Built-in ironing board with your own hands

The ironing board is an essential item in any apartment or house. It is necessary for efficiently and comfortably ironing clothes that have been washed and dried. However, it can be inconvenient to constantly set up and put away the ironing board. This takes up space in the room, which is often limited. To solve this problem, a folding built-in ironing board can be installed on the wall in a convenient location for easy use.

How to make a built-in ironing board yourself

When it comes to installing an ironing board, there are several different options available. Before deciding on the best location for installation, it is important to first choose the type of ironing board. The type of board you choose will also impact how comfortable it is to use.

1. Utilize pre-made models for the closet to eliminate the need for additional shelves, partitions, and other components.
2. Implement a pull-out system, commonly used in kitchen sets, closets, and simple chests of drawers. This system consists of guides and boards, with the board size matching that of the drawer. The system’s compactness is a notable advantage.
3. Consider installing a folding board within the wall, which includes a built-in frame and footrest. The size of this board can be customized according to the room and personal preferences, making it a popular choice for installation.

It is crucial to emphasize that the cabinet serves as a sturdy and practical piece of furniture in this particular design. However, it is of utmost importance to thoroughly examine the wall where the entire structure will be mounted prior to installation. If the condition of the back wall is unsatisfactory, it is possible for the board, bearing a significant amount of weight, to potentially dislodge the wall and fall.

Necessary materials and tools

To create a collapsible ironing board from a wall, cabinet, or other structure (often using designs in the form of a mirror), you don’t need many components.

• You’ll need plywood or another material for the entire frame, with a thickness greater than 12 mm.
• You’ll also need material for covering and staples.
• A flange is necessary.
• You’ll need chrome-plated tubes that have been cut.
• Joker tube washers or bolts for upholstered furniture will be needed. The second option is preferable because it will completely disappear into the frame without any manipulation.
• Guides are also necessary.
• For fastening on the rails, you’ll need a bolt with a hat sharpened on a bolt cutter or a long bar.
• Handles for the guides are also required.
• A trimmed bolt is needed.
• Last but not least, you’ll need a plate to which the locking latch will be attached.

To complete the task, you will require a set of essential tools including a screwdriver, mallet, bolt cutter, hex key, pencil, meter or ruler, angle measurer, stapler, and scissors. Depending on the specific method and materials being used, there may be a need for additional tools.

Step-by-step instructions

Installation involves dealing with the frame and ironing board. Depending on the type of construction, the first step is to create a niche.

Important! When installing in a wall, it is crucial to obtain legal approval for the work. This will help to avoid any potential issues with regulatory bodies.

• Trim the ironing board so that it has a length of approximately 125 mm and a width of around 40 mm. Adjust the dimensions to fit the room and personal preferences.
• Create a frame for installation. Calculate the depth based on the size of the chrome tube, the thickness of the back wall, and any protruding elements of the flange.
• Once the frame is made, install the lintel within the frame. It should be able to rotate freely. To achieve this, it is recommended to use special bolts for upholstered furniture. These bolts should not protrude. Drill holes with a size of 10 mm at a distance of 10 mm from the edge, 15 mm from the front, and 110 mm from the bottom. If the bolts have small protrusions, cut the lintel to be approximately 6 mm smaller than the inner width of the frame.
• Secure the lintel to the rails using one of two methods: a bolt with a pointed head or a long bar. The latter option is simpler, as a 100mm bar can be easily hammered in using a mallet. Place the tube on the wood and strike it from the opposite side to create a hole in the bar. Attach it using self-tapping screws on the interior of the guides.
• On the opposite side, install handles for easy removal of the fastening. Cut the bolt for a sturdy connection.
• Before attaching the handle to the structure, bend the corner of the rail where it will be located at a 45-degree angle inward.
• Bend the plate inward at a 45-degree angle and secure it to the frame.
• Secure the center tube fastener directly in the middle. Insert the tube and tighten the screw for securement.
• Construct the remaining tube framework.
• In order to ensure parallelism between the ironing board and the floor, it is important to properly attach the guides. Take into consideration the thickness of the board. Therefore, the tube needs to hang approximately 16 mm from the wall. Make marks accordingly.
• Remove the guides and secure them with self-tapping screws.
• Verify the angle of the final structure when extended. The angle between the table and the structure should be 90 degrees. Also check in the vertical position.
• For additional safety, bolts can be installed.
• Lastly, install the cut board. Use a stapler and staples to cover it with material.

After completing all the necessary steps, the last stage involves installing a door or sash. You have several options to choose from, such as swinging doors or a retractable system. The latter option is often preferred due to its compactness which saves space and does not disrupt any ongoing work. The installation method largely depends on the specific location of the ironing board. To enhance the overall aesthetic appeal, decorative elements like paintings, mirrors, or paneling can be added along the edges.

By creating such a design yourself, you can save both time and money. Additionally, it takes up only a small amount of space, seamlessly blending into any interior, and proves to be highly convenient in everyday use.