Building a folding wooden clothes drying rack is a great DIY project that’s both functional and space-saving. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make one:
Materials:
- 4 wooden dowels (for the frame, about 1.5″ diameter)
- 2 long wooden pieces (for the legs, around 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 48″ each)
- 4 shorter wooden pieces (for crossbars, around 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 24″ each)
- Wood screws (1.5″ length)
- Hinges (2)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (for smoothing rough edges)
- Measuring tape
- Drill
- Saw (for cutting pieces to length)
- Optional: Wood finish or paint
Steps:
1. Cut the Wood Pieces:
- Cut the two long wooden pieces (48”) for the legs.
- Cut four shorter wooden pieces (24”) for the crossbars.
- Cut four dowels to the length you prefer for the arms of the rack (around 36″ each for a standard drying rack).
2. Assemble the Legs:
- Attach two of the crossbars (24”) horizontally between the legs. These will create a stable base. Use screws to attach each crossbar about 12” apart from the bottom.
- For stability, you can add diagonal braces if needed (optional).
3. Attach the Folding Mechanism:
- Attach the two remaining crossbars about halfway up the legs (around 24” from the bottom). These will act as the support for the horizontal drying rods.
- Attach one of the dowels to one of the crossbars using screws. This will serve as one side of the folding mechanism.
- Repeat with the other dowels and crossbars, but make sure the dowels are spaced evenly so clothes can be hung across them.
4. Add the Hinges:
- Attach the hinges where the crossbars and dowels meet the legs. This is where your drying rack will fold. Depending on the size and desired folding angle, you can adjust the positioning of the hinges.
5. Sand and Finish:
- Sand all edges to remove any splinters and rough spots.
- Optionally, finish the wood with a stain or paint to enhance durability and appearance.
6. Final Touches:
- Test the rack to ensure that it folds properly and that the dowels are securely attached. Adjust if necessary for stability.
This simple folding design will allow you to store the rack flat when it’s not in use, saving space while providing an effective drying solution!