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Basement Utility Room Karl uses style and storage to transform a dreary laundry dungeon. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-208

(Continued from page 4)

With the major build complete, Karl and Dan finish up the laundry sorter that will help the Davis family conquer its mountains of laundry. They also install cabinets and other amenities, and make the most of the roughed-in plumbing by installing a sink and toilet.

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Building the Laundry Sorter

	Figure A
	Figure B

• To build the fold-away table that goes under the laundry sorter, measure the width of the laundry sorter on the wall. Use a chalk line to transfer this measurement to the birch plywood and cut with a circular saw.

  Safety Alert: Wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a circular saw, power drill or other power tool.

• Measure how far the laundry sorter sticks out from the wall. Transfer this measurement to the long side of the plywood using a chalk line and cut (figure A). This will yield a thin strip of wood that fits flush with the underside of the laundry sorter, and a larger piece that will serve as the tabletop.

• Measure and cut pieces of 1x3 pine lumber to fit the edges of the folding table. Secure these trim pieces with wood glue and a staple gun (figure B).

• Prime and paint both birch pieces and let dry completely.

• The laundry sorter will have a clear acrylic front. To create this piece, measure and cut a clear piece of acrylic. Home improvement centers also can cut the acrylic to size at the time of purchase; just bring the measurements along to the store.

  Tip: Keep the protective film on the acrylic as long as possible to prevent cracking, scratching or other damage.

• Position the acrylic on the front of the sorter and mark position of the wood "walls" on the protective film.

• Carefully drill screw-holes in the acrylic. Drill slowly to avoid cracking the acrylic.

• Remove the protective film from the side of the acrylic that will face the wall. Position the acrylic and carefully drive screws through the pre-drilled holes into the edges of the sorter walls. Hand-tighten the screws the last few turns to keep from cracking the acrylic.

• Peel the rest of the protective film from the acrylic.

• Use wood glue and a staple gun to attach trim around the edge of the sorter.
  

  Figure C

• Lay the two parts of the fold-down table face-down on a work surface. Attach them to each other with two piano hinges. This narrow hinges attach with several tiny screws each.

• With help from at least one other person, position the folding table so the narrow strip of plywood fits flush with the bottom of the laundry sorter. Drive screws up through the underside of the plywood into the bottom of the laundry sorter walls.

• Install three drop-leaf supports on the underside of the folding table. These will lock the table into position but allow the table to fold down and out of the way when not in use (figure C).

Karl and Dan tricked out the new utility room as a functioning half-bath as well: They added cabinets for extra storage as well as a toilet, sink and mirror. Now this wasted space has plenty of uses for a growing family!

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RESOURCES :

Hand Tools
Klein Tools
Website: www.kleintools.com

Paint
Bearden Decorating Center
Website: www.benjaminmoore.com

Sinks and Fixtures
Kohler
Website: www.kohler.com

Power Tools
Porter-Cable Tools
Website: www.deltaportercable.com
Delta Tools
Website: www.deltaportercable.com