Welcome to The Build Basic Custom Closet System! In this Series, I’m showing how to make a handful of simple DIY components that come together to create a functional, beautiful custom closet space. Even better is that ALL of the cut lists are adjustable so you can quickly and easily pick and choose the type of storage you need, and size it to fit your space!

 

In this tutorial, I’m showing how to add a hideaway ironing station above easy our Built-in Closet Drawers. This series also includes a basic “Cubby” that houses  add-ons like adjustable shelving and hanging rodsa tilt-out hamper, and pull out shoe shelving. Click around to see which organization options you’d add to your dream closet!

 

This post is sponsored by PureBond Plywood, the makers of the beautiful formaldehyde-free plywood I’m using to build this project. To learn more about their great products and how this series came about, click HERE.

The Build Basic Custom Closet System

Series Introduction

Basic Closet Cabinet

Adjustable Shelves and Hanging Rods

Tilt-out Hamper

Pull Out Shoe Organizer

Hideaway Ironing Station

Built-in Closet Drawers (the easy way)

 

TIP: Click the tabs below to see the tools, materials and cut list.

 

Time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy. The parts assemble easily with pocket holes, wood glue and hinges.

¾” x 4′ x 8′ Plywood (I’m using PureBond Plywood in Birch)

¼” x 4′ x 8′ Plywood (I’m using PureBond Plywood in Birch)

Steel Hanger Tape

(1) Pair of Overlay Non-Mortise Spring Hinges

1¼-inch Coarse Thread Pocket Hole Screws

1¼-inch Finish Nails

¾-inch Finish Nails

5/8-inch Wood Screws

Wood Filler

¾-inch Plywood Sides – 2 @ 8″ D x 38½” H

¾-inch Plywood Top and Bottom – 2 @ 8″ D x 20″ W

¾-inch Plywood Divider – 1 @ 6″ D x 38½” H

¾-inch Plywood Shelves – 2 @ 6″ D x 5″ W

¾-inch Plywood Door – 1 @ 39½” H x 19¾” W

¼-inch Plywood Backing – 1 @ 40″ H x 20″ W

 

Steps

 

1. Prep the Parts

 

Using the cut list above, cut the ¾-inch plywood pieces to size using a table saw, or a circular saw and my easy DIY Cutting Fence. Drill pocket holes along the ends of the Side pieces. To learn more about using a Pocket Hole Jig, check out my quick Video Tutorial.
The Build Basic Custom Closet System - Hideaway Ironing Station - Step 1

www.Build-Basic.com2. Finish the Edges

 

Before assembly, finish the front edge of the Top, Bottom, Sides, Divider and Shelves with adhesive edge banding. For a detailed tutorial on how quick and easy it is to apply edge banding, check out my How to Finish Plywood Edges Tutorial. In addition, finish all the edges of the ¾-inch plywood Door.
The Build Basic Custom Closet System - Hideaway Ironing Station - Step 2

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3. Attach the First Side

 

Apply wood glue to the top and bottom edges of a Plywood Side. Position the board between the Top and Bottom with the pocket holes facing outward. Using a drill/driver, drive 1¼-inch pocket holes screws through the Side, and into the Top and Bottom boards.
The Build Basic Custom Closet System - Hideaway Ironing Station - Step 3

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4. Attach the Second Side

 

Apply wood glue to the ends of the remaining Side, and then place it between the Top and Bottom boards. Screw the pieces into place using a drill/driver and 1¼-inch pocket hole screws.
The Build Basic Custom Closet System - Hideaway Ironing Station - Step 4

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5. Mark the Divider Placement

 

Using a speed square, mark the location of the divider 5 inches from the right Side on both the Top and Bottom boards. Carry the lines to the opposite side of the Top and Bottom boards to use as a guide.
The Build Basic Custom Closet System - Hideaway Ironing Station - Step 5

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6. Install the Divider

 

Apply wood glue to the ends of the Divider. Place the Divider inside the assembled pieces, flush with the back edge of the pieces. Using the lines marked in Step 5, position the board to that there’s a 5-inch opening between the Divider and the Right Side Board. Now nail 1¼-inch finish nails through the Top and Bottom boards and into the ends of the Divider to hold the board in place.
The Build Basic Custom Closet System - Hideaway Ironing Station - Step 6

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7. Insert the Shelves

 

Mark the location of the Shelves on the right Side Wall and the Divider. Apply wood glue to the edges of the shelves, and then insert them into place. Nail through the Divider and Side Wall and into the edges of the Shelves using 1¼-inch finish nails.
The Build Basic Custom Closet System - Hideaway Ironing Station - Step 7

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8. Add the Door

 

Lay the Door face down in front of the assembly. Position overlay hinges in the “half overlay” position on the Bottom board and Door. While this will leave a gap below the door, it will allow it to open without scrubbing the surface below. Install the hinges using a drill/driver and the screws provided.
The Build Basic Custom Closet System - Hideaway Ironing Station - Step 8

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9. Attach the Ironing Board

Using side cutter pliers or tin snips, cut two 2-inch pieces from a roll of steel hanger tape. Clip the corner of the each piece. Place the ironing board in the raised position on the Door. Because the Divider is recessed more then the thickness of our ironing board when it’s in the lowered position, we can center the ironing board on the width of the Door. Next, bend the metal pieces over the rod that connects the front legs of the ironing board. Position the metal pieces toward the outer ends of the bar. Lower the ironing board to ensure it stays within ¾-inch of the edge of the Door, so that the door can close properly. Using a drill/driver, drive 5/8-inch wood screws through the holes in the metal pieces and into the Door.
The Build Basic Custom Closet System - Hideaway Ironing Station - Step 9

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10. Add a Magnetic Catch

 

Using a drill/driver, install a magnetic catch to the underside of the Top board. Install the magnetic plate on the inside of the Door aligned with the Catch to hold the door closed when in the upright position.
The Build Basic Custom Closet System - Hideaway Ironing Station - Step 10

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11. Add the Back

 

Apply wood glue to the back edge of the Walls, Divider, and Shelves. Lay a ¼-inch piece of plywood onto the back of the assembly. Nail though the plywood and into the edges of the Walls and Divider.
The Build Basic Custom Closet System - Hideaway Ironing Station - Step 11

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MORE BUILDING PLANS

 

4 thoughts on “The Build Basic Closet System – Hideaway Ironing Station

  1. Taylor Searfoss

    When building multiple cabinets side by side, did you build them as one piece or 2 separate and then attach together? Love these by the way. About to start on our new closet soon!

    Reply

  2. Scott Carberry

    Hi Jen, great posts and tutorials, thanks for that! One question I do have, is how do these all fit together? do they simply “slide” into the basic cubby? If so how do you connect all the cubbys together and the modules within them? I ask as I want to use this to build something for my babies nursery!
    Thanks again
    Scott

    Reply

    1. Jenn Post author

      Hi Scott,
      Yes all the components fit into the general “cubbies” which can be screwed or nailed together once installed. That way——in most cases——you can tilt each component through the closet opening for installation, instead of building them in place. Let me know fi you have any other questions! I hope you’ll share photos of your project!
      Thank you,
      Jenn

      Reply

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