Create A Custom Built-In Laundry Sorting Tower With A Handy DIY

If you're ready to tackle the laundry monster — er, pile — once and for all, try this laundry sorting tower DIY! Created by Instagram user Kelsey at @a.dabbled.dwelling, this DIY makes it easy to sort your clean laundry straight from the dryer, know what needs to be washed when, and keep on top of it all.

You'll need wood that is 2 inches by 4 inches to make the tower frame, four or five sheets of ½-inch plywood, wood that is 1 inch by 2 inches for shelf supports, nails, pocket screws, finishing nails, and a laundry basket for each member of the household. From your toolbench, grab a hammer, drill, saw, tape measure, stud finder, and a pencil.

Before you head to the hardware store, decide where you want to place your new laundry tower and check the wall for studs. No studs? That's okay. Instead, attach two wood boards to the wall and secure your DIY there instead of the wall for additional stability.

First, check the wall for studs if you haven't yet, and mark them with your pencil. If you need (or want) additional stability, nail the two wood boards into the wall. Then build a rectangular frame with the 2 by 4s, adding a 2 by 4 across the frame horizontally for extra support. Attach the frame to the studs or the boards.

Next, attach the plywood to the frame with the pocket screws (trim to fit as needed with your saw) on both sides to create a cabinet. Measure the top and bottom spaces, cut plywood as needed, and secure in the tower to create the shell of your tower.

Then decide how many shelves you want (we recommend one shelf for each person), measure the height of the laundry basket that will live on that shelf, then use your pencil to mark where the 1 by 2 shelf supports should go. Cut down your 1 by 2s as needed, then screw them into place. Measure and cut the remaining plywood sheets into shelf pieces, slide on top of the 1 by 2 supports, and use pocket screws to secure. To finish the tower, secure the remaining 1 by 2s on the outside edge of the cabinet and shelves with finishing nails for a clean look.

Let's be honest: one of the best things about DIY home projects is that you can customize it to fit your home's exact aesthetic. And with your laundry tower, the sky's the limit. For a clean, polished look, you can add crown molding, like Kelsey does. Use a miter saw to cut your crown molding pieces to length at a 45 degree angle and install them properly so they sit flush to each other. Use finishing nails or a nail gun to secure the molding to the ceiling. 

Apply caulk to the corners and between the top of the molding and the ceiling to make it look smooth. You could also paint the tower an accent color for a clean look that still stands out. Or apply wallpaper to plywood to give the inside of the tower a fresh look. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great option here because you can apply it quickly while assembling the cabinet. If you want to personalize your family's laundry baskets, grab a stencil or a Cricut to decorate. Or simply pick up a few stylish laundry baskets that fit your home's decor.