Each hamper is made from half a sheet of 12mm plywood, or two 600 x 1200mm project sheets. liners. The front and back slats make a feature of the plywood while allowing ventilation for dirty clothes. A simple hinged lid allows for easy loading and unloading and castors keep them mobile.

Cutting the parts
Have the plywood supplier cut a sheet of plywood into 1200 x 597mm panels, then use a circular saw with a straightedge to cut the side panels together to be identical, making the angled cut across the top (see Diagram).

Cut the cross panels individually then the base, lid and hinge panel. Fit a fence to the circular saw at 25mm to cut the slats.

Choosing Fasteners
Joints are secured using exterior PVA and nailed with an electric brad gun loaded with 25mm T brads, or by hand with 25mm x 1.5mm bullethead nails.

Use a hacksaw to cut a brass 600 x 20mm piano hinge into 290mm lengths to secure the lids.

STEP 1

Assemble the frame
Butt join the front and back cross panels to the sides, securing with PVA adhesive and an electric brad gun. Position the base fl ush with the back edge leaving up to 3mm overhang at the front, securing with adhesive and brads.

STEP 2

Attach the slats
Use 120 grit abrasive paper to round the edges of the slats. Position them evenly on the front and back of the frame using slat offcuts as spacers, apply adhesive to the slats and secure to the sides with brads.

STEP 3

Secure the lid and castors
Secure the hinge panel with adhesive and brads then drill 1.5mm pilot holes for the piano hinge and secure with 25mm screws. Position the lid fully open to drill pilot holes and secure with screws. Attach castors to the base with 12mm screws.

STEP 4

Finish the hampers
Apply coloured timber putty to all brad or nail holes and smooth all over using 120 grit then 180 grit abrasive paper. Finish by applying two coats of clear polyurethane. TIP Avoid sanding off the top skin of the plywood.