DIY Washboard Memo Station and Cupboard
Updated: Sep. 02, 2021Repurpose a vintage washboard to create an organized memo station.
Stick ‘Em Up
Use this DIY vintage washboard memo station project as your one stop shop before you leave the house and customize it to fit your specific needs. This project would also look great in a laundry room as a clever storage solution.
Stuck Tight
To make these magnets, empty spice tins and remove lids; remove the caps from glass soda bottles. Wash and dry thoroughly. Cut adhesive magnet strips to fit the backs of the tins and soda caps. Apply magnets to tins and caps.
What you’ll need
- Washboard with metal corrugated
section - ¾-inch wood, 3½ inches wide
and 8½ feet long - Particleboard
- 2 hinges
- Small cabinet doorknob
- Soda caps
- Vintage spice tins
- Adhesive magnets
- Nails and screws
- Drill
- Nail gun or hammer
- Wood stain, optional
- Foam brushes or rag, optional
Project Directions:
1. Cut side pieces
Measure washboard from bottom of legs to about an inch from the top. Cut two pieces of the 3/4-inch wood to that length for the sides of the cupboard.
2. Cut bottom pieces
Measure the width of the washboard. Cut two pieces of 3/4-inch wood to that length minus 1 and 1/2 inch for the top and bottom of the cupboard.
3. Assemble frame
Nail the two sides, top and bottom together to create a box frame.
4. Cut shelves
Cut the desired number of shelves from the remaining 3/4-inch wood, using the length of the top and bottom pieces as a guide. Nail the shelf pieces into place in the box.
5. Measure and cut back
Measure the height and width of the box frame and cut a piece of particleboard to fit. Nail the particleboard to the back of the box frame.
6. Apply stain
Stain the box to match the washboard finish, if desired. Allow time to dry.
7. Assemble washboard memo station cabinet
Place washboard on top of the box and determine where the hinges best fit. Drill pilot holes and screw the hinges in place on the box and the washboard.
8. Door knob
Screw the doorknob onto the leg of the washboard opposite the hinges.
9. Hang the cabinet
Hang cupboard on the wall and place magnets (for directions, see above) on the metal washboard. Fill spice tins with pencils and pens.
Want more tips and tricks for laundry room storage and organization projects? Click here to find your next project.
This project originally appeared in Country Woman Magazine.
