Creating a wooden laundry hamper with a slide-out basket involves several steps. Here’s a basic guide to building one:
Materials Needed:
- Wooden boards (plywood or hardwood depending on your preference)
- Wooden slats for the sides (optional for decorative touch)
- Wooden dowels or screws for assembly
- Wooden drawer slides (for the sliding mechanism)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (to smooth edges)
- Paint or wood finish (optional)
- Measuring tape and ruler
- Saw (hand saw or circular saw)
- Drill with bits
- Screwdriver
- Wood filler (optional, for filling holes)
Instructions:
Step 1: Planning and Measuring
- Determine the size of the hamper: A typical laundry hamper is about 12-18 inches deep, 18-24 inches wide, and 24-30 inches high, but you can adjust based on your available space.
- Decide how large the slide-out basket will be and how deep the drawer slide will need to extend.
Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces
- Sides of the hamper: Cut four pieces of wood to form the sides and top/bottom of the hamper. Typically, you’ll need two side panels, one bottom panel, and one top panel.
- Slide-out basket: Cut an additional piece of wood to form the back and bottom of the basket.
Step 3: Assemble the Frame
- Attach the sides: Use wood glue and screws or dowels to attach the four wooden panels to form the basic rectangular frame of the hamper.
- Add slats (optional): If you’re adding wooden slats for a decorative touch, attach them to the frame now.
Step 4: Install the Drawer Slides
- Drawer slides: Attach the wooden drawer slides to the inside of the hamper frame. Ensure they are aligned properly so that the basket can slide smoothly.
- You can install the slides vertically along one side or horizontally depending on your design.
Step 5: Build the Slide-Out Basket
- Create the basket by cutting four pieces of wood for the front, back, and sides. Attach them to form a rectangular shape.
- Install a piece of wood at the bottom to form the base of the basket.
- Attach the corresponding parts of the drawer slide mechanism to the basket itself.
Step 6: Smooth and Finish
- Sand all edges and surfaces to remove rough spots and ensure smooth operation of the sliding mechanism.
- Apply a wood finish or paint, if desired, to protect the wood and give it a polished look.
Step 7: Install the Basket
- Insert the slide-out basket into the frame with the drawer slides. Ensure it slides in and out smoothly.
- If necessary, make adjustments to the drawer slides for a better fit.
Step 8: Test
- Pull the basket in and out a few times to make sure it works as intended. The basket should slide easily without binding or getting stuck.
Optional Enhancements:
- Fabric liner: Consider adding a fabric liner inside the basket for a softer feel and to make laundry collection easier.
- Handles: Attach handles on the basket for easier removal.
This project is great for a weekend DIY, and you can personalize the design based on your available space and aesthetic preferences.