- Cedar planks planking is the preferred material when installing a cedar closet. However, it is also the most expensive. At close to $25 for every 15 square feet of closet space, the costs for cedar planks add up, especially in large, walk-in closets. The planks are solid cedar, however, which makes them very attractive. Cedar resists moisture and maintains its straight shape through all kinds of weather. It also has a very pleasant odor.
- Cedar flake board or chip board, as it is also called, is another alternative. It is made of flakes of cedar wood pressed together into a board with glue and hydraulic presses. This type of cedar board is cheaper than solid planks. It costs around $20 for 32 square feet. The flake board still has many of the qualities of solid cedar, like a pleasant smell and moisture resistance, but the appearance is not as pleasing, as the surface is not solid.
- Cedar plywood is another alternative to the solid planks. The cedar plywood is made by shaving thin layers of cedar from the log and pressing them together into a solid board. The plywood is three times as expensive as the flake board, however -- it costs close to $60 for a 4-foot-by-8-foot sheet that will cover 32 square feet. Plywood sheets maintain the natural-looking grain of the wood and can be stained and still present the moisture-resistant qualities of the wood.
- In order to install cedar wood in a closet, a backing board is required. This is true if you plan on installing planks as well. Usually, 1/4-inch plywood is fastened to the wall studs underneath the cedar. Wood screws mount the plywood in place. If the cedar is installed in a new home in the basement, install a vapor barrier between the cedar and the cement walls. Caulking seals all seams in the closet as well. An exterior door is also required to seal out air, while carpeting or hardwood flooring is usually installed on the floor.
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