Install Closet Trim and Simple Shelving Cleats

A. Finished-Project Specification

Quantity: one complete closet opening trim assembly and one rear-and-side shelving cleat set per closet specified by the closet plan, sized, spaced, and fastened to the approved shelf design.

B. Component Schedule

Component	Quantity	Material	Finished Size	Preparation
Opening head casing or stop trim	1 per opening	Per closet plan finish specification	Per approved trim schedule	Measured, mitered or coped per profile, test-fit
Opening side casing or stop trim	2 per opening	Per closet plan finish specification	Per approved trim schedule	Measured, cut to reveal line, test-fit
Rear cleat	1 per closet	Per shelf design	Per shelf design cleat dimensions	Cut to controlled length, pre-drilled where specified
Side cleat	2 per closet	Per shelf design	Per shelf design cleat dimensions	Cut to controlled length, pre-drilled where specified
Shelf support block or bracket	Per shelf design	Per shelf design	Per shelf design spacing	Installed only where the design specifies
Shelf	1 per closet, or as specified	Per shelf design	Per shelf design dimensions	Cut and placed for fit, level, and bearing check

C. Material Takeoff

• Controlling documents: approved closet plan with opening trim profile, shelf size, cleat dimensions, intended load, support spacing, and finish specification.
• Trim and cleat stock: per the closet plan finish specification, cut from stock acclimated per Chapter 2 staging procedures where required.
• Fasteners and anchors: per the fastener and hardware schedule stated in the shelf design; do not substitute an unspecified fastener or anchor.
• Finish materials: filler, caulk, and touch-up materials consistent with the paint-grade or stain-grade requirement stated in the closet plan.

D. Fastener and Hardware Schedule

Use the fastener type, diameter or gauge, length, spacing, and pilot-hole requirement stated in the shelf design for the rear cleat, each side cleat, and each shelf support block or bracket. Do not treat "screw" or "anchor" as a complete specification; confirm the exact fastener or anchor product against the shelf design before installation.

E. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Opening trim reveal	Consistent reveal at head and side casing matching the value established in Section J, verified by measurement at three points per leg
Cleat level	Rear and side cleats level within 1/8 in. across their full length, verified by level
Cleat backing	Every cleat fastener driven into a located stud or an approved anchor rated for the required load
Cleat spacing	Support spacing at or below the maximum stated in the shelf design
Shelf bearing	Shelf contacts rear and side cleats continuously along its supported edges without rocking or gapping
Clearance	Cleats and shelf clear of door operation, closet rod, utilities, and access points per the closet plan
Test load	Shelf carries the specified test load, where the project provides one, without deflection beyond the stated tolerance or visible cleat movement

F. Closet Plan Review and Opening Inspection

1. Review the closet plan, opening trim, shelf size, cleat dimensions, intended load, support spacing, and finish. Confirm the plan corresponds to the closet being trimmed and record the values on the Closet Trim and Cleat Record.
2. Confirm that the cleat design and wall backing are adequate for the specified shelf load. Compare the stated load and support spacing against the wall construction; document any mismatch and refer it for a revised design before proceeding.
3. Inspect the closet opening, wall condition, floor, corners, and utilities. Note any defect that would affect opening trim fit or cleat fastening.

G. Layout: Opening Trim Reveal and Shelf Elevation

1. Establish the opening trim reveal and shelf elevations. Use the approved closet plan and the finished-floor reference from the Chapter 1 room survey.
2. Locate studs or approved backing. Mark stud and backing locations along the rear and side cleat lines and above the opening for trim fastening.
3. Mark cleat lines level across rear and side walls. Mark the cleat elevation on the rear wall first, then carry the level line onto each side wall.

H. Opening Trim Installation

1. Measure and cut casing, stop trim, or opening trim. Follow the Chapter 3 measuring and cutting standard and the Chapter 4 reveal-marking method.
2. Dry-fit and install opening trim. Check reveal, joint closure, and plane before final fastening, then fasten using the specified pattern.

I. Cleat Fabrication and Installation

1. Cut rear and side cleats to the controlled dimensions. Use the lengths specified in the shelf design; do not adjust cleat length by eye.
2. Pre-drill cleats where required. Follow the pilot-hole requirement stated in the fastener and hardware schedule.
3. Position the rear cleat on the reference line. Hold the cleat to the marked cleat line and confirm level before fastening.
4. Fasten into framing or approved anchors specified by the design. Drive each fastener at the located stud or approved anchor point; do not fasten into unconfirmed backing.
5. Install side cleats level with the rear cleat. Confirm the side cleats meet the rear cleat at a consistent elevation using the level.
6. Keep cleats clear of door operation, rods, utilities, and access points. Verify clearance against the closet plan before final fastening.
7. Install shelf support blocks or brackets where specified. Install only the supports called for in the shelf design at the specified spacing.

J. Shelf Placement and Verification

1. Place the shelf without permanent fastening for the initial check. Set the shelf onto the installed cleats and supports.
2. Verify level, full bearing, fit, and intended clearance. Check the shelf with the level and confirm continuous contact along every supported edge.
3. Apply the specified test load only when the project provides one. Follow the load, duration, and pass/fail standard stated in the shelf design; do not apply a load the project does not specify.

K. Final Inspection and Correction

1. Inspect fasteners, support, trim fit, shelf stability, and wall damage. Check every cleat fastener, the opening trim reveal and joints, and the shelf's bearing condition.
2. Correct loose cleats, missed framing, uneven bearing, or inadequate support. Remove and refasten any cleat not seated on confirmed backing; shim or replace components producing uneven bearing.
3. Prepare surfaces for paint or stain. Set fasteners and stage the assembly for Chapter 18 filling, caulking, and surface preparation consistent with the paint-grade or stain-grade requirement.