John Louis Home JLH-529 Premier 12-Inch Deep Closet Shelving System, Red Mahogany
by John Louis Home
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of John Louis Home JLH-529 Premier 12-Inch Deep Closet Shelving System, Red Mahogany
Customer Review: Installation takes time -but end result looks great
Summary: 5 Stars
Bought two of the Premier Red Mahogany 12" sets for our walk-in closet. The wood as others have mentioned is light and gets scratched easily -however I didn't see that as a disadvantage with the weight -easier to install on your own - also wood didn't split. The main thing is to make sure you have the right tools-I used two drills - one impact drill with a phillips head bit to screw in screws (think the impact drill feature helped considerably to drive the wall anchors into the drywall and the screws into the studs)-the other I had a 1/8" drillbit to predrill (predrilled everything except forthe small screws).Had a couple of levels and a miter saw to cut the shelves to size.
Before you start read the instructions ahead of time and follow them closely. Also make sure if you select one of the 10" configurations that you have enough shelving (I had a 8" closet so I didn't need all the shelving but you may need additional shelving and additional curved wooden supports- the package comes with six but some of the configurations show using eight).
The u-clamps that go on the wall to support the shelves do not have any play so if you've got walls that have imperfections (as I did)the shelves will not slide into the clamps-you will need take a pliers and open up the clamps or shim the clams.
Another key consideration is the height of the top shelf when installing the two shelves one above the next -you are expected to position the upper shelf at 84"- if I had to do the installation again I would have tried to install this perhaps at 72" or at least where my wife (5'1") can reach it. At least for her clothes she doesn't need the same kind of room as mine(the 84" is just right for me -actually the suits and shirts reach the top of the bottom shelf reducing the effectiveness of the bottom shelf for storage.
The wood scratches when pushing the shelves into the clamps -but they are mostly hidden-of the two touch-up bottles one was completely dry (not a big deal to me because I had other stuff to use for the touch up). Also be careful with the application of the supplied touch-up-it eats up the existing finish if you accidentally brush on sections that are not clear wood.
Also assume it will take you at least a full day for each closet set installation- more if you are not quite handy and familiar with tools.
The end result is excellent -closet looks like a million bucks (ok perhaps 250K since I did not add doors or use the 16" which allows you to add drawers but I didn't need any). Am planning to get more sets for other closets in the house. Also now that I have installed the two
Customer Review: Works well, except....
Summary: 4 Stars
Our closet came with a single shelf and a single rod hanging beneath it. That was all I needed for many years, but now I'm married and have a child. Our storage needs have gone way up and the old configuration proved to be inefficient and inadequate. Thus it was that we discovered the John Louis Premier Solid Wood Closet System. It seemed like something that would work. We installed it in "Configuration C" and it works splendidly.
A note of caution is in order. Before you attempt to install this closet system, you'd better do an honest evaluation of your skills. Are you very handy around the home, or are you just barely able to get things put together? If the answer is the latter, don't attempt this project. It's very difficult. The instructions are opaque, to say the least. This project will favor those who are able to improvise when things don't go well. Things won't. If you are unable to do anything except following instructions, don't attempt this project. I ended up with far more parts than I would ever have needed, and not enough parts to get the job done.
After the very difficult task of getting the whole thing assembled inside the closet, I found that there were only two "G Shelves," although the drawings I was following clearly indicated three were necessary. Hmmmm. There were enough parts for the installation of three shelves, but there were, in fact, only two shelves included in the package and, clearly, no room for three. I called a 1-800 number and explained the situation. First, the telephone experience was exceptionally good. I got a person on the first ring and the lady was both understanding and helpful. She said an additional shelf would be shipped immediately. Evidently this is an ongoing problem that they are familiar with. But, why would they sell a product that indicated the need for three shelves but supply only two?
Another thing I noted was that a little tube of finish repair was included in the package. Expect to use the repair kit. The wood finish on this closet is very easy to damage and the repair kit will come in handy.
Well, all in all, my experience with this closet system is very mixed. I love the way it looks and works. I hope it lasts over an extended period as the wood seems very easy to damage. I gave it four stars, but perhaps three and a half might be closer.
