If you’re looking to overhaul your closet with a custom storage system, EasyClosets and California Closets are two of the biggest names in the industry. As leaders in made-to-order closet design and organization, they offer many similarities – but also some key differences.
This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, features, materials, and costs of both EasyClosets and California Closets to help you determine which is best for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | California Closets | EasyClosets |
| Overview | National leader in customized closets for 35+ years with showrooms across US and Canada | Direct-to-consumer brand offering affordable DIY custom closet systems online for 20+ years |
| Customization Process | At-home design consultation required for precise customization to space with professional installation | Instant online price estimate based on measurements you provide before ordering modular system for self-assembly |
| Average Cost | $3,000 – $10,000 installed | $1,200 – $3,000 (assembly extra) |
| Materials | Solid wood, wood composites & laminates; premium upgrades available | Recycled wood-plastic composites and laminates |
| Style Options | Fully customizable finishes and features to match any aesthetic | Only 2 neutral color options but clean, modern style |
| Innovative Features | Leading smart home upgrades like lighting, charging stations, laundry centers | Focus on adjustable core storage over tech features |
| Warranty | Lifetime guarantee on materials and workmanship | Lifetime on materials/hardware, 5 years labour |
| Customer Service | Rave reviews for white-glove in-person design and support | Helpful online support guides and accountable reps |
| Eco-Friendliness | Vague commitments to sustainable materials | Leads with recycled materials, low VOC finishes |
Differences Between EasyClosets And California Closets
- Overview and Reputation
As household names in customized closet solutions for over 30 years, both California Closets and EasyClosets have strong brand recognition and largely positive reputations.
California Closets leads with an impressive national presence across the US and Canada with showrooms in most major cities.
EasyClosets may not be quite as ubiquitous, but offer an affordable direct-to-consumer custom closet system with professional design services and support.
When it comes to quality, both companies use durable wood, metal, and accessory materials with sturdy construction for long-lasting storage systems. Satisfaction guarantees up to lifetime warranties provide peace of mind.
Many customer reviews and testimonials praise both closet system brands for their solid organizational solutions that make everyday access much easier with specialized compartments and smart storage features.
- Custom Design and Ordering Process
A major perk of ordering custom closet systems from California Closets and EasyClosets is the ability to get solutions tailored exactly to your storage needs and space. But the process varies quite a bit between the two.
California Closets requires an at-home design consultation to take measurements and discuss layout options before providing a 3D rendering and quote. Installation is handled by their team.
With EasyClosets, you can get an instant online price estimate based on the dimensions you provide before ordering. While you can request design assistance, the onus is on you for accurate measurements. EasyClosets ships the system pieces with instructions for customer assembly and installation.
For those wanting an ultra hands-off approach without the measuring and building yourself, California Closets streamlined end-to-end service stands out. But EasyClosets appeals if you don’t mind taking a DIY approach to save money.
- Materials and Construction
Both companies use solid wood, durable melamine, and sturdy hardware to construct customized organizers designed to handle heavy storage for years to come.
California Closets offers optional premium woods like cherry, maple, and alder for an upscale look at added cost.
Their laminates now contain antimicrobial product protection. EasyClosets sticks to more affordable wood composite and laminate options.
When it comes to hanging rods, EasyClosets has an edge for flexibility. You can choose between steel, wood, or even heavy-duty industrial grade rods capable of handling up to 600 lbs per foot.
California Closets seems to only offer standard round metal rods. For drawers, California Closets touts full-extension slides rated for 75-100 lbs each while EasyClosets doesn’t provide specs but says their drawers are tested to handle heavy items.
One unique construction difference is that California Closets builds closet systems right in your home for precise fit and utility. Meanwhile, EasyClosets pre-fabricates in factories before shipping to your door for assembly.
This allow Cailifornia Closets to seamlessly integrate with existing closet layouts including unique angles and dimensions that can be more difficult for a one-size-fits-most EasyClosets solution.
- Cost and Affordability
One of the biggest factors when weighing EasyClosets against California Closets is the cost.
Given the direct online sales model and DIY-element, EasyClosets generally provides more affordability and value.
California Closets commands premium pricing due to the high-touch customized experience with professional installation.
Especially with small or simple designs, EasyClosets could cost as little as half to a third of the price of California Closets.
However, California Closets runs frequent promotions that can help offset some of these costs.
And for larger, more luxurious custom closet layouts demanding specialty features, unique dimensions, or complex arrangements, California Closets tailored approach begins to justify the investment over limitations with EasyClosets modular options. Price ultimately comes down to matching your budget with customizations needed.
