How to Make a Closet Rod Extender

You can never have enough closet space, but adding more storage space to your home may not be an option. Instead of adding closets to your home, you can make better use of existing storage space. One quick and easy way to make closet space more effective is to install a closet rod extender. With a closet rod extender, you can double hanging space without losing any space in your closet.


Measure the length of your existing closet rod. Purchase a dowel the same length as the existing closet rod. If you cannot purchase one the same length, select a longer dowel.


Place the longer dowel on a work surface. Measure the dowel to the length of the existing closet rod and mark it using a tape measure and pencil. Cut the dowel to length using a miter saw.


Rest the wooden dowel on a work surface. Sand the dowel with a fine-grit sanding pad in the same direction as the grain.


Wipe off sanding dust on the dowel with a tack cloth. In a well-ventilated area, spray an even coat of polyurethane onto the dowel. Allow the polyurethane to dry for the instructed amount of time, then apply a second coat. Let the second coat dry for the instructed amount of time.


Screw one eye hook into each end of the dowel with your fingers. Cut the rope in half with utility shears.


Thread one rope half through each eye hook. Tie one end of the rope to the eye hooks using a square knot. Tie an S-hook to the opposite end of each rope.


Hook the S-hooks over the closet rod and allow the dowel to hang down below the existing closet rod. Hang clothes from the dowel.