National Average Improvement and Repair Cost
Pro
DIY
Hours:
1.1
2
Cost:
$ 101
$ 65
Would you do this project? According to our survey, 75% of respondents preferred DIY compared to hiring a pro.

The average price to Install Closet Shelf and Rod noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.
How much does it cost to have a closet shelf and rod installed? Compare the contractor cost to install a closet shelf and rod for $101 with doing it yourself for $65 and saving 35 percent.
Long before there were wire and laminated shelving systems, there was the basic wooden closet rod and shelf. This plain vanilla version of closet shelving remains a low-cost, practical storage solution for any closet where you want a sturdy hanging rod and shelf.
The wooden hanging rod is attached to the metal rod supports installed on a strip of wood or cleat that is fastened to the side and back walls of the closet. Above the rod a wooden shelf rests on the wall cleat. An additional metal bracket fastened to the cleat in the middle of the back wall can support a long shelf.
The installation involves planning the layout and finding wall studs, fastening the 1-by-4-foot cleats to the walls, installing the brackets on the cleats, and then putting the rod and 1-by-12-foot shelf in place. You’ll need a measuring tape, stud finder, electric drill with bits, hammer, nails, saw, and wood screws.
The most difficult part of the job is cleaning out the closet and removing castoff clothing and unwanted items. To really transform a closet, first paint the walls before installing the rod and shelf.
You’ll find the wooden shelf, cleat and shelf-and-rod brackets at hardware stores and home centers costing about $65. A carpenter or handyman will do this job for $101, but if you purchase and install it yourself you can save 35 percent.
Now you know the average cost to install a closet shelf and rod, which includes the labor and material, and what’s involved, so you can decide to do it yourself or hire a contractor.