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How to make a pull-out drying drawer

Laundry with pull-out drying drawer.

Overview

When it comes to laundry design, there are plenty of innovative features that can instantly improve the functionality and aesthetics of the space, making for a much more pleasant everyday experience. Just one of these is the pull-out drying drawer, an affordable and easy D.I.Y. project that offers yet-another spot to dry clothes when it’s wet outside. But unlike traditional drying racks, it can be neatly packed away when not in use, leaving your laundry free of clutter.

This D.I.Y. project can be completed in a day in your existing space, without the need to change too much, but you will need an existing draw to transform. We’ll essentially be removing the base of the draw, installing rods to sit across the width and then affixing them to the existing sides to create a versatile drying rack that can be pulled in and out when required.

Steps

  1. 1

    Gather your tools and materials

    Before you start this project, make sure you've got all of your tools and materials ready to go.
    Birds eye view of tools and materials required to make a pull-out drying drawer.
  2. 2

    Select a location

    Choose the drawer you’re going to use – remember that it’s likely clothing will hang from the rods downwards, so consider what’s underneath before finalising your decision. Will it be a hindrance if clothing hangs in front of anything? It also needs to be easily accessible for everyday use.

    Ideally, your new drying rack will be over a heating vent, but this may not be the case for all laundry designs.

    Laundry with cabinets, basket pull outs and decorative items.
  3. 3

    Unscrew the tracks from the side of the drawer and remove the base

    Remove the drawer from its case and unscrew the tracks from each side. Pop the base of the drawer out and slide out, leaving you with four sides. If your drawer doesn’t unscrew, use a jigsaw to cut out the base.

    Using a drill to screw in screws.
  4. 4

    Measure the width of the drawer to find out the length of the rails

    Using the tape measure, measure the width of the draw to establish how long each rail should be. Make sure you measure the inside space so that the rails can slot straight in. You’ll also need to measure the length of the drawer to figure out how many rails will fit.

    Measuring drawers with a tape measure.
  5. 5

    Cut the rails to size

    Measure each rail and mark the correct length with a pencil. Use the hacksaw to cut to size, using a clip to help hold the rail down if need be.

    Cutting rail with a hacksaw.
  6. 6

    Mark and slot your holes

    Now it’s time to bring everything together! Make a note of how many rails you’re going to use, and then use the tape measure and pencil to mark even points down the length of the drawer side. Pre-drill holes at these marks for each rail. Slot the bracket into the pre-drilled holes.

    Using pencil and ruler to mark a cabinet.
  7. 7

    Push rails into place

    Once you’ve finished preparing your drawer, it’s simply a case of grabbing your rails and pushing them into place.

    Fitting pieces of railing into a drawer.
  8. 8

    Screw in the tracks

    Replace the tracks that you unscrewed earlier and slide your new drying rack back into its slot.

    You’re now ready to dry jumpers, socks, jeans - the laundry world is your oyster!

    Using screwdriver to add tracks to a drawer.
  9. 9

    Looking for more laundry inspiration?

    Watch this laundry makeover with Steph Pase to get some inspiration on how to organise and style your laundry.

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.