How to Build a Drying Rack

One of my favorite parts of my laundry room makeover is my new drying rack. It's perfect for drying any number of things. Whether it's something too delicate for the dryer or your favorite t-shirt that you don't want to take the chance of it shrinking, this drying rack's got you covered.

It closes flat against the wall and out of the way when not in use.

You will need:

2' X 2' plywood backing 1/4" thick
4 pieces 1" X 2" X 20 1/2"
4 pieces 1" X 2" X 21"
1 piece 1" X 4" X 24"
2 {3/8"} dowels cut into 4 pieces 24" long
chop saw
pocket hole jig and drill bit
1 1/4" screws
drill
3/8" bit
5/8" wood bit
wood glue
nail gun and nails
hinges
sash lock
chain and eye screws

Begin assembly by using a pocket hole drill on two of the 21" pieces. They will be the horizontal pieces of our square. Attach 2 of them to two of the 20 1/2" pieces {the vertical pieces}.

Do a dry fit to make sure the pieces fit, setting the frame on the backing, then adding the 1X4 to the bottom.

Next it's time to drill the holes for the rack. Use the remaining two 20 1/2" pieces for this. Measure and mark to evenly space the rods. Then drill the holes, making sure to only drill about halfway through the wood. You can add a piece of tape around the drill bit so you know when you've drilled deep enough.

I also decided to nail this frame together, since pocket holes would be more visible. So I pre-drilled some holes on the opposite side of the ends so that it wouldn't split as I nailed them together.

Assemble this frame with the dowels inserted. I used wood glue to help them stay firmly in place.

Next it's time for paint and/or stain. I decided to stain the backing with dark walnut and I painted the other wood white.

With a nail gun, I nailed the 1x4 to the backing, making sure the edges were flush.

Next I nailed the frame in place.

Screw the hinges in place on the rack.

Then screw them to the frame.

At this point I wanted to add some knobs. However the bolts on the knobs were a little bit too long.

I found a large paint stick and stained it. It was the perfect thickness.

I added it to the center at the bottom, nailed it in place and drilled holes all the way through both pieces.

Flipping over the whole drying rack, I used the drilled holes as the starting point and drilled partway through with a wood spade bit. The washer and nut of the knob fit perfectly inside this new little hole.

A coat of guava jelly paint for the knobs and they were ready to go.
I added a sash lock to the tops of the rack - this holds it shut when not in use.