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wood crates on wheels for storage
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Build wood crates on wheels - to add extra storage in a mudroom, under tables or consoles, or just as beautiful storage.  These easy to build wood crates on wheels are sturdy and durable.  Free plans with diagrams, lots of reader submitted photos and more from Ana-White.com

Related: Wood Crate Building Guide

Collections
Pallet Projects

 

Why I Build These Wood Crates on Wheels

I built this crates for toy storage at the bottom of the closet.  I added the wheels so my children could wheel the wood crates around and pick up toys.

 

FAQ About These Wood Crates on Wheels

Can I use reclaimed/pallet wood?  Yep!  This cart is actually made from pallet wood (aside from the 1x12)

Do I have to have wheels on the bottom?  Nope, the wheels are totally optional.

Can I alter the size?  Yep, you can go up to 36" x 36" - but that would be pretty big (coffee table sized).  Do check out our wood crate building guide here.

Can I add handles to the ends?  Of course!  That would simplify the project too - the cutout handles were the most difficult part of this project.

Dimensions
wood crate cart
Dimensions for the cart are shown above. If you are using reclaimed boards, your dimensions could be different than those listed above.

Preparation

Shopping List

Shopping List for ONE Rolling Wood Crate

  • 1 - 1x12 @ 2 feet long
  • 1 - 1x6 @ 3 feet long
  • 1 - 1x4 @ 6 feet long
  • 2" self tapping star bit screws
  • wood glue
  • 4 caster wheels with 3/4" long screws 
Cut List
  • 2 – 1×12 @ 11 1/2″
  • 2 – 1×6 @ 18″ 
  • 6 – 1×4 @ 18″ 
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Jigsaw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

Preparation

If you have a pallet, follow the instructions in this post to reclaim the boards. Otherwise, cut all of your boards. Drill holes on the ends of the 1x6s, two per end, with a countersink bit.

Step 2

Build the Bottom and Ends

Insert screws into holes. Apply glue to the joint. Screw the bottom boards to the sides, keeping the outside flush.

Step 3

Sides

Apply glue to the edges of the bottom and ends. Be careful not to apply glue in the spaces between the side boards, as glue will not take stain. Use 2″ nails and glue to nail the side boards on.

Step 4

Handles

Mark then ends as shown above. Then drill holes with the 1 1/2″ spade bit on center with the marks. Cut between the marks with a saw to create handles.

Step 5

Attach caster wheels to base with 3/4" screws.

Project Type
Storage Woodworking Plans
Crate Plans and Projects Made with Crates
Room
Storage Solutions
Entryway and Mudroom
Kids and Toys
living room
Nursery and Baby
office
Style
Green or Eco-Friendly Style Furniture

Comments

Melissa (not verified)

Mon, 09/13/2010 - 17:47

Any suggestions where to acquire some free pallets in/near Fairbanks or North Pole area? I really want to make some of these :)

Ana White (not verified)

Mon, 09/13/2010 - 18:05

Hi Melissa, getting pallets should be super easy to do as so much is imported to Alaska on pallets, but very little leaves Alaska on pallets. Try calling warehouses, stores, and asking at shipping companies. Even using broken pallets would work for this project.

lyndyjo (not verified)

Tue, 09/14/2010 - 02:56

Love these! I do see the bumper car danger. My youngest is just starting to walk and he would love one of these to push around :)

chrisandpatience (not verified)

Tue, 09/14/2010 - 08:10

I just picked up 3 amazing pallets. Thank you Ana, for making me a wood working junkie. Can't wait to show you my creations.

megnstuff (not verified)

Tue, 09/14/2010 - 09:07

I am building these for my basement/playroom/family room area. I love them. My boys will love to play in them and they just might even love putting their toys away in them!

I can't wait to make these. I promise to post pics as soon as we get them done!

