How Much Does California Closets Cost?

Last Updated on October 2, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

As the leading brand renowned for luxury closet design, California Closets offers beautiful custom storage solutions to optimize any space. But how much does a complete California Closet system actually cost on average?

In this guide, we’ll break down the typical California Closets pricing for different types of closets and storage projects. You’ll learn about all the factors that influence costs, additional fees to account for, tips for customizing on a budget, and get a grip on real price ranges to expect.

How Much Does California Closets Cost?

California Closets features prices between $1,500 and $5,000 for a simple reach-in closet system, while a complex walk-in system can set you back $30,000 or more.

Here is an overview of typical California Closets pricing across the most common types of closets and storage projects:

Basic Reach-In Closet System – Average Cost Range: $1,500 to $5,000

This entry-level solution includes basic reach-in layouts with adjustable shelving, hanging rods, and minimal integrated drawers or accessories. Targets smaller spaces like bedroom closets. The simpler design allows DIY-friendly installation to save costs.

Mid-Range Walk-In Closet System – Average Cost Range: $5,000 to $10,000

A step up, this system features upgraded storage with deeper custom shelving, more specialized drawers, and built-in accessories like integrated shoe racks. Best for master bedrooms and larger spaces. Professional installation is recommended.

Custom Wardrobes and Cabinets – Average Cost Range: $2,000 to $10,000

Freestanding wardrobe cabinets and storage islands open expanded options to stage wardrobes seamlessly into bedrooms, dressing rooms, mudrooms, and other living areas while concealing belongings neatly. Integrated lighting, drawers, and hanging storage provide optimal space utility.

High-End Luxury Custom Walk-In Closet System – Average Cost Range: $10,000 to $30,000+

A top-tier bespoke closet system fabricated using premium solid wood cabinets, upgraded finishes like stained glass doors, and integrated lighting. Fully customized down to the inch around your space, creating an upscale, luxury dream closet. This high-end solution requires professional installation expertise.

According to Cabinets Plus, a modest custom solution from California Closets may run you in excess of $4,000. In comparison, similar setups from other companies like Cabinets Plus could be priced around $2,500. This suggests that while California Closets offers quality products and services, they may come at a premium compared to local competitors.

Factors Impacting California Closets Pricing

The final price of your California Closets project will depend on several important factors:

• Closet size and layout – Larger walk-in closets will be more expensive than smaller, basic reach-in closet spaces simply due to higher materials costs and labor time. The overall footprint and volume of the storage area itself directly impacts the base price.
• Amount of customization – Opting for a fully customized bespoke design tailored exactly to your space tends to be pricier than choosing a more modular, pre-planned system with standardized components. Unique storage features and built-ins also bump up costs.
• Materials used – Premium solid wood cabinets, upgraded finishes like glass doors, and high-end materials command a higher price tag versus more affordable laminate or MDF options. The materials selection influences the budget significantly.
• Additional features – Integrated accents like advanced storage drawers, adjustable shelving, lighting systems, accessories, and built-in electronics will raise the overall budget requirement compared to a simpler system.
• Installation complexity – For DIY-friendly closets, simple installation allows cost savings versus hiring California Closets’ full-service expert installation team for more intricate layouts and built-ins. Labor is a cost factor.

Additional California Closets Fees

Along with the base system costs, be sure to budget for:

• Design consultation fees – Typically free, but costs can apply for highly complex multi-phase projects needing extensive planning and revisions.
• Installation fees – These average $300 – $2,000 based on the scope and intricacy of the project. DIY is the most affordable option.
• Accessories upgrade costs – Built-in lighting systems add $500 – $1,500. High-end custom pull-out drawers cost $100 – $500 each. Upgraded wood or glass doors increase budgets by $1,000 – $3,000 depending on selections. These modular add-ons enable building out your closet configuration over time on your budget.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Shelf Genie, Murphy beds, or granite-look tiles.

California Closets vs Other Competitors

IKEA – Significantly more affordable DIY systems in the $500 to $2,500 range but using lower cost materials and with very limited customization capabilities compared to California Closets.

Closets by Design – A mid-range competitor with prices for installed systems starting around $1,000 on the low end and ranging up to $10,000 for larger luxury walk-in closets. Less name brand recognition than California Closets.

The Container Store Custom Closets – Budget-friendly competitor with similar price points to California Closets but differentiated by a focus on modular, grab-and-go components over integrated built-ins allowing DIYers to tailor to their needs. More mass market.

Overall, California Closets stands apart from other brands by the use of premium solid wood construction, near endless customization around your exact storage needs, and expertise integrating lighting, drawers, and accessories seamlessly into closet designs. But the high-touch service comes at a premium cost.

Expert Tips

For those working with more limited closet renovation budgets, our storage design experts recommend considering these creative ideas to achieve beautiful closet upgrades at the best value:

• Strategically opt for laminate wood finishes or budget-friendly MDF cabinet materials instead of pricier solid hardwoods when selecting finishes. You retain the clean, integrated look at a fraction of the price.
• Kick off your project starting with a modular, semi-custom layout using California Closets’ flexible pre-designed components as a baseline instead of fully custom for maximum cost savings. Personalize from there.
• Hold off on non-essential integrated accessories and add them over time as budget allows. Lighting, specialty drawers and racks, and upgraded doors provide easy ways to enhance down the road.
• Ask your California Closets design consultant for any potential seasonal sales, discounts, or promotions available when first signing on to maximize initial savings. Time purchases right to stretch your budget.

Being open-minded on materials and strategic on the phases of a phased build-out allows realizing the incredible California Closets quality and design at costs aligned with restraints.

Answers to Common Questions

What is the average cost to design a closet?

For a mid-tier customized walk-in closet system from California Closets with higher-end finishes, expect to invest approximately $5,000 to $20,000+ depending on the overall footprint, chosen storage features and materials, and complexity of the desired layout. Larger or more lavish closets with premium upgrades hit the higher pricing tiers.

Are California Closets worth the price compared to lower-cost closet options and alternatives?

While decidedly premium-priced, California Closets’ reputation for unparalleled quality, durable materials, and expertise realizing even the most intricate customized closet designs makes their systems stand out as a worthwhile investment for homeowners serious about maximizing their storage space functionally and aesthetically. Their solutions enhance homes’ spaces and often resale values.

How much should I budget for installation fees when pricing out a custom closet system?

For most standard-sized closets, California Closets installation fees cost approximately $300 to $2,000+ depending on the overall scope and complexity involved in your selected layout and built-ins. DIY projects can reduce these labor costs substantially for those willing to take on the challenge!

Professional Insights

“Be open to a phased approach starting with a modular layout using some pre-designed components to maximize project value,” suggests California Closets designer Monique White. “Personalize in stages as budget allows.”

“Don’t overspend just for luxury names – less expensive laminates and melamine provide durability at a fraction of solid wood costs with the same streamlined appearance,” advises contractor Javier Silva.

“Add eye-catching lighting or upgraded doors down the line on a budget. Focus first on maximizing functional storage space itself,” recommends Melinda Jacobs, interior designer. “Accent over time.”

Final Words

California Closets makes achieving storage dreams possible. While competing brands with lower price points exist, few match their blend of quality, customization and integrated accessory capabilities. If your home goals demand the very best, lean on their expertise while keeping costs reasonable via smart scoping. The difference shows.