Cedar lined closets

Cedar Closet (Cedar Boards)
Whether it is a simple closet or a nice big walk-in, any storage space that is cedar-lined will do the trick against moths and other pests that might attack your furs and woolens. Even if the materials seem a bit expensive, a very little will go a long way, and the return on your investment will last a lifetime.
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Types of paneling
Attributes
Installation
Upkeep

Types of paneling

Cedar Closet (Particle Board)
Aromatic Cedar comes in planks measuring 5/16 thick and available in varying lengths. You can also get it in 4 x 8 panels, ¼ thick. Either way, cedar still has that property of repelling moths. That lovely smell of the natural oils in cedar actually repels insects and prevents the larvae from multiplying and nibbling away at your furs, woolens and other clothes.

The cedar chip panel has the advantage of being less expensive than cedar boards and the little bit of glue used in its fabrication doesn't hurt its effectiveness at all.

Cedar planks, on the other hand, are more attractive, and more expensive, but they are easier to install and make a nicer looking end product.

Attributes

An aromatic cedar closet needs a tight seal all over. That means that the door needs to have weather stripping around all four sides. One that can be bent like a V as it is installed. Make sure that all your seams are sealed tight with sealer. Even if that makes your closet rather ugly, you don't want any air to get in between your panels.

Not only does the door have to be sealed tight, but also all the walls and the ceiling (ideally). The easiest way to get the walls tight is by installing the cedar right over existing drywall. On the other hand, if you are starting from scratch, dont set your cedar directly onto your 2 × 3 studs, or over furring strips. If you do, you will just loose that precious cedar aroma out through the room and into the space between the ceiling and the floor above. It would be better to put up drywall, but dont bother to finish the joints. Simply set the cedar over the drywall. If you plan on installing shelves, they should also be made of aromatic cedar too.

One last important point - aromatic cedar should never be painted, varnished or stained. No matter what the product, it will only block all the pores and so the wood will no longer be able to give off its aromatic vapours that protect your clothes and drive away must and mould.

Installation

Cedar boards can be installed using finishing nails and a bit of glue or you can use special fasteners. Generally, you should work just one wall at a time, then the ceiling. End up with the door; it also should be clad with cedar.

Start with the first board at the base of the wall with the grooves against the floor (the other way round if youre using fixettes) and the adjacent wall. You can either install from left to right or right to left. When you have to saw off a piece of board to fit it in, saw off the tongue side. Use the part that is left to start the next row.

Upkeep

The only care that aromatic cedar needs is a little dusting with a clean dry rag from time to time. If, however, the walls are exposed to light and air, the surfaces will oxidize and the cedar oil will crystallize leaving a sugary residue behind also it will tend to darken.

The remedy is to lightly sand the walls with very fine sandpaper (# 200 or 150) or with extra fine steel wool. Turn the light on in the closet only when needed and try to avoid keeping it on for long periods. And thats about all you need to do to your cedar to get it to protect your clothes for years and years.
Building a cedar closet is a bit like buying an insurance policy that will protect your clothes for life.
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