potential. The modular design makes it easy to create a tailored, built-in feel, and it can accommodate a wide range of budget options, making it versatile for many different DIY projects.
- ClosetMaid is perfect for those who want a simple, manageable DIY installation. Its basic widths and modular design make it easy to fit reach-in closets of almost any size, and it’s a system that can grow gradually as your storage needs change.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you value most: solid wood and style (Allen + Roth), extensive customization (Easy Track), or straightforward, budget-friendly DIY (ClosetMaid). For me personally, I ended up choosing Allen Roth for its timeless look and longevity, but all three systems are excellent choices depending on your needs!
Have you tried any of these closet systems for your home? I would love to hear your experience!
