Rolling Laundry Hamper

Directions

• Cut the Verticals

  Cut four Wide Verticals from a 1x3 board and four Narrow Verticals from a 1x2 board, as shown in the cutting diagram.

• Make the Horizontals

  Cut four Short Horizontals (11" long) and four Long Horizontals (11 1/2" long) parts from 1x3 boards, as shown in the cutting diagram. With your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill two pocket holes in each end of all of the Horizontals.

  Mark the Parts to Prevent Confusion

  This project is made up of multiple parts that look similar, but actually have slightly different lengths or widths. To keep everything straight, it’s a good idea to mark each part with its name. If you’re planning to paint, you can simply write the name on with pencil. If you are worried about the pencil marks, apply masking tape, and then write the part name on the tape.

  

• Build the Panels

  Now you need to assemble the panels. Create a pair of narrow panels by joining two Narrow Verticals and two Long Horizontals. Then create a pair of wide panels that are made up of two Wide Verticals and two Short Horizontal boards. Secure the panels with 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.
  

• Create the Frame

  Now you can assemble the laundry sorter frame by joining the panels together. Start with one narrow panel and one wide panel. Glue and nail them together as shown. 7 or 8 nails should be plenty. A brad nailer works best for this. If you don’t have access to one, you can 1 1/2" brads and a hammer. If you’re using a hammer and nails, be sure to drill pilot holes first to prevent splitting the wood. Add the two other panels in the same manner to complete the frame.
  

• Create the Bottom Slats

  Cut two Outer Bottom Slats and three Inner Bottom Slats to length from 1x3 boards. Drill pocket holes in the ends of all the boards. Then, in just the Outer Bottom Slats, drill one pocket hole along the center of one edge as shown.
  

• Install the Slats

  Attach the five Bottom Slats in place on one end of the Frame. Set the two Bottom End Slats tight to each side and equally space the others, about 1/2". Secure the Slats with 1 1 /4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.
  

• Add the Screen

  Cut four Screen Panels to 14" x 22 1/2" from a roll of pet proof screen 36" x 84" using a straight edge and a sharp utility knife. Install the Screen Panels with a staple gun and 3/8" staples, placing a staple about every four inches. Double check the staples are flat before proceeding to the next step. If not, tap them down with a hammer.
  

• Add the Lath

  Cut eight Vertical Lath, four Short Horizontal Lath and four Long Horizontal Lath to length from 1/4" x 1 1/8" pine lath (or lattice molding), as shown in the cutting diagram. Install the Lath with brad nails in the positions shown.
  

• Create the Top Cap Parts

  Cut two Long Caps and two Short Caps to size from 1x2 boards, as shown in cutting diagram. Drill pocket holes on both ends of the Short Caps, as shown.
  

• Assemble the Top Cap

  Assemble the cap using 1 1 /4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.
  

• Attach the Top Cap

  Spread glue on the top edge of the frame, and then position the Top Cap so it overhangs the frame equally on all sides. Secure the cap using 1 1/2" brad nails.
  

• Finish and Add the Casters

  Fill and sand any holes on the outside of the frame, and then paint or stain with your favorite finish. When the finish is dry, attach the casters with #8 x 5/8" pan-head wood screws.