How to Paint a Closet \With an Avera System
Three years ago I had an Avera closet system installed from the Container Store, it was out of sight out of mind but now it’s time to repaint and take a peek behind it.
This week as part of the One Room Challenge…were taking apart parts of this Avera Close to Paint! The Container Store sells this system as one of their Premium custom closet system, but unlike the Elfa System, it is not DIY friendly…or is it? This is a long post to buckle up!
Getting a Container Store Avera closet Installed
They Do All the Work!
In August 2019 I was dealing with a Termite issue, it seemed like everywhere I looked, there was termite damage, they were everywhere. I was overwhelmed, I was doing the basic things you do before moving into your new home. Painting, cleaning, but also paid a ton of money to tent the house and termite damage remediation. This was way before I really started on my DIY journey.
The main closet had one single rod and one long shelf but it was falling apart due to termites. Nevertheless, the fact that the previous owners each time them used that closet surely would have seen the termite frass come down (it was that bad) but yet none of it was disclosed, adding to my stress. In came the Container Store, I could work with a designer and custom build a closet and they will install it for me. I didn’t have to worry about anything!
Consequently, the night before install, I painted the closet, removed all the closet pieces (I could have left them as the installers are supposed to do it, but I didn’t know that at the time). I removed popcorn from the ceiling for the first time ever…and went to sleep super late.
That morning two installers (looking back they were possibly sub sub contractors, they spoke a little English) came to install, they did everything. However, the only decision I had to make was when they accidentally cut the hole for the outlet too high, if I wanted to wait for a new panel or have them move the outlet. I have them move it. If you speak a little Spanish a little can go a long way with your installers and potential language barriers. Overall the install went great!
Time for a Change
Now as part of the ORC I’m revamping the room to a dark and moody purple. The light lavender purple in the closet has got to go. But how do I get the side shelves of the Avera system out to paint? Since the closet is empty for the first time since the install, should I check on the hole that was left from removing that termite damaged shelf? Should I check how they patched and moved the outlet and change the outlet to something nicer and not painted over (thanks previous owners!)?
Last week we took out a wall How To Remove wall between closet doors. As you can see in the above picture…a preview of what was to come. I took out two of the Avera wall panels to see behind it! On the left near the middle I did make a proper patch of the wall damage that the installers didn’t fix, I also patched nail holes from the previous closet.
How to Remove a Container Store Avera Closet Wall Panel
Please review the Warranty for the Avera System. They somehow expect you to never change your closet or have to shell out money to hire them. According to their site if someone other than a container store employee makes changes to the closet, the Limited Lifetime Warranty no longer applies.
Source: Container Store Avera Warranty page
- Remove top shelf: Push up on the shelf to disengage it from the holes holing it in
- Remove hanging bar: Push up on the bar evenly on both sides to slide up
- Remove shelf bracket: Hold the bracket and move it up to unhook
- Remove panel: Carefully hold the bottom of the panel and lift it up a couple inches. You should be able to tell when it has separated tofu the hooks in the wall.
However, after removing the Avera panel…honestly I was disappointed. I expected more to to holding it up. Instead what I found was that they were held up by 6 tiny clips with 3M tape on the wall. The Avera panel only has to hold up its own weight, but this is a startling discovery. Some of the Avera panels also have one or two plastic clips that attach to the bottom rail that is bearing the weight of the rest of the closet, but not all of them had it.
In all honestly this Avera system is no more complicated than an Elfa closet system. It just has a wall panel to hide the rails and some areas may need additional support. I don’t see why you need an installer for this closet. With my skills today, I could put this Avera closet together, no problem. Nevertheless, three years ago it was nice not having to think about it or having to do it.
You can shop my Container storefront! https://ambassador.containerstore.com/a/afro.and.reno
Adding the panel back
Its super easy to add the Avera Panel back is but pushing it against the wall then letting it hook back into the panel. Thats it, then you can put the shelves and brackets back in!
Latest On the Blog
-
Kitchen Glow-Up for Every Budget: From Broke to Big money!
Are you a broke-y, balling on a budget or Big Money? Your Kitchen budget will help you decide where and when to tackle a Kitchen Renovation.
-
How to change you car cabin and engine air filter
In a Honda Fit, I’ll show you how to change your air filter and some tips I’ve learned along the way. It’s a good practice to check them at least once a year.
-
DIY · Garden · Tips and Tricks
Grow pineapple the easy way
The easiest way to grow pineapples is from a pineapple top. You know, the part you take off before cutting into the delicious fruit!
Oldies but goodies On the Blog
-
Boxes are for objects, not people
I am not a stereotype and I don’t fit into the boxes people think a Black woman fits in.
-
One Room Challenge (ORC): Fall edition
Customizing the kitchen one drawer and cabinet at a time as part of the ORC
It’s that time again for another One Room Challenge (ORC). I participated for the first time in the Spring starting phase one of the kitchen renovation. I will do a post later on this month how the spring challenge went. Hint: I finished it this week!
-
DIY | Home Improvement | Kitchen | ORC | Woodworking
Building a custom drawer: Recycling Bin
Customize your kitchen on a budget. This week we tackle building a custom drawer for a recycling bin. Works with a trashcan or easily modified for both!
