Make a versatile laundry bench

Photos Karl Rogers and Francois Oberholster | Styling Marian van Wyk

What you need

SHOPPING LIST

• 18mm laminated pine, cut to: one 1 000 x 340mm panel (base) two 1 000 x 330mm panels (front and back) four 300 x 330mm lengths (sides and partitions)
• four planed pine planks 3 000 x 22 x 44mm in size, cut to: eight 1 060mm slats and two 345mm lengths (lid)
• four 50mm castors
• two flat hinges
• two packets of 6mm x 40mm chipboard screws

TOOLS

• cordless drill and 3mm drill bit
• pencil
• try square
• tape measure

Thanks to the partitions, you can sort your dirty clothes by colour as you toss them in the box.

Get started...

1 Glue and screw the sides (two of the 300 x 330mm pieces) at a right angle to each end of one of the 1 000 x 330mm panels; position the partitions evenly between the sides and screw them together. Place the other 1 000 x 330mm panel across the other end of the partitions and sides and screw together. Complete the box by gluing and screwing the 1 000 x 340mm base panel in place.

2 Make the lid frame by screwing two of the 345mm planks to each end of one of the 1 060mm slats. Position the remaining 1 060mm slats on top, evenly spaced. Glue and screw everything together, taking care to ensure that the lid stays square throughout.

3 Place the lid upside down on your work surface and turn the box over onto the lid, ensuring that the back of each is flush. Make sure the lid overlaps equally on both sides. Attach the lid to the box with the hinges. Attach a castor to each corner of the base. Fill all visible screw holes with wood filler and sand to a smooth finish once dry. Paint or varnish in the colour or finish of your choice.