An average custom closet system costs:
- EasyClosets: $1,200 to $3,000
- California Closets: $3,000 to $10,000
Keep in mind California Closets prices also includes measurement, design services, delivery, and installation while EasyClosets has separate fees for design help or installation.
- Range of Customization Options
From a pure customization perspective when designing your organizational dream closet, California Closets selection is superior to EasyClosets.
As specialists who have built thousands of different layouts tailored exactly to each customer over 35+ years, they simply offer more variety.
They have over 40 unique organizational solutions from drawers, shelves, racks, special pull-out storage, and more that can be creatively combined.
Shoe racks or belt storage, jewelry displays or laundry hampers, California Closets can do it all.
That isn’t to say EasyClosets skimps either. They also provide an impressive range of wood shelves, adjustable clothing rods and shoe racks, drawers, and accessories to mix-and-match.
But the modular nature does present some limitations that California Closets flexibility in building onsite can overcome. Still, EasyClosets should suffice even for most high-end closets except the truly palatial spaces demanding exotic concierge-style amenities.
California Closets customization standouts:
- Greater range of specialty add-ons like cabinet pull-outs, angled shelves, integrated hampers, jewelry trays & tie racks
- Can accommodate extra deep & tall wardrobes with two story, mezzanine, or adjacent room additions
- Advanced built-in lighting strips & charging stations
EasyClosets customization strengths:
- Highly adjustable shelves and hanging rods for flexible room layouts
- Budget-friendly mix of drawers, shelves and more to fit needs
- Optional laundry sorter, shoe rack, and accessory add-ons
So while California Closets offers far more overall customizability, EasyClosets provides sufficient options, modularity, and adjustability for most homeowners closets at a lower price point.
- Style and Design Aesthetic
When it comes to style options, EasyClosets and California Closets take distinctly different approaches.
California Closets basically offers unlimited aesthetic customization as each system is hand-built onsite.
From minimalist modern to ornate traditional and anything between, their carpentry and creative design team can match your vision.
And you choose precisely what solid wood, premium laminates, finishes and hardware tones you desire.
Conversely, EasyClosets only offers their signature modular style in two standard attractive finishes: a warm Chestnut wood tone or crisp White. The streamlined shaker-style drawer fronts and clean lines create understated elegance perfect for contemporary interiors with universal appeal.
You cannot customize finishes further, so style flexibility is lacking. But the included options still create closets with classy and refined style for far less, just without total personalization California Closets enables if you wish to spare no expense to match unique luxury tastes.
- Innovation and Smart Features
Thanks to increasing integration of technology into home products, California Closets seems quicker to adopt innovative features for their custom closets compared to EasyClosets more conventional storage-focused approach.
Many California Closets installations now incorporate advanced features like motion-activated LED lighting to illuminate your closet as you enter.
Or charging stations built right into shelves and drawers to power up devices stowed away.
EasyClosets focuses more on providing reliable storage fundamentals – though they offer some optional add-ons similar to California Closets like storage drawers, laundry hamper cabinets, and shoe racks for a complete organization system.
But California leads in elevating utility with handy touches like pull-out pant vaults, integrated laundry centers, and adjustable tie and belt racks. Only California Closets installers can seamlessly incorporate extras like these during onsite building.
However, EasyClosets still beats California regarding flexibility from movable wood shelves and reversible hardware accommodating evolving needs.
So if you value practical innovation, California Closets smart functionality warrants the extra outlay. But EasyClosets flexible affordability can still handle the core essentials of most closets sufficiently.
- Warranties and Guarantees
Customizing your dream closet is a big investment, so it’s reassuring that both California Closets and EasyClosets back their products with strong peace of mind protections. California Closets offers an industry-leading lifetime guarantee so long as you own your home.
This covers any defects in materials or workmanship. However, EasyClosets warranty provides similar confidence with lifetime guarantees on materials and hardware plus 5 years for labor.
For California Closets, the lifetime assurance reflects belief in their expert design consultants who spec systems appropriately and trained installers who build them meticulously by hand onsite. EasyClosets still ensures their closet materials endure but stops short of backing their customer DIY assembly long-term.
All said, both California Closets and EasyClosets provide exceptional warranties ensuring you receive a customized closet to last. Any manufacturing issues shouldn’t occur but if somehow anything fails prematurely, you can get it repaired or replaced without hassle. The strength of these guarantees instill confidence in going with either brand.
- Customer Support Experience
A mediocre customer experience can quickly damper even the best designed, constructed closet system. Shopping for a custom closet requires significant investment so you want to work with a company providing exceptional support. Both California Closets and EasyClosets aim to deliver white glove service catering to customers.