Gary Peterson
Customer Review: Take your time... Double check the contents
Summary: 4 Stars
Just installed the closet yesterday - a one-day project which included demo of the old closet bar/shelf and re-painting. All in all, a very nice looking closet now. Take your time when you first design and lay out your closet - it's the foundation for how you'll like the finished product.
The closet arrived in excellent condition - no dents or dings in the outer packaging. Everything inside was well packaged but, upon inspection, one small piece was damaged (a corner was broken off one of the shelf support arms. It wasn't a big deal, as I used the enclosed marker to color the damaged part.) I don't see the support arms when there are clothes hanging... so I didn't bother to return.
For the money, looks and quality, I would have given this five stars, but I found during installation that the 1 1/2 inch screws required were replaced with 1 inch screws (which did not work for their intended application). I wasted a fair amount of time figuring out what I was doing wrong (I thought), and finally wound up at the hardware store buying the correct screws. Not that big of a deal, but I thought that dinging one star was appropriate.
I would certainly recommend two people to install this closet. I was able to install by myself, but an extra pair of hands would have been good at certain points during installation.
If you use the appropriate tools, pre-drill holes and take your time, you'll have no problems with installation. Some reviewers were complaining about the wall anchors, and I didn't have any problems with them after pre-drilling. In fact, a couple of anchors were attached without drilling, and I had no issues with them either...
I wouldn't call myself a home improvement "expert," but I've got a fair amount of experience with smaller jobs. The most important part is to take your time, and always be thinking ahead a few steps...
Another thought... if you're planning on selling or staging a home, you can't beat this closet... at $400, it'll add a great "custom" feel - $$$ - I'm planning on doing that with a condo we're planning to sell.
I like this product enough to buy another one... Definitely recommended.
Customer Review: Looks fabulous, quality sucks.
Summary: 1 Stars
I purchased 2 of these for my master closet. The first came damaged, all three shelves had huge dents in them from the bands that hold the box together, NOT from shipping. Called the company, they are sending replacements. GREAT! We just used the parts from the second case to put the first together since my entire mater BR and closet is all over the place. I needed to get something in place. During installation of the first organizer I realized why the shelves were damaged. The wood is so soft you can dent it with your fingernail. It's like Balsa wood that has been finished with a very light coat of poly. During the second install, one of the cams that holds the tower together broke and there are no extras. In fact there are no extras of anything so if you want 2 shelves and rods on both sides, prepare to spend another $50-75 to buy the pieces and hardware needed. The wood angle brackets alone are $25. The J-hooks are another $20 plus shipping. Plus end caps, self tapping screws...you get the picture. We had to scrounge around the house to find another cam-ish screw to hold the tower together so we could complete the install otherwise the contents of my closet would have remained all over the rest of my house.
The organizer looks fabulous once installed, but it is really poor quality wood. I expect that I will have to replace or repair this within the next 5-7 years because it will be so dented and scratched. I can't tell you how disappointed I am in this product. As another reviewer said, it is a mid-line priced organizer, there is nothing else available int his price range. In the future I will spend the extra money to either build my own or I will buy a custom closet organizer and have it professionally installed. I can't wait to call the company Monday morning and let them have it. :( Maybe they will make it worth all the trouble but I can't see how unless they fully refunded me my purchase price, which I don't see happening.
Customer Review: Excellent Product for 'Do-It-Yourselfers
Summary: 5 Stars
We purchased two of these kits & some extra shelves. It takes some patience to put it together, but it came out BEAUTIFUL!
It is an excellent 'do-it-yourself' project. However, it really helps to have 2 people.
As to the complaints about the dry wall anchors....there really isn't a problem....just be sure that you use an awl to punch a hole & SLOWLY screw the anchor in with a flat head screw driver.
Also, be sure to pre-drill holes before installing the 'J-hooks' for the hanging rods. If you don't, you will probably split the wood
All in all it's about as simple to put to together as any product of this type could be & the end results are well worth the effort. Just TAKE YOUR TIME, READ THE DIRECTIONS & enjoy yourself!