DIY Network

Building a Laundry Sorter This built-to-fit unit uses every available inch. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-307

Tame the laundry pile once and for all.

Mark and Molly's dressing room/closet is huge, but a disorganized layout makes it hard for them to get the most out of the space. Host Karl Champley's makeover includes a custom laundry sorter that will demolish the piles of dirty clothes and make wash day a snap.

In addition to this custom build-out, Karl opens up more storage space by demolishing a wall and creating storage bins hidden in the floor. He also shows how to level a slanting floor and finish up the dressing room with window privacy film and carpet tile.

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Building a Laundry Sorter

Tools: safety glasses jigsaw table saw 18-gauge brad nailer 16-gauge finish nailer compressor router orbital sander measuring tape 4-foot level carpenter’s pencil paint rollers, brushes, and trays framing square

Materials: 3/4" birch plywood carpenter’s glue 3/4"" pine trim finish nails brad nails paint Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore Linen White, semi-gloss

	The finished sorter is a perfect fit.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

• Measure and design. Customizing the design to the closet makes the most of the available space. For this project, the sorter measures 60" x 34" x 20". The overall design is a large plywood box with a shelf across the center. Shelf supports also serve as dividers, spaced to accommodate baskets and bins.

• Cut wood. Cut 3/4" birch plywood to size for the box frame, shelves, vertical supports and top.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a power saw, nail gun or any other power tool.

• Build the box. Use wood glue and a finish nailer to assemble the main box, making sure to square up all corners (figure A). Add the shelf and dividers/supports, also securing with wood glue and nails.

  Tip: Flip the box upside-down to assemble the shelf and supports. This will make it easier to drive nails straight down into the supports.

• Trace holes. The design calls for holes in the top of the sorter for depositing laundry. Use a straight edge and carpenter's pencil to outline the holes on the top of the sorter.

  Tip: To give the holes rounded corners, line up a paint can on the rectangle and trace around the can's curve.

• Cut and rout holes. Either drill a large hole or make a plunge cut with a circular saw inside the lines for the sorter holes, then use a jigsaw to make the cuts (figure B). Use a router with a round-over bit to smooth out the edge of the hole, then sand the holes (figure C). Routing and sanding will help keep clothing from catching on splinters.

• Trim and finish. Use a brad nailer to add 3/4" trim to all of the raw plywood faces on the front of the piece. Prime and paint as desired.