2 Ways to Build a Simple Laundry Chute

A simple laundry chute between two rooms — usually between a bathroom and a closet, for instance — helps prevent dirty clothes from piling up and keeps them out of sight.

The first step to building a basic laundry chute is identifying the right spot to put it. You’ll want it to be located just above the hamper’s height, and you’ll need to mark the stud locations in the wall since the chute will need to go between two studs.

How to Build a Linen Cabinet/Laundry Chute Combo

In order to create this combination linen cabinet and laundry chute, your closet or bathroom will need to be adjacent to the laundry room.

Steps to Build a Linen Cabinet/Laundry Chute Combo

1. Start by cutting a small exploratory hole in the drywall on one side to confirm that the space is open and free of electrical wires or plumbing pipes. Once you’re sure the space is clear, cut out a larger hole that matches the size of the cabinet door. 
2. To match the size on the opposite wall, punch small holes through the backside of that drywall that align with the corners of the original hole. Cut between those marker holes from the other room to finish establishing the opening. 
3. Next, build a box with outside dimensions that match the dimensions of the hole in the wall. The box should also be as deep as the wall is thick. In the example in the video, the walls are framed with 2-by-6’s, so the overall thickness of the wall is 6-1/2 inches (5-1/2 inches for the stud plus 1/2 inch of drywall on either side.)
4. Around the perimeter of this box, nail 1-by-2 boards flush with the inner edge. This is the frame where the door hinges will be mounted. 
5. Next, slide the whole assembly into the wall opening and secure it to the studs with finish nails before you add more 1-by-2 trim around the opposite side to cap it. 
6. On either side of the frame, nail small 1-by-1 cleats to support the shelves for clean towels. These shelves will match the inside dimension of the frame but can extend out a few inches on the laundry room side. The bottom few inches of the space are left open to allow laundry to pass through from the closet to the laundry room. 
7. Finally, install the cabinet door to cover the opening on the closet or bathroom side of the wall. 

Watch the video above for the full step-by-step process, and share your thoughts on this project in the comments below!

How to Build a Tilt-Out Laundry Chute

This tilt-out laundry chute’s door is cut from a piece of 1-by-12. Yours, however, will depend on the exact height of your opening. Just be sure to allow about a half-inch of overlap on all sides.

In addition, rather than regular hinges, we’re using “sink front tilt-out hinges” to operate the door. This keeps the laundry chute’s door from opening too far and the springs ensure that it stays closed when not in use.

All right — let’s begin!

Steps to Build a Tilt-Out Laundry Chute

1. Create a small access hole between the studs. You’ll want to confirm that the space is open and free of electrical wires or plumbing pipes. Then, lay out level lines between them and begin cutting out the drywall.
2. On either side, the studs will guide the vertical cuts. When the drywall is removed from one side, mark the corners on the opposite piece of drywall from the inside. This way, the openings will line up with each other. Then, measure the thickness of the wall so that you can rip a piece of 1-by-6 to exactly that width. In this case, that’s 4-and-a-half inches.
3. Cut two pieces of this material to the width of the opening — remember: there are usually about 14-and-a-half inches between studs. You’ll also need two pieces to arrange vertically between the horizontals — the dimension will depend on how tall you want the laundry chute’s opening. Next, nail these four pieces together, making sure the outside dimensions match the wall opening.
4. We’re using a two-inch-wide strip of the same material to trim out the laundry chute’s box, so we’re making miter cuts on each corner before we nail the trim onto the face of the box.
5. Finally, slide the whole assembly into the wall opening and nail it to the studs on either side. On the closet side of the chute, attach identical trim to cover the rough edges.

That’s it! Now you have a simple laundry chute to keep dirty clothes out of sight, and you can instantly store them in the hamper.

Watch the video above for the full step-by-step process, and share your thoughts on this project in the comments below!

Further Reading

• Tips for a Functional Laundry and a Better Bath
• 10 Steps to an Organized Closet
• 16 Ways to Save Money in the Laundry Room
• Laundry Best Practices