This simple and inexpensive DIY blends form and function with its space-saving, traditional design. Perfect for drying or hanging clothes to steam, and folds away when not in use. Customize it to any size, stain or paint you’d like! Keep reading to find out how to build your own wall mounted clothes drying rack.
A clothes drying/steaming rack was one must-have for our new laundry room, but with such a confined space, my options were limited. I considered this sleek pull-out drying rack, but then found this traditional wood rack that I felt suited our space better. However, I didn’t want to spend over $300, and I also wanted to customize the size to fit our wall. It seemed like a simple enough DIY!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Jump to:
Materials
- 1x2x12’ board (x4)
- 0.5” x 48” dowels (x3)
- Hinge set
- Wood glue
- 1 ¼” screws
Tools
- Tape measure
- Drill with 1/2″ spade or forstner bit
- Finish nailer
- Speed square
- Miter saw
- Bar clamps or corner clamps
- Kreg jig (optional)
Step 1: Cut the wood
After determining the ideal size for our wall, I mocked up a quick diagram to determine the cut list. Here’s what I came up with:
To keep the project costs down, I chose inexpensive 1×2 pine and 1/2″ wood dowels for the entire build. If you plan to stain rather than paint, I do recommend choosing a higher quality wood like oak.
- 1x2x30″ (2) Outer frame top + bottom
- 1x2x27.5″ (4) Outer frame sides + horizontal supports
- 1x2x23.25″ (2) Inner frame top + bottom
- 1x2x27″ (2) Inner frame sides
- 23.5″ (6) Dowels
Dry fit after the pieces were cut:
Step 2: Assemble the inner frame
On the vertical stiles (two 27″ boards), measure in 1.5″ from one side and mark six center points spaced approx 3.5″ apart for the dowels (our math actually ended up with the spacing a hair less, at 3.43″).
Using a ½” spade or forstner bit, drill ¼” deep holes at each mark.
Apply wood glue at both ends and and gently hammer each dowel in place.
Drill two pocket holes into each side of the top and bottom stiles. If you don’t have a pocket hole jig, you can use finish nails or screws into the end of the boards instead.
Clamp stiles into position with wood glue, and attach with screws.
Finished inner frame:
Step 3: Build the outer frame
Drill pocket holes into the ends of both frame support pieces (27.5″ boards).
We originally had just one support piece along the top, but later realized we also needed one along the bottom for it to function properly, so that’s not shown above!
Clamp the outer frame pieces in place, using the frame supports to ensure proper spacing.
Make sure each corner is square first, and use wood glue before attaching with finish nails.
Attach the top and bottom outer frame supports with wood glue and pocket holes (use a spacer board underneath to ensure proper alignment).
Fill the exposed pocket holes with wood plugs for a cleaner look, and use wood filler on any nail holes.
Step 4: Stain/paint and hang
Sand down any rough edges, excess wood glue and hole plugs/nail holes before staining or painting. I mixed Minwax Special Walnut with Simply White stain (approx 4:1 ratio) for a neutral medium brown tone that coordinates with our butcher block counters. Make sure to use a sealer after staining to keep it from transferring to your clothes!
We mounted the drying rack to the wall with picture hangers and two screws into studs.
I used these $4 brass hinges that can be adjusted and mounted at your desired height.
I’m thrilled to finally have a dedicated spot to dry and steam clothes instead of random places around the house! And not to mention, an aesthetically pleasing addition to our laundry room for under $50.
What do you think—is this a weekend project you’re ready to tackle now? Don’t forget to pin or save this post for later! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments, and follow me on Instagram for more laundry room updates!
Gail says
Looks fabulous! And I love that wallpaper you hung in your laundry room so much I just ordered samples of it in two of the color ways!!
Jenna Sue says
It’s the best!
Mandy says
I love that wallpaper. Can you tell me what it’s called and where it came from?
Jenna Sue says
Sure, here’s the link! https://bit.ly/3Ty2at9
Carla says
This is great! Do you think it’s strong enough for heavier clothes? Like pants or sweaters?
Jenna Sue says
Yes, a 1/2″ dowel is standard for similar store bought racks and it should hold just fine! You could always go with a higher quality wood like oak, or even 1/2″ metal rods if you are concerned.
Shay says
What would suggest if one does not have a kreg jig?
Jenna Sue says
You can use a finish nailer or screw into the sides!
Alana Sayler says
Love this idea! I will trying to get to my laundry room as well!
What is the gorgeous wallpaper that you used?
Karen says
Love this! I feel I could do this bc of the great instructions.
Would make a great pasta drying rack, too. Multi purpose.