Installing a Custom Ironing Center

Below is a list of materials and tools used for this project, as well as a summary of the basic steps as featured in this Don't Sweat It project.

Materials and tools:

3/4" birch ply (3 sheets)
slide out ironing board
light and timer
table saw
power miter box
air compressor with hoses
finish nailer
level
speed square
measuring tape
pencil
safety glasses

Steps:

Measure and design. In this case, there are two important factors for the overall design. First, the cabinet that will house the ironing board needs fit the existing space, and also needs to fit through a stair opening from whichg the cabinet will be positioned. Second, it will need to be 6-1/2" wide and 6" tall. Make sure the overall size is equal to the size of the existing closet door, so it will slide in and fill the hole completely.

Cut and assemble. Following the design constraints outlined above, build the cabinet. Cut all the pieces according to your design, and assemble using a nail gun and glue.

Wiring, light and safety timer. Drill a hole to accommodate the wiring for the light and timer. The light and timer is a safety feature made for installed ironing boards. It has a 30 minute timer that you have to activate before the iron gets power. No matter what, the light, and the power to the iron, turn of after 30 minutes to prevent fires. To hook up the light and timer, connect the black wire to black, and the white wire to white, and secure with wire nuts.

Install the board. The ironing board we chose fits into a standard drawer opening. The board slides out and unfolds to a full size board. Install in the 6x16-1/2" hole that was designed into the cabinet.