Are California Closets expensive? Yes.
Is it worth it? Not so much.
Here is why; California Closets is good, but it is not the only one in the market you can get your closet from.
There are custom closet companies that use the same product. Still, for much less money because they don’t have the overhead ( cost of operating the business, excluding the product & service cost), big-name companies have. This means – the fancier company you choose, the more expensive your closet quote becomes. So, let’s say while your local closet manufacturer has a $10K overhead, California Closets has a $50K overhead.
How they make up the difference; by charging for the product 3 times more than your local guy.
How do we know?
We have gotten quotes from name brands like California Closets and small local custom closet companies.
How much does California Closets cost?
If you’re wondering about California Closets’ cost, we can give you an estimate. After thorough research, we have come to realize that there is no one cost for a custom closet. The cost of a California Closet system varies significantly based on customization and size. In 2024, the pricing structure is as follows:
- Basic Level: Starts at approximately $1,000 for a 6-foot closet.
- Level 2: Begins at $3,000.
- Level 3: Starts at $5,000.
- Level 4: Commences at $11,000.
These figures exclude additional charges for removing old closets and repairing drywall before installation. A specific configuration, for example, including white wood, chrome hardware, and various storage options, ranges between $2,585 and $3,640, including materials and installation.
Where does California Closets get its materials?
There is a Canada-based company called Tafisa, known for its products’ quality. It also offers tons of colors and designs to choose from. Interestingly, California Closets sources their materials from Tafisa like many other local closet manufacturers. Tafisa uses laminate composite made from recycled wood fiber to manufacture its products. So, you get the look and feel of wood without paying an exorbitant price.
Any local closet manufacturer can build you a Pinterest-worthy closet with pant organizers, valet rods, tie rack, belt rack, pull-out ironing board, and any other parts per your preference. Most manufacturers buy their products from Häfele and Rev-A-Shelf. They have all the accessories you might need to build and install a custom closet.
How would you measure the quality of materials used by various brands?
The answer is simple. All you need to do is a free consultation with all the companies and get to know what closet material they’re using. An easy way to test the product is by asking for a sample piece. Samples don’t lie. Once you get all the sample products, compare each, and you’ll know which ones are sturdy and which are not.
Which brands are cheaper than California Closets?
Although California Closets ranks as the number one closet company in the U.S., brands such as IKEA and Closets By Design offer products of equally good quality but for a lesser price.
For instance, if you shop at IKEA, you can get a custom closet for half the price (approx. $1600-$1700) of what would be paying at California Closets (approx. $3000). IKEA is one of the most affordable brands for any household furniture, including closets, Murphy beds, etc. Similarly, Closets By Design is another popular brand specializing in custom closets. Unlike California Closets, you can get a personalized closet from Closet By Design within the range of $1000-$1500.
If you consider Murphy beds, the starting price for a twin Murphy bed at California Closets is approx. $2,000 and approx. $2,300 for a queen Murphy. But you can get the same bed with extra features for about $1000 if you buy it from a local manufacturer.
Long story short, when getting your closet done, get quotes from smaller companies, make a quick Google search to see who is in your area, check their product, get a quote from them, and if they use the same quality materials, give your local small businesses a chance. Lastly, don’t forget to check their online presence; read the reviews! If customers are unhappy with the results, they will leave a review.
Are California Closets worth the money?
Going by the quality of their services, investing in California Closets could be wise if you wish to increase the resell value of your home. If you plan to sell it in the next 5-10 years, you’ll likely get a good return on investment (ROI). However, if you like sticking to changing trends, installing an expensive closet from California Closets might not be a suitable option. The ultimate decision is yours, based on how you picture your home in the coming years.