By nature of their high-touch process with in-home design meetings and professional installation, California Closets focuses intently on customer care. Many locations even have luxe showrooms to get a first-hand glimpse of options.
Reviewers across the web applaud their design consultants and installers for going the extra mile, being responsive to questions, and ensuring satisfaction. Plus dedicated regional support teams assist long after installation.
Since EasyClosets ships DIY kits directly to homes, they maintain robust customer care departments available to solve challenges. Their online Account Managers provide guidance for designing systems or navigating the self-assembly process.
Plus customers compliment the rapid response and resolving of any issues with missing or defective parts through helpful service reps.
Overall you can expect attentive assistance from knowledgeable staff along the entire process with either California Closets or EasyClosets. Both companies aim to provide five star white glove service catering to customers investing in their customized solutions.
With California Closets it just comes inherently from their intensive hands-on approach while EasyClosets meets the demand through conscientious teams.
- Environmental Sustainability
For the eco-conscious shoppers out there, EasyClosets edges California Closets for sustainability. As member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, EasyClosets seem more overt about ethical sourcing and environmental initiatives compared to California Closets more vague commitments.
EasyClosets highlights use of recycled materials and low VOC finishes in several collections. Plus all packaging and materials are recyclable.
California Closets does vaguely say they incorporate green manufacturing practices and materials meeting LEED standards. But specifics on sustainably-sourced woods or greener technologies come across more as afterthoughts than core focus for California Closets like with EasyClosets.
So EasyClosets environmentally-conscious business practices beat out California Closets general assurances for the most sustainably-minded buyers.
Though California likely meets adequate standards satisfying typical homeowners as well given huge recent pushes across interior products industries towards eco-friendly processes. Still, EasyClosets offers more transparency on product sustainability at this time.
FAQ: California Closets And EasyClosets
The closet industry is projected to reach sales of $10 billion by 2025 with California Closets firmly on top as one of the largest brands competing against local custom installers. Other big name competitors providing customized closet solutions include EasyClosets, Closets by Design, Custom Closets and Creative Closets. U-Line and Closet Factory also compete as affordably priced options with limited customization.
Price comparison gets tricky given the fully customized nature of California Closets often costing thousands more than standard options. However the Container Store famed Elfa System with mix-and-match modular components retails much less than typical California Closets installs. Container Store DIY closet kits start under $100 while a mid-range custom design from California Closet commonly reaches $3000 – $7000 with installation required too. So ultimately the Container Store delivers outstanding closet organization value over premium-priced California Closets.
Yes, California Closets utilizes real solid wood including oak, maple, alder and cherry for the construction of their custom designed systems to match the style of your home. Battens, drawers and optional accessories contain durable wood along with wood laminates and composites ensuring a high-end aesthetic look. Compared to regular closets from big box stores using cheaper particle boards, California Closets builds systems to last from quality real wood.
While California Closets touts premium solid woods, EasyClosets fabricates their modular closet systems mainly using a sturdy wood composite containing 70% recycled wood fiber and ABS plastic bonded in a laminate panel. EasyClosets notes this enduring composite withstands up to 10 times more stress than similar components from competitors like California Closets using MDF boards in some products. For fronts, EasyClosets offers a thermofoil finish over the composite resembling realistic wood looks in chestnut or white colors. Durable melamine laminate coats shelving and hardware. With strength rivalling solid woods plus recycled composition, EasyClosets materials store belongings securely for years while minimizing environmental impact.
Conclusion: Tailored California Closets or Affordable EasyClosets?
In summary, California Closets reigns supreme for completely customized high-end closet systems thanks to their established expertise designing and building specialized solutions by hand directly in your home.
But with their streamlined modular components and direct online ordering, EasyClosets delivers substantial value perfect for most homeowners needing a full organization upgrade on a budget.
Ultimately California Closets caters best to discerning owners wanting a pampered concierge design experience yielding truly bespoke amenities like glassware displays, integrated laundry and shoe rooms.
Plus unmatched service from consultations through lifelong maintenance. Yet EasyClosets still impresses offering sufficient flexibility between their adjustable shelving, rods and drawers to satisfy nearly any closet. All at a fraction of the price with more DIY participation but strong customer support.
In the end, choosing California Closets or EasyClosets comes down to the level of personalization you demand balanced against your budget. For most homeowners, EasyClosets delivers everything needed in an organized closet for daily use at outstanding affordability.
While California Closets leaves no custom desire unfulfilled for those seeking high-class luxury warranting premium investment. Either brand provides quality assurance and support giving you years of frustrating-free access to belongings when getting ready each day.
