Smaller Rolling Cart for Home Depot DIH Workshop

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Beginner Projects
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Free DIY plans to build small modern rolling storage cart - ana-white.com

DISCLOSURE - I'm super excited to partner with The Home Depot to host and design plans for the DIH Workshop. I am being compensated for my work, but all opinions, giddy squeals and enthusiasm are my own.

I can hardly wait!!!

Tomorrow night (Thursday, August 21, 2014), from 6:30-8:00, is the Home Depot DIH Workshop - Rolling Storage Cart!!!

I'll be hosting the Midtown Atlanta Home Depot Workshop in person!  Yep, we flown across the world, to get to build with you Atlanta folks!  

As part of this workshop, I've been asked to build my own custom version of this cart.  

But before we get to my version, let's enjoy the versions made by some of my blog friends, who will also be hosting this workshop in their local areas:

- Whitney and Ashley of Shanty 2 Chic will be at the Live Oak Home Depot in San Antonio.  I love their stained version with hooks and handles!

- Brook Ulrich of All Things Thrifty will be at the West Valley City Home Depot in Salt Lake City.  Brooke added pink shelves and hardware at the corners for kitchen storage as well.

- Mallory and Savanah of Classy Clutter will be at the Strongsville Home Depot in Cleveland.  I love the blue and chalkboard shelf on their beverage cart variation.

And don't forget - a few more of my blog friends will be hosting this workshop at their local Home Depots:

- Randi of Dukes and Duchesses will at the North Ft. Worth Home Depot in Ft. Worth

- Kim of Too Much Time on My Hands will be at the Brighton Home Depot in Denver

- Kelly Rowe of Live, Laugh, Rowe will be the Edwardsville Home Depot in the St. Louis area

And of course, at all Home Depots across the country, the workshop will be held by knowledgeable associates, so please register and join in on the fun!

I can't wait to see the variations you all come up with!!!!!  Please share!

And now for my version ....

I decided to go smaller in overall size (the shelf bottoms are 1x12s, 24" long)

And instead of the two "ladder" end pieces, as done on the larger cart, I decide on just one, but rotated to run lengthwise.

Was going for a mint green color, but it ended up more of a turquoise, 

And I kinda love it.

I had intended to use it as a narrow end table.  

You know, to roll into that awkward space between the wall and the sofa.

But we all know what really happened to it.

That is my fault.  The girl loves anything turquoise.  I should have known!

This cart was so easy to build.

After cutting all the boards (plans and cut list follow)

I marked both ends at the same time with a square (marking where the "ladder" rung pieces tie into the sides).

Then I just used my Kreg Jig to make pocket holes and attach the "rungs" to the end pieces.  (You could also use countersunk screws too).

That's the main ladder piece.  Now I just have to make the three shelves.

A little glue,

And I nailed 1x3 around the outsides of the shelves.

Then I placed the shelves inside the "ladder"

Centered them up,

And secured in place with screws.

After paint and hardware,

She's ready to roll!!!

I spent about $25 on lumber and casters (I'd recommend better casters than those ones) for this cute little solid wood cart! 

Check out the plans following!

And make sure you register to join us tomorrow night for the Home Depot DIH Rolling Storage Cart Workshop!

XO Ana + Family

Dimensions
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

4 - 1x3 boards, 8 feet long
1 - 1x12 board, 6 feet long
1-1/4" pocket hole screws (12)
1-1/4" finish nails
1-1/4" screws (for attach shelves to frame - could also use pocket hole screws)
wood glue
4 caster wheels

Cut List

3 - 1x12 @ 23-1/2"
6 - 1x3 @ 23-1/2"
6 - 1x3 @ 12-3/4" (measure and cut these to fit after step 1)
2 - 1x3 @ 26-1/4"
3 - 1x3 @ 25" (measure and cut to fit after step 2)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

I recommend doing the shelves first (lessons learned!) so you can measure the shelf, and make the ladder frame piece to fit. So attach 1x3s to the sides of the 1x12s with glue and 1-1/4" nails or staples.

Pocket hole lovers can also attach from underside with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.

Step 2

Measure and cut to fit the side 1x3s, and attach as you did in step 1.

Step 3

Measure the length of the shelves, and cut the 3 - 1x3 "rungs" to this length (I'd cut a hair longer so it's easy to slide your shelves in.

Construct the frame.

Step 4

Position the shelves inside the frame, and attach on underside with 1-1/4" screws and glue. I also attached to side frame with nails and glue for added support.

Step 5

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

Ltrain266

Wed, 08/20/2014 - 11:18

Signed up for the class here in Stockton, CA. Can't wait to share my pic when my cart is all done!! Thanks for the opportunity to build something new!!

Guerrina

Thu, 08/21/2014 - 10:58

Signed up locally here in Waterford, CT. Always enjoy these workshops with a couple friends - our monthly Girls Night Out! Hoping they let us make a few of the full size ones! Frustratingly, they often have us make a few of whatever is planned in groups and then pull names to see who receives or they really downsize the product plan.

Nermie

Thu, 08/21/2014 - 19:49

At my first Home Depot workshop and we ladies are loving it! Thank U for a wonderful, versatile design.

Now to add power tools to all of my wish lists -- Christmas, B-day, and Mother's Day!

Mary Helen

Fri, 08/22/2014 - 13:05

I had been super excited about attending this class all month. Sadly I was the only one that attended the workshop in Houston, TX. Sad :-( The instructor was super nice but not prepared for giving the class. He said they had asked him at the last minute to do the class. I was hoping to see the cart being made as he taught the class. Good thing I know how to follow instruction and will attempt to make the cart on my own.

moonhopping

Tue, 08/26/2014 - 10:22

I was so excited for this project. At 39 week pregnant I made darn sure not to be in labor. Come heck or high water nothing was keeping me from going. And the high water part was real, on my way to my local HD we had a flash flood warning. My poor hubby forgot I was going and agreed to work late. So after he barely survived making a pregnant woman mad I paid the $20 for a baby sitter and was on my way. I get to the store and they didn't have the workshop, just the cart on display. I am so upset, all I got from the 4 people I spoke to both in the store and at the corporate head quarters is oh its some one else job. But I think this will be one of my first projects once I can use my power tools again. I need 4 of these to store all my crafting building and sewing toys.

Ana White

Tue, 08/26/2014 - 14:29

Hi Moonhopping, I am so sorry to hear of about your experience. So much good comes of these workshops, and so many stores go above and beyond, but unfortunately, a few isolated stores may fall short. I am so sorry to hear yours was one of these stores. Please accept my deepest apologies. Ana

Kelly M

Wed, 09/03/2014 - 12:17

Hello Ana,

This is a great cart, and I love the teal!  However, what really caught my eye was the media stand in the background of your photos.  Is that something that you've built and have plans for?  I wasn't able to find the plans on your site and I was hoping you could share them if you have them!

 

Thanks!

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!