Inspired by the elegant design of the Ballard Designs Drying Rack but put off by the hefty price tag? You’re in the right place! As an ardent admirer of handmade solutions, I’m thrilled to guide you through crafting your own charming and budget-friendly wall-mounted folding laundry rack.
The Allure of a DIY Drying Rack
Like many craft enthusiasts, I’ve long been captivated by the practicality and charm of Ballard Designs’ drying racks. However, the price was simply not feasible for my DIY spirit. So, I embarked on a mission to recreate this beautiful piece with my own two hands, and the result is a testament to the power of crafting.
This endeavor wasn’t just about saving money; it was about creating a piece tailored perfectly to my laundry room. The satisfaction of building something functional and stylish is a reward in itself, and the compliments from guests admiring your handiwork are a delightful bonus!
Gathering Your Supplies
Before diving into this rewarding project, let’s ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools. Below is a comprehensive list, easily adaptable to match your desired rack size and personal style.
Materials:
- Beadboard: Cut to your desired dimensions (my rack uses 45″ x 34″)
- 1×2 Poplar Boards:
- 2 cut to 32.5″
- 2 cut to 40″
- 1×3 Poplar Boards:
- 2 cut to 43.5″
- 1 cut to 34″
- 1 cut to 35″
- 1/2-inch Dowels: 6 cut to 29″
- Hinges: 3 (2-inch)
- Barrel Bolt Lock: 2-inch
- Powder-coated Steel Chain: Two 28″ lengths
- Wood Screws: 2-inch and 3-inch
- Pan Head Screws: 4 (1/2-inch)
- Sandpaper: 80 grit, 120 grit, 220 grit
- Wood Glue
- Caulk
- Wood Putty
- Primer
- Semi-Gloss Paint: Cabinet-grade paint is ideal
Tools:
- Circular saw or table saw
- Impact driver
- Caulk gun
- Nail gun
- Stud finder
- Carpenter’s square
- Level
- Putty knife
- Paint brush
Constructing Your DIY Drying Rack
Now that we have our tools and materials prepped, let’s move on to the exciting part – building the drying rack!
Building the Wall-Mounted Frame:
- Measure and Cut: Start by measuring your available wall space to determine the ideal dimensions for your rack.
- Assemble the Outer Frame: Using the 1×3 poplar boards, construct a rectangular frame. Attach the horizontal boards (the longer ones) to the vertical boards, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang on each side of the horizontal boards.
- Secure the Beadboard: Use a finish nail gun to attach the beadboard to the back of the frame, creating a clean and finished look.
- Build the Inner Frame: Using the 1×2 boards, build another rectangular frame within the outer frame. Remember, do not attach the bottom piece of this frame yet, as we’ll need to attach hinges to it later.
Crafting the Fold-Out Drying Rack:
- Cut the Frame Pieces: Cut the 1×3 boards to create a frame slightly shorter and narrower than the inner frame. This ensures smooth folding and clearance.
- Cut the Dowels: The dowels should be approximately 2 inches longer than the inside width of the frame.
- Drill Holes for the Dowels: Mark the dowel placements on the frame. Using a pilot drill bit, create initial holes for the dowels. For accuracy, measure one inch on your drill bit and mark it with tape as a guide to ensure consistent depth.
- Assemble the Fold-Out Frame: With the holes drilled, insert the dowels using a rubber mallet for a snug fit.
- Attach the Frame Pieces: Use a pocket hole jig to attach the top and bottom pieces of the drying rack frame. This method hides the screws and reinforces the joints.
- Finishing Touches: Fill any visible seams or screw holes with wood putty. Allow it to dry, then sand the entire project thoroughly, starting with 80 grit sandpaper and progressing to 120 grit and finally 220 grit for a smooth finish.
- Painting: Prime the drying rack thoroughly. Apply two coats of semi-gloss paint or cabinet-grade paint, ensuring it’s fully dry between coats.
Assembling and Mounting Your DIY Masterpiece:
- Hang the Base Rack: Locate studs in your wall using a stud finder and mark their locations. Using a level, ensure the base rack is straight before drilling pilot holes and securing it to the wall with 3-inch wood screws.
- Attach the Folding Rack: Attach the bottom piece of the 1×2 inner frame to the bottom of the fold-out drying rack frame using the 2-inch hinges. Ensure the hinge edges are flush with the upper edge of the 1×2 for a seamless look.
- Install the Latch: Attach a barrel bolt or a latch of your choice to keep the drying rack closed when not in use. For a clean look, consider mounting the barrel bolt on a small piece of scrap wood for complete closure.
- Adding the Support Chain: To hold the drying rack open, attach a powder-coated black chain to the frame using black pan head screws. This chain provides ample support and remains discreetly hidden when the rack is closed.
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor!
Congratulations! You’ve now transformed your laundry routine with a stunning and functional DIY drying rack. It’s incredible what you can achieve with a bit of creativity and elbow grease. Not only does your creation elevate the aesthetic of your laundry room, but it also embodies the satisfaction of handmade craftsmanship.
Remember, Robert Kline Art is here to support you on your crafting journey! Feel free to reach out with any questions or share your own experiences and variations.
Happy crafting, and may your laundry days be filled with the joy of handmade charm!