The Laundry Basket Dresser has taken my laundry room from the messiest room in my home to the tidiest. It's so easy to pull laundry out and put it directly into baskets. I then can take each basket to it's respective room and fold and put laundry away. For any busy home, these are a must.

Preparation
3/4″ Plywood cut into 15 1/2″ wide x 8 feet long strips (referred to as 1x16s)
1/4″ Plywood for the backs
1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ metal angle (ask for it at Blue or Orange)
2″ wood screws or 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
3/4″ wood screws (to screw the metal angle to the insides of the boxes)
1 1/4″ wood screws
wood glue
wood filler
finishing supplies
2 – 1×16 @ 35 1/4″ (Sides)
1 – 1×16 @ 24 1/2″ (Bottom)
1 – 1×16 @ 26″ (Top)
1 – 1/4″ Plywood @ 36″ x 25 3/4″ (Back)
6 – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ Metal Angle 15 1/2″ long (ask hardware store to cut or cut with a hack saw)
Instructions
Step 1
Step 2
Back
Adjust for square then screw the back on with 1 1/4″ screws and glue. I finished mine at this stage by filling all holes with wood filler, all plywood edges, and any imperfections in the plywood. I then sanded with coarse sandpaper because the plywood was builder grade cheapo stuff, the finished with medium sandpaper. Finally, I primed and painted with ooops paint in semigloss from Valspar.
Step 3
Metal Angle
If you are intimidated by metal angle, you can always use 2x2s glued and screwed here. Cut the metal angle with a hack saw and predrill holes (three per slide). Mark locations with a square and screw metal angle to the sides. TIP: Screw at a very slight downward angle to keep the baskets to the back of the box instead of sliding forward.
If you choose to stack, make sure you secure the top laundry basket dress to a stud in the wall.
Comments
Carrie (not verified)
Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:16
I'm thinking Toys!!! and love
I'm thinking Toys!!! and love the idea of finishing the back and turning them around!! perfect for the living room!!!! this one is a must for us.
Chris S (not verified)
Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:29
I have been using almost this
I have been using almost this same system for about three years now, and it works beautifully! We had two shelves put in our laundry room directly under the hanging bar. I sized them to hold two laundry baskets each. I fold each person's laundry into their own basket. Everyone in the house is responsible for taking their basket to their room, putting away the clothes, and returning the basket. And if they forget, their pile is out of the way and not my problem. Love it!
Anna R (not verified)
Sat, 01/21/2012 - 06:59
Good use of wall space
I would love to see a picture of your laundry system. My laundry room is small, and using the wall space would help.
Brenda Hester (not verified)
Wed, 02/22/2012 - 10:58
Baskets to sort colthes, so everyone gets their own
For small rooms...those shelves, that are at Bed, Bath and Beyond - $9.99, that sit on the back of your washer...can also sit on the back of the dryer. They are smaller but you just have to find smaller but TALLER baskets.
Tracie (not verified)
Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:33
Love these!!!!!
Love these!!!!!
Jennifer Woiccak (not verified)
Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:42
This would be perfect for my
This would be perfect for my house- our laundry area is basically a closet in my kitchen. I could sort all my laundry and have it neatly hidden while I was doing it all day. Awesome idea!!
Tanja (not verified)
Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:42
Are you kidding me?!?!!
Are you kidding me?!?!! LOOOOVE IT! JUST WHAT I NEED!!! FANTASTIC! What a fantastic idea!!! Keeping it simple and so darn effective!!! And totally affordable! Of course now I'm thinking about smaller scale ones for the kids rooms as well. Your sisters and YOU rock all the way!!! Thank you!
Jackaboomomof2 (not verified)
Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:44
These are AWESOME!! I see
These are AWESOME!! I see myself adding a simple door to the front, my kids could easily put their clothes away in there, or toys, or stuffed animals... my head is spinning with ideas. Thanks Ana!!!
Molly (not verified)
Tue, 11/16/2010 - 02:46
I love it! Love the idea of
I love it! Love the idea of wheels also. It would be great for fabric storage for sewers/quilters as well and several boxed together would provide a base for a nice sized cutting surface. Can't wait to start building a few!
Dorothy (not verified)
Tue, 11/16/2010 - 03:17
This is the most brilliant
This is the most brilliant idea EVER!!!! I am so doing this. Our laundry area is the basement floor and it's ridiculously messy. And I hate it. This will solve my problem. THANK YOU!!!