How to Build a Folding Wall-Mounted Laundry Room Table

Laundry rooms seem to emanate clutter and eat up table space. A folding wall-mounted table is a perfect addition because it gives space when needed, then tucks away after use. For this project, buy two special connectors called "fold-away brackets." These brackets may be available at your local home improvement center, or you may need to special order them. Select brackets built to hold at least 100 pounds. You'll also need to recruit a helper for this project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Determine how high you want the tabletop to stand when extended. Most tables are between 30 and 34 inches high. Draw a level line on the wall 1 1/2 inches lower than the desired height to account for the thickness of the tabletop.

2

Use the stud finder to locate two consecutive studs in the wall. Mark the wall at the location of the studs. You will later drill some furring strips and the fold-away brackets to the studs within the wall.

3

Measure the length of one side of the fold-away bracket. Cut two furring strips, each 1 inch longer than this measurement.

4

Screw the first furring strips to the wall at your stud marks using the 1 1/4-inch screws. Repeat for the other furring strip.

5

Screw the fold-away brackets to the furring strips on the wall using the 2 1/2-inch screws. Extend the fold-away brackets to their "out" position.

6

Measure the length of your tabletop and cut one furring strip according to this measurement. Screw the furring strip onto the front underside of the tabletop on the side of the table that will extend out into the room. The furring strip adds strength and gives the brackets' screws something to grasp.

7

Have a helper lift the tabletop onto the extended fold-away brackets and hold the top in place. If the tabletop is next to a wall or appliance, move it over to leave a 1/8-inch gap between the tabletop and the wall or appliance.

8

Go under the tabletop while your helper holds the piece in place. Make a mark at the locations of the two fold-away brackets on the underside of the tabletop. Attach furring strips at these marks to help secure the brackets to the tabletop.

9

Remove the tabletop from the brackets. Measure and cut furring strips according to your marks, and screw the boards onto the underside of the tabletop. These provide the bracing for the brackets.

10

Place the tabletop onto the brackets. Position the brackets over the furring strips you installed on the underside of the tabletop. Screw the tabletop to the brackets using the 1 1/4-inch screws.