How to build laundry basket dressers! Clean up your laundry room with these simple laundry basket dressers made from a single sheet of plywood.

Preparation
1 - Sheet 3/4" plywood or MDF 2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long 2" screws or 1 1/4" pocket hole screws 1 1/4" finish nails Glue Paint 4 Laundry Baskets, 16" x 24" (I use the cheapo Sterilite ones but measure and make sure the baskets you buy will fit)
3/4" plywood cut as follows and shown in cutting diagram: Back: 17 1/2" x 48" Sides (2): 25" x 48" Top & Bottom (2): 19" x 25" 8 - 1x2 @ 24" (it's okay if they are a tiny bit short to get all the cuts on the same boards)
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Okeedok! Here we go. Just start at one end of the plywood, measure in 17 1/2" and make a straight line and cut. Then measure in 25", mark a line and cut. Repeat two more times. From the last 25" strip, cut into two pieces 19" wide for the top and bottom. Because the saw blade takes up space when cutting, you cannot just mark all cuts and have at it. You must measure, cut, then measure, cut and so on. If you have a hardware store that will make these cuts for you, by all means, beg and plead. It's much easier to carry the pieces than a full sheet of 3/4".
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
Donna @ Edible… (not verified)
Thu, 03/01/2012 - 11:40
This is great! I love the
This is great! I love the fact that the laundry is all sorted out and that you can take the "drawers" out easily.
pecma01
Thu, 03/01/2012 - 11:42
Recycling too
I just might have to build these for my recycling... my town is not on single stream so many bins are needed!
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:10
Every time I see these, my
Every time I see these, my thought is "But do they have issues once the baskets are heavy with tons of clothes?" Anybody know?
Becca W (not verified)
Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:27
We made the original basket
We made the original basket dresser with 3 drawers for one of our sons. We have had it about a year, and have had no problems with it! Our boys have moved it around, stuffed it with clothes (and toys!), and even climbed on it some. It has held up really well. We are considering making a few more for the laundry room :)
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 03/01/2012 - 13:01
I would love to know this
I would love to know this too!!!
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 04/11/2012 - 19:00
Should be ok
Using 3/4 inch plywood with a full thickness backing this should be plenty sturdy. If your going to be using it for extremely heavy stuff for some reason you could line the inside of the back edge where it connects to the sides with a full length 1x1 for stability. But that would most likely be way overkill for this sort of project. The MDF wood is PLENTY strong on its own. Make sure any connected point is both glued and nailed/screwed.
bhoppy
Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:40
Wish I had room to build more
Wish I had room to build more of these! Love the 4 by plans!
I made the orignal one with 3 baskets and have had all three baskets overfilled and stuffed some more full of laundry and have never had any problems.
tannisg
Thu, 03/01/2012 - 16:31
priorities in order..
Sadly I spent the afternoon pining over these and price-checking the baskets to fit in them and measuring my space to figure out how I can make it work, instead of actually folding the laundry that is currently in baskets all over my family room ;)
These are awesome though - I am motivated to make it work!!
In reply to priorities in order.. by tannisg
birdsandsoap
Thu, 03/01/2012 - 19:24
I think we are on the same
I think we are on the same wavelength! :) I'd rather plan ways to organize my home and build cool organizers than actually put the stuff away!
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 03/01/2012 - 21:36
Love this! Question. What do
Love this! Question. What do the B, C and other tags stand for??
I have a system now for clean, dirty, whites, colors. Is it something similar?