This project was built and designed by Clinton from Specific Love Creations. It’s a functional three-tier laundry basket organizer made entirely from reclaimed pallet wood—perfect for clearing floor clutter while adding rustic charm to a laundry room.
Designed with simplicity and practicality in mind, this stand holds three baskets vertically and is lightweight enough to move, yet sturdy enough to handle full loads of laundry.
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Why Build a Laundry Basket Holder?
Laundry baskets left on the floor are a common source of clutter—and even a tripping hazard. This project offers a clean, space-saving solution by lifting the baskets off the ground and organizing them in a vertical rack.
Clinton designed the frame to fit standard baskets, making it useful in most homes without needing major custom work. And since it’s built entirely from reclaimed wood, it’s budget-friendly and environmentally conscious.
Planning the Design
Before starting, Clinton measured the baskets to make sure the stand would fit them properly. He kept the design straightforward: two vertical sides with horizontal supports for each basket, all framed out using pallet wood of various sizes.
Using pallet wood requires flexibility due to thickness and width variations. Clinton made small adjustments throughout the build to keep everything aligned and stable.
Prepping the Pallet Wood
The build begins with breaking down several pallets to harvest usable lumber. This includes flat boards for the sides and thicker inner supports for the basket platforms.
Sanding is an essential step. Clinton uses a belt sander and an orbital sander to smooth rough surfaces and remove splinters. A router is also used to round over sharp edges and add a cleaner feel to the finished frame.
While prepping the wood, he removes nails and checks for metal fasteners to protect his blades. Any cracks are glued and clamped before cutting begins.
Cutting and Framing the Structure
Once the boards are ready, Clinton cuts the vertical and horizontal pieces to length. The dimensions are based on the baskets and adjusted slightly to account for the irregularities in the pallet wood.
He assembles the rectangular side frames first, using clamps and a framing square to keep things aligned. Thicker boards are used to support the weight of full baskets, while thinner boards form the outer frame and improve the appearance.
After assembling one side and confirming the spacing with a dry fit of the baskets, Clinton trims any excess and mirrors the process for the other side. The two sides are then joined to form the full rack.
Making Room for the Baskets
One design tweak involved removing a single horizontal slat to allow the baskets to slide in and out more easily. This small change made a big difference in usability and helped avoid scuffing or damaging the baskets.
Spacing is tested by inserting the baskets during assembly, ensuring enough clearance for easy use without wobble. Once confirmed, final fasteners are added, and the structure is checked for squareness.
Staining and Finishing
To highlight the wood’s character and protect it from moisture, Clinton applies a weathered gray stain followed by a polyurethane finish. This not only seals the wood but also deepens the natural color and enhances the aged grain of the pallets.
The finish is brushed on and left to dry overnight. After curing, the stand takes on a more refined look that complements modern or farmhouse-style laundry spaces.
Tips and Lessons Learned
Clinton notes that while using pallet wood saves money, it does require significantly more prep time. For those wanting a quicker build, buying clean, pre-cut lumber can reduce sanding and improve consistency.
However, the rustic look and sustainability of using reclaimed wood add something special to the final piece. Even with the extra effort, the result feels handmade and unique.
Another useful tip: be ready to adapt. Pallet boards aren’t uniform, so slight adjustments in cut lengths or spacing are part of the process. Having clamps, a square, and a good sander makes a big difference.
Why This Project Works
The three-tier design lifts laundry baskets off the floor and turns wasted space into an organized vertical rack. It’s great for homes with limited floor space or anyone wanting to tidy up a laundry area.
It also builds foundational woodworking skills—cutting, clamping, drilling, sanding, and finishing—while providing a real-life solution to a common household issue.
A Practical Use for Reclaimed Wood
This project shows how reclaimed materials can become something useful and attractive. Clinton’s design is simple, functional, and adaptable, and makes smart use of resources that would otherwise go to waste.
The final piece is sturdy, well-proportioned, and fits seamlessly into a laundry room setup. It’s a great weekend build with long-term payoff.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Clinton’s channel: