Customer Reviews

Rubbermaid 3G59 Configurations 4-to-8-Foot Classic Custom Closet Kit, Titanium

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought the equivalent closetmaid up to 8 foot adjustable system a few weeks earlier and installed that in one room and just recently purchased this rubbermaid system (couldn't pass up the super low price) so can make a few honest comparisons:

- closetmaid comes with a lot more parts. There are several more linear feet of shelving included and a boatload more of brackets. I ended up having to go to the local store to buy a few extra feet of shelving and brackets to make the rubbermaid set as complete.

- closetmaid uses a plastic nonadjustable length hangar bar. This means you have to cut to length (easy, due to its plastic construction). But the plastic bar doesn't look as stylish or robust as the rubbermaid's metal bar ,which is adjustable so doesn't need cutting.

- closetmaid's "standards" -- the framing structure -- is longer by about a foot than than rubbermaid. This means you can have things hanging down lower or higher since there's more height available. I had to purchase extra standards to complete my closet for the rubbermaid while I had no issue with this factor with the closetmaid.

The shelving itself look about the same between the two systems. Rubbermaid claims you don't need to cut the shelves but you'll want to do this in many cases. They are easy to cut with a metal blade on a small jigsaw. The closetmaid includes endcaps for the bare metal which is a nice touch. No such luck with the rubbermaid. Overall installation with both systems is relatively easy. No rocket science knowledge involved. Just have a drill with the proper bits (drill bits and Phillips). The two systems, though different, appear compatible as I was able to fit in the brackets from the closetmaid to the rubbermaid system perfectly.

I wasn't too disappointed with the lack of parts for the rubbermaid since I bought it at amazon for $71 shipped, which was a great price. I paid about $50 more for the closetmaid at a non-sale price at a major home improvement chain store. Still, I ended up paying another $40 for the extra shelving and parts (bought at local home improvement store so it was expensive) to complete my closet for the Rubbermaid system so I eventually came out about even. Be warned if you're paying a higher price on the rubbermaid system as this set does not command a higher price.

My poorly installed (by me) Closet Maid system collapsed suddenly the other night. My house is very small, so any disruption in storage creates utter chaos. I needed to get a new closet system in there and fast. I considered just buying some cheap freestanding rods and shelves, but after doing some online research, I realized I could have an installed closet with hardly any more effort, by using the Configurations system. The entire project, including the time to clear a 30 square foot closet, remove the wreckage of the Closet Maid system, install TWO sets of the Configurations system (big closet) and put everything back into place, took 5 hours. I drilled a total of 14 holes. It was easy and hassle free and now I have a very nicely organized storage space, which can be reconfigured if I need to store different stuff, or sell the house.

Caveats: in places where I had to use wall anchors, I used more than were recommended, because it looked as if the number specified were not going to make the system sturdy enough. Where it was screwed into the studs is rock solid though. Also, be aware that while you're putting the system up, it seems flimsy and shaky. This made me nervous until I realized that once all the pieces are assembled and locked together, it feels solid and stable.

Installation

Basic installation for those that are handy. I recommend a cordless power drill with bits, leveler, and stud finder. Use pencil to lightly mark studs.

Once you install the top horizontal bracket into the studs with provided screws the rest is pretty darn easy.


I love the functionality and simplicity of this closet. There are several accessory pieces available. If installed correctly in studs, this closet in VERY sturdy and will be able to hold all your clothes without any malfunction.

I installed one kit in my closet, the wifes closet, wifes spare room closets, and also bought just the vertical pieces and shelves for the closet. Also used one shelf and short brackets with hanger pole and installed above the large folding table in laundry room so my wife can hang up the clothes/sweaters to either air dry (delicates) or to be hung after being pressed.

Its so simple....i love it!

Easy to install, looks very nice, and very functional. Takes a little getting used to reaching up or down for your clothes, but it's worth it.