Cath (not verified)

Wed, 09/15/2010 - 22:21

Oh gosh I love this! Any idea in a purpose for them in a college dorm room? I think this is beautiful but I'm not sure it'd be useful for me :P

AmyLynn (not verified)

Thu, 09/16/2010 - 08:27

So many ideas for places to put these! This is going to be a fabulous trash can in my craft room, three wonderful recycle bins (paper, plastic & glass) in my mudroom, a bin to store the kids' (cats') blankets and toys in their play room, a perfect place to throw all my little 'building blocks' that our nieces and nephews play with when they come over...the possibilities are endless! What a fabulous idea. A while ago, a barn collapsed at my dad's house and I've been trying to think of things to do with the wood from that. A reclaimed wood headboard is on the list, but do you have any idea how many of these I'll be able to make with a barn? I'm so excited!!!!

AmyLynn (not verified)

Thu, 09/16/2010 - 15:46

I don't have a blog...I've been contemplating starting one though. If I do, I'll let you know.

Build a Kids L… (not verified)

Tue, 12/28/2010 - 22:05

[...] If you want, you can add handles and round the corners.  The handles are actually quite useful if you want to transport the shelf (I did from the garage to the house and found them much more than just decorative).  Corners are rounded 2″ down and 2″ in from the outside corners with a jigsaw. To cut a handle, please read these instructions. [...]

Nancy Saller (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 08:41

I have a great deal of confidence in my sewing room but the garage belongs to my husband. I sure do admire your projects though! Maybe someday I'll try some of them. Thanks so much for your shared talent!

Christina G. (not verified)

Wed, 01/19/2011 - 18:20

Hey Anna,
im so excited about your site, and cant wait to get my project on... i have found so many things on your site that i can not wait to get into my house (1st) and start building some great stuff... thanks SO much.

i do have a question, some of the plans that i have tried to save as a PDF for future quick reference they come up blank... is there another place i can find them? Thanks again... your the super best

Sky (not verified)

Thu, 02/17/2011 - 13:04

ok i have called costco, walmart, and target, non of which will give me any pallets. some say they send them back to the distributor and some say they recycle them and another says they just dont give them away and hung up before i could say "i'll buy them" any other thoughts on where to acquire some!

joeyh

Wed, 10/29/2014 - 07:51

I get my pallets from a printing company they always have alot of them, commercial printing companies.

Jesse Bailey (not verified)

Tue, 03/01/2011 - 10:47

Sky, look on craigslist.com. Don't try major retailers -- your chances are better with smaller places that think it is a pain to deal with the pallets.

Sincerely,
Jesse

MrsD2008

Tue, 04/19/2011 - 08:13

I am hoping I can start this project this weekend!  I will need my husbands help learning how to use the tools (this will be my first attempt at building anything) so I am hoping he lets me hang out in the garage and actually use his tools.  But, when I told him about it, he said he needed to work on the truck so it could be inspected on Monday (the 25th) because it's due by the end of the month......not that he could have been doing that during his three day weekend or anything...men!

Anyway--mine are going to be for dog toys.  One will say one dogs name and the other will say the other doggies name!  And, I would like to paint mine to match my living room (vision), especially if I end up using regular wood instead of a pallet.

Question: I have never stained anything and I am nervous about that.  So I think I am going to paint these.  My brain says paint THEN stencil dogs names.  I would want the crates to be a chocolate brown and the stenciled names would be either a lighter brown or off white.  Is my brain correct?  

Harry (not verified)

Wed, 02/29/2012 - 09:08

I have been looking around for crates to be used as props, and stumbled into your blog. I love it and can't stop reading it. Thank you for sharing everything.

jRoxDesigns (not verified)

Wed, 09/12/2012 - 19:05

I LOVE your toy bin! I just picked up some wooden crates and have been looking for some ideas to turn them into toy storage and your post has given me the perfect inspiration. I wrote about your crates on my blog today for Inspiration Wednesday. I'd love for you to stop by sometime!
http://jroxdesigns.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/toy-crate-storage-inspirati…
- Amber @jRoxDesigns

javaspaces

Sun, 06/14/2020 - 21:25

Hi Ana, for whatever reason, the first 4 images of this project seem to be missing and the browser is displaying an error when I try to click on them. Could you see what might be the problem?

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!