I have always dreamt of having a more organized laundry room. However, ready-made cabinets were way out of my budget.
After struggling with clutter, knocking over detergent bottles, and never having enough counter space to fold clothes, I finally decided to build my own DIY laundry room cabinets.
The mess was so frustrating—socks lost behind the washer, detergent bottles tipping over, and piles of laundry with no place to go. It was just a never-ending battle.
One day, I saw this absolutely gorgeous but ridiculously expensive set of cabinets online and thought, “Why not make my own?” It was part excitement and part nervousness, but the end result made all the effort worthwhile.
If you are searching for a low-cost way to maximize storage and give your laundry area a facelift, this guide will walk you through how I did it—mistakes and all!
Step 1: Planning and Designing the Cabinets
The first order of business for me was surveying my laundry area. So easy: homemade cabinets for keeping supplies, a hanging area for folded extra towels or any other clutter-inducing accoutrements, and a gleam of finish where everything belonged—not one step out of the room.
After laying out just some basic structure for the purpose with measurements up to the scale in the intended place, end. I looked up several styles of cabinets and found that simple shaker-style doors would be the easiest to make and look elegant.
With little floor space, I decided on wall-mounted cabinets, freeing up the floor space for a folding station underneath. If you’re working in a small space, consider tall, narrow cabinets that take advantage of vertical storage.
A little planning goes a long way, so be sure to think about your daily laundry routine when designing your layout.
Step 2: Gathering Materials and Tools
Before starting, I make a checklist of materials and tools. Here’s what I used:
Materials:
- Plywood
- Cabinet hinges
- Screws
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint
- Handles
Tools:
- Circular saw
- Drill
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Clamps
- Stud finder
- Paintbrush
Saving money is always the main priority, so checking for local discounts at home improvement stores did not hurt.
I even found some repurposed wood from an old bookshelf I no longer needed, even knowing that it was sturdy enough by sight inspection for cracks and warping and previous damage.
The surface was sound, but it had to be sanded down, and cuts in a few places got it to work out. Actually, it took much effort to adapt the bookshelf panels into the cabinet pieces, as accurate measurements and trims were taken to fit them nicely into the design.
I also learned that using high-quality wood glue made a huge difference in the strength of the DIY laundry room cabinets.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider checking salvage yards or asking around for leftover materials from other DIYers. Buying secondhand cabinet handles and hinges also helped me save money without compromising on quality.
Step 3: Building the Cabinets
I began by cutting my plywood into panels for the sides, top, and bottom of the cabinets. I marked all my cuts carefully using a measuring tape and straight edge to avoid mistakes.
Using a circular saw, I made precise cuts, then sanded down any rough edges for a clean finish. I then started assembling the main frame.
On the edges of the panels, I applied some wood glue, and then nailed them together to ensure a stable build. When I first attempted this, I did not use clamps sufficiently, which left the pieces not perfectly aligned.
Lesson learned here: patience is a virtue, and precision is king! Corner clamps helped ensure everything was square while the glue dried.
Once the frame was stable, I added shelves inside with pockethole screws for further stability. Before screwing, pre-drilled holes were made to avoid wood splitting.
The doors were the most difficult, requiring precise fitting to avoid awkward gaps. I finally completed it by installing hinges and adding the doors with secure screws. I would love soft-close hinges, but for now, I’ll keep it simple.
Step 4: Painting and Finishing Touches
Now that the cabinet structure is done, it’s the fun part—painting! A crisp white paint will add a beautiful bright touch to your laundry room. If you want something farmhouse or rustic, consider using natural wood stain.
I sanded everything down again to have a smooth finish. I then applied primer, which would ensure the paint would stick well and not cause moisture damage.
After that, I applied two coats of paint, allowing proper drying time between each layer. I used a small foam roller for an even finish and a brush to reach corners.
Finally, I added sleek black handles for a modern look. Those little details really made those DIY laundry room cabinets look professionally done, though!
I also applied a clear polyurethane sealant to protect the paint from moisture and daily wear and tear.
Step 5: Mount and Organize
It was relatively easier to hang the cabinets on the wall than I had expected. Using a stud finder ensured that the screws would go through the wall studs for solid anchoring.
Using a friend as a ‘second pair of hands’, we leveled the cabinets for proper straight placement, then proceeded to screw directly through the back of the cabinets into the wall studs for substantial support.
Once up, I organized my laundry supplies: detergents and stain removers in one section, extra towels in another, and small baskets for socks and lost items.
I even added hooks on the side to hang reusable bags and a pull-out drying rack underneath for convenience. If you have open shelving, using matching storage bins can keep things tidy and visually appealing.
The Final Look & My Takeaway
This is really cool. All of a sudden, no more cluttered countertops or missing socks! The DIY laundry room cabinets were not only an added storage source but also made my laundry room feel polished and put together.
If I were to do it again, I would probably go with soft-close hinges so that the doors wouldn’t slam easily, but overall, I’m really happy with the results.
The best part? Every time I step into my laundry room, I feel proud of what I built with my own two hands.
If you’ve been debating whether to try this, I say go for it! The sense of accomplishment is worth every bit of effort.
Conclusion
Building my own DIY laundry room cabinets was one of the most rewarding home projects I’ve tackled. Not only was this savings, but I also got my own customized storage in their place and space.
It took a lot of time and a lot of patience for me, but once finished, it was all worth it. If you want to upgrade your laundry area budget-friendly, try doing this kind of project.
With a little planning, effort, and creativity, you can transform your laundry room into an efficient and stylish space. So, grab your tools and start building—you won’t regret it!
FAQs
1. How much did this DIY project cost?
I spent around $150, but costs vary based on materials and tools you already have. If you use repurposed wood or find second-hand hardware, you can save even more.
2. Do I need advanced woodworking skills to make DIY laundry room cabinets?
Nope! If you measure right and don’t rush, it’s a very beginner-friendly project. A few video tutorials do wonders for confidence, too.
3. What is the best material for making DIY laundry room cabinets?
Plywood is cheap and holds up well. MDF is smoother for painting. Solid wood is a good option if you don’t have a budget concern.
4. How do I make sure my DIY laundry room cabinets will hold up in a humid laundry room?
Use moisture-resistant paint, seal the wood properly, and think about ventilation to prevent warping. Adding a dehumidifier can also help.
5. What if I don’t have space for big cabinets?
Use floating shelves, wall-mounted baskets, or a narrow pull-out cabinet for small spaces. Vertical storage is key for maximizing space in a compact laundry area.
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