The drywall anchors enclosed aren't like any others I've used and would not install - just pushed through. We had to buy toggle bolts ourselves to be able to use this closet system. Just FYI. They also don't tell you how to use these unusual drywall anchors - we had to look up on the net these type that come with a little "key" to install with. Still couldn't get 'em to work. Otherwise, it's a fine system. BTW: We attached to studs where possible, but the directions require the use of anchors at places, too.

Bought two of these units last August when they were Gold Boxed. Last week I was fortunate enough to have a local handyman here at the house to do a raft of small repairs. Before he left I had him install the support bar and drop down bracket holders for me. Took him maybe 20 minutes to remove all the ancient closet hardware and we were off to the races. Thirty minutes later all the support system was installed and he was on his way.

I was putting up the shelf and rod brackets, working on the lay out as I went along as he was finishing up. Suddenly it hit me and I said, "This thing feels like it was designed by someone from Apple, the computer company. It is so tightly and exquisitely engineered and designed as to be pure pleasure to those who know what using an Mac computer is like. The flow and ease of use was and is incredible.

Some things I learned along the way. Check very carefully and really look at paying a bit more for the custom unit. If you check you may very well be much better off especially if you're installing more than one unit. I would have saved money by not having to order extra shelves (mainly because you can't order additional brackets separately!!!) if I'd ordered one of each. Do yourself a favor and check other resources for add on items, that "auction" place had shoe and belt/tie racks for 75% LESS before shipping. Both those systems are great BTW. Anyway that helped somewhat on keeping the costs down.

Take your time when working on your layout. Think about not using the shelf units across the top unless you're 7 feet tall or want to be climbing on a stool and reaching to the back of the closet for things. To do a complete floor to top of the rack shelf setup you'll need to order more shelves or order the custom setup. Plan on using those 4 foot shelves in a couple places. That space is golden.

Overall and for less than $250 we now have an L shaped closet with very, very little "dead" space. Double hanging makes you feel like you're shopping at a department store. Being able to rotate clothing to the back of the closet during seasonal changes will make your life much simpler and be sure to load up on hangers. Your going to find yourself doing a lot more hanging and a lot less clothes folding.

I purchased 3 of this item for 2 of my closets - one was a 5 x 7 walk in, and that took 2 of the kits, and the other was a pantry/ coat closet. It was so easy to install, and saved so much space.

I would highly recomend this item.

After reading numerous reviews, I decided this would be a good system for our small, cramped bedroom closet. My husband and I put it together in just a few hours (this includes removing everything from the closet and tearing out all the old shelving and patching all holes, and then putting everything back in). This was very easy to install and it feels very sturdy. I love that everything is adjustable and that we can add to it if we need to. I would definitely purchase this again.

My husband didn't have any trouble putting in the long bars. I put in the shelves and bars where I wanted them. This takes a little thinking and I moved them a couple times already. I may move them again after I've lived with it for a while, but it's pretty easy to do that. I was short one bracket, a rod hanger and 2 rod ends. I think I can pick those up locally easier than trying to order them. It seems sturdy and of good quality. I have more rod space now, but not really more shelf space yet. Putting a shelf on above of the topmost bar is useless (unless you are really tall and have really high ceilings so you have some clearance), so I used it somewhere else. The unit is very flexible. You could play with the configuration all day. I also ordered a tie/belt bar and a wooden shelf to add to the shelf space. That should help.
I'm not sure how much space I gained, but my closet looks so organized! When I opened the door before it was depressing, now everything is in it's place and it just makes me feel better. I like the titanium finish better than the white.

I love this closet system now that it is up, but I think the directions could have been much better. I actually put up three systems and none are perfect, but they are better than what I had. I thought the 86.5 height for the hang rails was too high for my house so I lowered them a few inches. The drill bits it says to use for drywall or a stud are too small. I would say use a 13/64 or 3/16 for a stud and one just a bit bigger for drywall. Also use a level for the uprights so they are straight up and down and 22 inches apart from each other. Mounting the hang rails is definitely the hardest part, but the rest goes pretty quickly. Also, count your parts. The clothes rod hangers were missing completely in one of my boxes.