Build an ironing centre

Difficulty:

Close Difficulty

Beginner Do-It-Yourselfer - Easy

Intermediate Do-It-Yourselfer - Moderate

Experienced Do-It-Yourselfer - Difficult

Professional - Expert
Completion Time : 1 Day

An in-wall ironing board is extremely practical - discreet, convenient and even stylish. Save precious space and waste no time putting away your iron and ironing board when you’re done.
This ironing centre is made of MDF, 60"H by 16"W. You can hang the door so it opens to the left or to the right, and the adjustable shelf can be placed at the top or the bottom of the cabinet. Special skills are not required for this project, aside from cutting the angles for the ironing board.

Tools and materials required

TOOLS

Table saw or circular saw with cutting guide
Drill with 1/8" bit
Tape Measure
Countersink for No. 6 and No. 8 screws
Pencil
Carpenter square
Compass
Hammer or Finish nailer
Putty knife
Paint prep tools and brushes

MATERIALS

1 sheet MDF, 5/8" x 48" x 96"
1 sheet MDF, 3/4" x 48" x 48"
½" No. 6 screws for the hinges
1 ½" No. 8 screws for assembly
2" No. 8 screws for wall fastening
Finishing nails
Carpenter glue
2 MDF picture rails, 5/8" x 1, 5/8" x 8’
1 patio door security bar, for the leg
1 piano hinge, 1¼"W, 60"L
1 piano hinge, 1¼"W, 9 7/8"L
Shelf brackets
Fine grain sandpaper sponge block
150-grain sandpaper
Filler
Primer and paint

Before Assembly

ELEVATION(S)

Ironing centre elevation

MDF

MDF is a versatile material that makes it easy to build strong, sturdy and affordable furniture. It is advisable to always glue the parts together with wood glue before fastening them with nails or screws. If the nails or screws do not provide enough strength, use clamps to hold the assembly together while the glue dries.

Screw fastening:

Always drill pilot holes using a countersink bit, with the pieces in their final assembled position. This will prevent the MDF from buckling or splitting under the torque of the screws. In one motion, the countersink bit bores a hole for the body of the screw as well as a cavity to conceal the screw head. You can use a driver-drill to do this, but it is advisable to finish tightening the screws with a manual screwdriver to prevent the driver-drill’s speed and force from damaging the MDF and weakening the screw’s grip.

Nail fastening:

For some projects it is best to use finishing nails. In such cases, using a pneumatic nailer will get the job done more quickly and easily, and the nails will hardly show.

Important note:

Always wear a protective mask when cutting or sanding MDF as the dust can be irritating and is a potential heath hazard. Work outside if you can; if this is not possible, close any air vents and doors leading to other rooms so as to prevent the dust from spreading. Open a window while you work and cover all items in the room with dust sheets. Vacuum once you have finished cutting.