Helena Frye
Getting kids to put their dirty laundry in the hamper can be a challenge. A fun way to get them to do it is by turning a basketball goal into a clothes hamper! This DIY project is simple and can even be done with the help of your kids. All you need is a basket of your choice, some basic wood shop tools, and a basketball hoop. The process involves cutting and assembling wood to create a frame, staining and painting it, and then attaching the hoop and net. The final product is a creative way to make laundry fun for kids and encourage them to keep their clothes off the floor!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Tools | Basic wood shop tools |
| Materials | Basket, plywood, wood glue, paint, painter's tape, caulk, bolts, washers, finishing washers, French cleat, net, hot glue |
| Benefits | Fun way to get kids to keep their clothes off the floor |
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What You'll Learn
Measure and cut wood to size
To measure and cut wood to size, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. First, you'll need to gather your tools. For measuring, a ruler or tape measure will work. For marking, a sharp pencil is recommended, but you can also use a razor blade or box cutter for maximum precision.
Once you have your tools, follow these steps:
- Measure the length you need to cut.
- Mark your wood with your chosen tool. If using a pencil, you can choose to cut to the inside, along, or outside of the line; cutting to the outside of the line is generally recommended. If using a razor blade or box cutter, make your mark along the line, as this will relieve the wood grain and reduce the chance of splintering.
- Cut the wood with your chosen saw. The type of saw you use will depend on the type of cut you need to make and the width of the wood. For crosscuts (cuts that slice across the grain direction of the wood), a miter saw or table saw is recommended. If you need to cut wider pieces of wood, a table saw is ideal.
- If you are cutting multiple pieces of wood to the same length, there are a few techniques you can use to ensure accuracy:
- Measure and mark one board with your tape measure, then cut it to length. Label this piece as your "pattern" or "sample."
- Use your pattern to mark the remaining pieces, ensuring the ends are flush, rather than measuring and marking each piece individually, which can introduce small errors.
- Lay the pieces down on a benchtop, square up the ends, and clamp them together. Measure and mark all the pieces together, then cut them simultaneously.
- Use a power miter saw or table saw with a stop block. Cut partially through an auxiliary fence (a strip of wood) clamped to the saw fence. Measure the desired length on the fence, mark it, then clamp a scrap piece of wood (the stop block) in position. Place your oversized stock on the saw table and slide it until it touches the stop block before cutting.
Remember, you can always take more wood off, but you can't add it back once it's cut, so take your time and double-check your measurements!
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Assemble the frame
To assemble the frame of your DIY basketball goal clothes hamper, you will need some basic woodworking tools and materials. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Cut wooden stock to size: Cut a 3/4" square wooden stock to the desired dimensions. For a rectangular frame, cut two pieces to 22" in length and another two pieces to 16" in length. Ensure that each end is cut at a 45-degree angle to allow for corner joints.
- Design and paint: Use painter's tape to create your desired design or pattern on the wooden stock. Once you're happy with the design, paint it with black paint (or your chosen colour). Don't forget to paint the 3/4" square stock as well. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape.
- Stain the project panel: If you wish to add a stained finish to your frame, apply stain to the project panel at this stage. Choose a stain colour that complements your chosen paint colour.
- Assemble the frame: Place a bead of wood glue along the outer edge of your plywood project board (the backboard). Also, apply glue to the ends of your 3/4" square stock pieces. Carefully wrap the square stock around the edge of the plywood board to create a frame. Ensure that the frame sits above the project panel by approximately 1/4". Use tape to hold the corners together securely while the glue dries.
- Attach the backboard to the frame: Once the glue is dry, remove the tape and check that the frame is securely attached to the backboard. If needed, you can reinforce the joints with brackets or additional fasteners.
Remember to work on a flat, stable surface when assembling the frame to ensure that it is straight and level. Once the frame is complete, you can move on to attaching the basketball hoop and net, and finally, hang your new clothes hamper!
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Paint the design
Now that you have your basketball goal hamper's design laid out with painter's tape, it's time to start painting! Choose a paint colour that will stand out against the colour of the hamper and any surrounding decor. For example, if your hamper and surrounding decor are light-coloured, you might choose to use black paint, as suggested by Kenarry.
Before you begin, ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area and are wearing appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and a face mask. Then, using a paintbrush or roller, carefully apply the paint to the areas designated by your painter's tape. Try to avoid getting paint on the hamper itself or outside the taped area. You may need to apply multiple coats of paint to achieve the desired opacity, so be sure to allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Once you've finished painting, it's important to let the paint dry completely before removing the painter's tape. Carefully peel back the tape to reveal your design. If any paint has bled through, you can use a small paintbrush or cotton swab dipped in paint thinner to touch up any imperfections.
After removing the tape, you may wish to add an additional decorative touch by staining the project panel, as suggested by Kenarry. Choose a wood stain that complements your chosen paint colour and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the stain to dry completely before continuing.
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Attach the hoop
To attach the hoop, first place the basketball hoop on the board and mark where you need to drill through the board to insert the bolts. Drill holes through the backboard where the bolts are needed. Place the hoop and attach it with bolts, washers, and finishing washers. Place one washer just behind the head on the front side of the board and feed it through the hole in the board. Add another washer to the back, followed by a finishing washer, and then screw the nut onto the bolt as tightly as possible. Repeat this process for each bolt. Use pliers to tighten the nut on each bolt securely. Cover the end of each bolt with hot glue to create a cap and prevent the bolts from damaging the wall.
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Hang and place the hamper
Once you've built your DIY basketball goal hamper, you'll need to decide where to place it. If you've designed it to hang on a door, like some pre-made basketball hamper products, then you'll need to attach hooks to the backboard and ensure that the door has enough space in front of it for people to throw clothes into the hamper.
If you're attaching the hamper to a wall, you'll need to decide on the height and location. Consider who will be using the hamper and what height is appropriate for them. Mark the spot on the wall where you'd like the hamper to hang. You can attach the hamper to the wall by drilling through the backboard and inserting bolts, washers, and finishing washers. Place a washer just behind the head on the front side of the board, then feed it through the hole in the board. Add another washer to the back, followed by a finishing washer, and then screw the nut onto the bolt as tightly as possible. Repeat this process for each bolt. Use pliers to tighten the nut on each bolt securely. Cover the end of each bolt with hot glue to create a cap and prevent the bolts from damaging the wall.
If you're placing the hamper on the floor, you won't need to worry about attaching it to a wall or door. However, consider placing it in a location that is easily accessible to those who will be using it. Ensure that there is enough space in front of the hamper for people to comfortably throw their clothes into it.
No matter where you hang or place your hamper, ensure that it is secure and safe to use, especially if children will be using it.
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Frequently asked questions
The simplest way is to buy a ready-made basketball hoop hamper that can be hung over a door. However, if you want to build one from scratch, you will need a basket, a basketball hoop, and some basic woodworking tools and skills.
You will need a basket, a basketball hoop, plywood, wood stock, wood glue, painter's tape, caulk, paint, and basic woodworking tools such as a saw and drill.
First, cut the wood stock to size and use painter's tape to create your design on the plywood. Seal the seams with caulk and paint the design and wood stock. Once dry, remove the tape and stain the plywood. Then, glue the wood stock to the plywood, making sure to assemble it on a flat surface. Finally, attach the basketball hoop to the plywood and hang it on the wall or door.
