Winter is coming and that means wet gloves, snow covered hats, and soggy scarves! It's a messy season, but that doesn't mean you have to let the chaos take over your home. Our daring adventurer was faced with the same dilemma - a house full of damp winter gear cluttering up the mudroom. But instead of surrendering to the mess, they decided to take matters into their own hands and create a hidden drying rack.
Why a Hidden Drying Rack?
Why settle for a cluttered mudroom when you can have a sleek and organized space? Our adventurer knew that a hidden drying rack was the perfect solution to keep the chaos at bay. By creating a spot for the kids to hang their wet gear, they were able to maintain a sense of order and cleanliness in their home.
How to Create Your Own Hidden Drying Rack
Ready for this challenge? Discover how to craft your own concealed drying rack!
Materials
Wood Products:
- 3 Dowels – 3/8" x 48" (10 mm x 1219 mm)
- 1 Board – 1x3 x 96" (25 mm x 76 mm x 2438 mm)
- 1 Plywood – 1/4" Thick, Quarter Sheet (6 mm thick)
- 2 Boards – 1x2 x 72" (25 mm x 51 mm x 1829 mm)
- 1 Board – 1x2 x 96" (25 mm x 51 mm x 2438 mm)
Hardware & Supplies:
- 4 Hinges – Durable Hinges for Cabinet Doors
- 1 Light Duty Chain – 2ft (610 mm) for Support
- 2 Cabinet Door Magnets – Strong Magnets for Secure Door Closure
- 1 Box of 1 1/4" Kreg Pocket Screws – High-Quality Pocket Screws for Wood Joinery (32 mm)
- Wood Glue – Strong Bonding Wood Glue for Seamless Assembly
Cut List & Parts:
- 2 Base Sides – 1x3 @ 24" (25 mm x 76 mm x 610 mm)
- 2 Base Top and Bottom – 1x3 @ 20" (25 mm x 76 mm x 508 mm)
- 2 Door Stiles – 1x2 @ 24" (25 mm x 51 mm x 610 mm)
- 2 Door Rails – 1x2 @ 18 1/2" (25 mm x 51 mm x 470 mm)
- 2 Rack Sides – 1x2 @ 17" (25 mm x 51 mm x 432 mm)
- 2 Rack Top and Bottom – 1x2 @ 19" (25 mm x 51 mm x 483 mm)
- 2 Base Braces – 1x2 @ 20" (25 mm x 51 mm x 508 mm)
- 6 Dowels – 3/8" dowels cut to 18" (10 mm x 457 mm)
- 1 Plywood Door Back – 1/4" plywood cut to 22 1/4" x 19 1/2" (6 mm x 565 mm x 495 mm)
Directions
Base:
Attach the 1x3 top and bottom of the base (25 mm x 76 mm) to the sides (25 mm x 76 mm) using pocket hole screws and wood glue. Check for square, then attach the 1x2 braces (25 mm x 51 mm) with pocket hole screws and wood glue. I chose to paint/stain each step as I went along to make things easier.
Door Part 1:
Build the face of the door by attaching the door stiles (25 mm x 51 mm x 610 mm) to the door rails (25 mm x 51 mm x 470 mm) using pocket screws and wood glue.
Door Part 2:
Glue and nail your 1/4" (6 mm) plywood to the back of the door frame using a nail gun and brad nails. You can decorate the door however you like to match your decor. Attach the door to the base using 2 hinges.
Rack Assembly:
To create your laundry rack, start by drilling 6 holes on the 3/4" (19 mm) edge of each rack side board using a 3/8" (10 mm) drill bit. Ensure that the holes are evenly aligned on both boards. To help with precision, you can wrap electrical tape around the drill bit, 1" (25 mm) from the tip, as a visual marker for your drilling depth. I spaced my holes starting 1" (25 mm) from the end, with each subsequent hole placed 3" (76 mm) apart.
Add Dowels:
Apply wood glue to each hole, then insert the dowels. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the dowels in place, ensuring they are snug and secure. Once the dowels are in, attach the 1x2x19" (25 mm x 483 mm) rack top and bottom pieces, making sure they fit properly.
Attach Rack:
Secure the rack to the base by attaching 2 hinges at the bottom of the rack. Make sure the hinges are positioned so that the rack can open outward. Additionally, install a lid support or chain to help bear the weight of the clothing on the rack, providing extra stability when the rack is open.
Add Magnets:
Install a magnet on the door to keep it securely closed. Additionally, add another magnet to hold the rack up when it is not in use, ensuring it stays in place when folded or stored.
Hang and Enjoy!
To hang the rack, drive screws through the 1x2 base braces into the wall. Make sure to anchor the screws into studs for maximum support, or use wall anchors if studs are not available. Once securely mounted, all that's left to do is enjoy your new hidden drying rack!
