How To Build A Wood Hamper

The straightforward design here is very flexible. You can paint or stain the finished product, use plain plywood instead of beadboard for the sides, add a handle to the lid, screw cup hooks inside to hang a laundry bag—the options are limited only by your imagination. Use the cut list at thisoldhouse.com/bonus to help you build it, and when you’re done, double-check to make sure no nails are sticking out inside the bin. We’d hate for your new hamper to put snags in your wardrobe. Pictured: White Finished Hamper RHP0109W by Oceanstar Design Group, about $90; homeclick.com

How to Build a Wood Hamper

Cut the Pieces Cut parts to size and make two handle cutouts per the cut list below: Cut List 1x2 leg pieces: four @ 23 inches 1x3 leg pieces: four @ 23 inches beadboard panel, front and back: two @ 21 by 17 ¾ inches beadboard panel, sides: two @ 21 by 11 inches 1x3 crosspieces: four @ 15 inches 1x3 crosspieces: four @ 8 inches (from two of these, cut a centered 4½-by-1-inch handle hole with rounded ends) 1x3 floor supports: two @ 10 ¼ inches floor (beadboard or plywood): one @ 17 ⅝ by 10 ⅛ inches 1x3 lid frame: two @ 20½ inches 1x3 lid frame: two @ 7 ¾ inches beadboard panel, lid: one @ 18½ by 11 inches

Build the Legs

Secure the edge of a 1x2 leg piece to the face of a 1x3 leg piece, flush with its edge, to form an L. Repeat to make four legs.

Attach the Panels and Floor Support

Secure front and back panels to the back sides of the 1x3 leg pieces, 2 inches from the ends. Secure side panels to the back sides of the 1x2 leg pieces. Secure floor supports between the front and back panels.

Trim Hamper and Insert Floor

Secure crosspieces so that the lower ones sit flush with the bottoms of the panels and the upper ones with the handle cutouts sit flush with the tops of the legs. Drive screws at an angle through the top edges of the upper crosspieces and into the legs. Secure the plywood floor to the floor supports.

Assemble and Attach Lid

Secure the lid’s short frame pieces between the long frame pieces. Secure the panel to the frame. Attach the lid to the hamper with two butt hinges. Add a stop hinge on one side.

Tools: