Hi
I have a lot of leftover melamine sheets (18mm and 14mm) and offcut tiles.
How to build a laundry hamper from the melamine sheets, install the roller coasters and offcut tiles around it.
Thanks
Hi @Beginner20,
That sounds like a great way to reuse some leftover materials.
A laundry hamper made from melamine is definitely achievable, but there are a few practical things to think about first before getting into the build.
Melamine works well for cabinet-style projects, but it doesn’t like moisture getting into the raw edges, so you’ll want to make sure any cut edges are sealed or edge-banded. Since it’s also quite heavy, many people design hampers with:
A simple hamper could be built like a small cabinet box:
The tile offcuts could be used more as decorative panels rather than structural parts. For example:
Tiles will add weight, so make sure the panel they are attached to is well supported. A construction adhesive suitable for tiles would normally be used to bond them.
Because there are quite a few ways you could design this, it would help members give more specific advice if you could share:
Once people can see the scale of the project and materials, they’ll be able to suggest a design that works best with what you already have.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Thanks @MitchellMc
I'd like to build a pulled out/drawer hamper with dimensions 860H x 500D x 300W.
I have a lot of 9mm porcelain offcuts in different sizes and I want to break them into smaller pieces and install them like crazy pave.
I have a few tools: tablesaw, mitre saw, multi tool etc and tile adhesive - enough tools to build cabinets and lay tiles
I also have heaps of 14mm raw melamine sheets and 18 mm melamine sheets
What are you installing it into? Are you planning on installing drawer slides?
Where are you planning on having the tiles? Front, sides, top?
The process would be relatively simple, just cut your panels to size using your table saw, then predrill and screw them together, but the nitty-gritty of the project is the accounting for clearance and thickness of materials. If those dimensions aren't right, then it won't slide.
If you are planning on simply having a box in the dimensions shown, then that would be relatively easy to achieve, however if you are planning on attaching drawer slides and your tiles, the clearances required would need to be factored in.
If you can provide a few extra details I can certainly assist further.
Jacob
Hello @Beginner20
As explained by my team-mates the process is relatively straightforward, but we'll be needing a bit more information about your cabinet. I've placed a sample sketch up below to give you an idea of the size of the hamper. Generally speaking, you'll need 13mm on each side to accommodate pullout drawer slides. There has to be enough space for the cabinet to slide into at the back. You can use your 18mm or 14mm panel as the front cover.
If you can tell us more about your actual cabinet space, we'll be able to give you a more detailed answer in regards to your hamper project.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Thank you @EricL and @JacobZ
I am thinking of building a box with the dimensions 860H x 500D x 300W (includes tiles installing at the front and both sides) to fit this canvas hamper.
https://trade.bunnings.com.au/ezy-storage-80l-canvas-rectangle-laundry-hamper_p1036422
I'd like to have it pulled out but if not, tilt out is OK
The hamper cabinet will sit next to a 1500mm wall hung. The tiles will be installed on the front and both sides. I'll use the same wall tiles to make the hamper cabinet looks like a built in one.
I'd like to put some fake plants on top of the hamper hence the pull-out or tilt-out hamper is an ideal.
Also, I like to be able to take the laundry bag out. What would be the best option for this hamper? Thank you :)
If there is no cabinet built yet, you'll need to make one that is at least 370mm wide x 540mm deep x 900mm high. You'll need to put a front panel in the drawer so that you can tile over it. The Ezy Storage 80L Canvas Rectangle Laundry Hamper | Bunnings Warehouse is not compatible with your proposed hamper size. The cabinet would need to be bigger so that the canvas bag easily slides in and out (based on the bag measurements given).
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
