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Antique Laundry Cart DIY

It’s always fun when I get a text or call from my dad asking if I want this or that. Honestly, my acceptance of such things depends on the space I have available and whether or not it sparks an idea in my noggin. This time around, I am able to visit him on location as he’s working on a remodel with a few leftovers laying about. This vintage wire basket caught my eye. hmmm…would it make you think of an antique laundry cart? Yeah, I’m kinda fun like that. tsk.

Wire Basket Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

In my defense, I’ve sold many laundry carts in my online shop and I even own one that I adore.

Budget-Friendly French Farmhouse Master Bedroom Makeover Final Reveal by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Okay, so now do you see where I’m head with this? The basket has a brown paint over white that I kinda like because it shows natural age. Now to get the cart part of this project built. Let’s get this DIY party started!

STASH DIGGIN’

First, as you can imagine, I’m eager to dig into my lumber stash to see what I can come up with. I’ve recently been working on remodeling my space and am eager to share updates as soon as I can. Thankfully, I find just what I need (of course…tee hee) and start measuring. I come up with two 1″ x 4″ boards that I rip in two and then cut to length. That leaves me with four longer supports and four braces for those supports.

Next, I pre-drill the long supports with my drill and bit.

Drilling DIY Antique Laundry Cart Supports | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After that, I use a larger bit to make counter-sink holes so I can hide and plug my screw holes.

Counter Sink Holes on DIY Antique Laundry Cart | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Check this out…I have this extra chair spreader (aka. spindle) from this farmhouse table set rescue from the curb.

Wooden Chair Spread for DIY Antique Laundry Cart | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

This will function as the middle support of my antique laundry cart. Then, I assemble the long side to the short sides and begin to search my stash for more pieces. I miter two pieces to go between the “X” supports. Now, I need to add the center spreader to hold it all together.

Assembling Antique Laundry Cart | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Last, I take some reclaimed ash to make supports for these casters I have in my stash that was gifted to me many years ago with this antique chest of drawers. Our cart has to have wheels, right? I’m definitely a sucker for casters in all shapes and sizes.

Caster Wheels for Antique Laundry Cart | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

FINISHING TOUCHES

Finally, I can put the finishing touches on this build. Isn’t it crazy that a random wire basket set me on a build to make an antique replica? Yeah, I’m cool like that. I love a good challenge! To start, I use this reactive stain to naturally age the wood using the tannins already present in the lumber. This particular stain will make the wood gray. You can see the other ways I’ve used the other colors in these past posts.

Weathered Wood Stain for Antique Laundry Cart DIY | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Not only is this stuff awesome because you can watch the aging happen right before your eyes (see video below), but also because there’s no wiping and mess after the stain is applied.

Upcycled Clock Face Table from Vintage Ash Tray by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, after the stain cures, I am creating a layered paint look. First, I use this blue to just touch in spots so that it can peek through.

Layering Paint on DIY Antique Laundry Cart | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

As soon as that blue cures, I use a custom-mixed antique white to create a wash over the whole piece.

Adding Second Layer of Paint for a Whitewash Effect | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Additionally, I lightly distress the whole cart and then add a layer of a brown wax for even more time-worn appeal. Are you ready to see my antique laundry cart build complete? I am!!

LAUNDRY TIME

Break out the soap and clothespins and let’s have some fun with this farmhouse creation of mine. wahoo!!

Rustic Farmhouse Antique Laundry Cart built by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #diy #homedecor

Vintage Laundry Basket Cart Built by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #laundry #diy

French Farmhouse Bedroom by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #french

Because I loved the wear on the basket it already had, I left that alone. However, the cart portion is definitely more fun because of paint, stain, wax, and more stain.

Top View of Wire Antique Laundry Cart by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #laundry #farmhouse #diy

DIY Farmhouse Laundry Cart Built by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #homedecor #diy #woodworking

While it’s not a literal antique (100 years old or older), it sure mimics the vibe that my true antique has in the photo above. Do you think my dad will think I’m cray-cray for seeing beyond this basket? haha. I doubt it as I’m long-since diagnosed with that.

Antique Clothespins in Cider Jar for Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #rustic #vintage #antique

Furthermore, if you’d like to make this antique laundry cart part of your home story, you can find it and more available in my online shop.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

Wire Antique Laundry Basket Cart by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #hadnmade

SHARE

In addition to leaving some comment love below, do take a minute to pin and share to inspire others. Who knows if someone out there also has a random basket just taking up space. ahem.

 A cast-off wire basket inspires Larissa of Prodigal Pieces to create an antique laundry cart from scrap wood. Check it out at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #woodworking #upcycled

Likewise, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what becomes of this once-DIYed sign that I’m going to amp up a bit. Notice a theme here? HEAD HERE to see!
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Laundry Sign Before | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Also, more fun creations like this antique laundry cart DIY:

How amazingly cute!! Larissa of Prodigal Pieces took a piece of curbside siding and broken rocking chair rockers to create this upcycled Christmas sleigh. See the DIY fun at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #christmas #diy #home #homedecor #farmhouseBuild a relaimed wood desk set as shown built by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #furntiure #home #homedecor #diy

Comments

  1. Niki says

    How fun Larissa! I can picture someone using this outside, hanging sheets for the last time of the season. Or – beside a comfy chair as a side table with a good book and a pumpkin spice chia latte sitting in the basket waiting to welcome someone! Fall is in the air and the crispness is uncharacteristically soothing. We’ve had some rainy days lately, and though normally gloomy/dreary these days have given me peace.

    • Larissa says

      I love the way you think, Niki, minus the pumpkin spice part. tee hee. It sure is a beautiful time of year.

  2. Stephanie Harris says

    I wish I had your talent. I always wanted to do Carpenter things. But it didn’t work out.
    Blessings

    • Larissa says

      It’s never too late to try! I had no idea how to do this, but managed to figure it out as I went. Thanks!

  3. Regina Jenkins says

    This is adorable. I love rescuing things too. You did a great job “weathering” it.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much, Regina. It’s always fun to hear from a kindred spirit.

  4. Michele M. says

    WOW!!! That’s really something, Larissa! You are so clever.

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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