How to Build a Storage Cabinet on Wheels

Wheels make storage much more functional.

No matter what size home or garage someone owns, there is never enough space. The key to maximizing your area is to organize it with convenient storage options. Usually, storage is pushed against a wall and stays in one place. A full storage cabinet pushed against the wall can be difficult to move. A storage cabinet is a handy tool, especially when that cabinet has casters to make moving around simple.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Plywood
• Circular or table saw
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• 1 box of wood screws
• 4 multidirectional casters
• 4 hinges (if desired)
• Hand sander
• Paint or stain
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Measure the height, depth and width of the space you have or the biggest item that you need to store. Record the measurements.

2. Sketch a diagram of the cabinet with the measurements recorded. Decide whether you need doors over the cabinet or you want to leave it open. For example, make a cabinet that is 3 feet tall, 1 foot deep and 3 feet wide.

3. Transfer these measurements to the sheet of plywood. For example, the cabinet needs a top and bottom piece, each 3 feet long and 1 foot deep; two side pieces that are 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide; and one piece that is 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide for the back. For doors for the cabinet, cut one piece 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide, and then cut it in half.

4. Place the back piece flat on the work surface. Run a bead of wood glue along the right side of the piece on the top side of the wood. Place one of the side pieces on the glue, and press into the glue. Line the side board so that the top and bottom are even and the backside of the board is flush with the edge of the back piece.

5. Secure the wood with clamps and turn of its side. Drill pilot holes along the length of the board every six inches, and attach with screws.

6. Repeat for the other side of the cabinet.

7. Attach the top and bottom of the cabinet the same way, screwing them into the back piece and both side pieces.

8. Allow the unit to dry for about six to 12 hours.

9. Line one caster to a corner on the bottom part of the cabinet. Use a pencil to mark the location of the screw holes. Repeat for each corner. Large cabinets could benefit from at least one caster in the middle of the cabinet.

10. Drill pilot holes at each pencil mark on the underside of the cabinet, and attach the casters with screws.

11. Place the doors on top of the cabinet, while the cabinet is still lying on its side, and adjust the doors until they line up with each side and are level.

12. Place the hinges on the doors so that one side is on the door and the other is on the side of the cabinet and the hinge will swing outward. Space the hinges evenly with at least two on each door. Mark the locations of the screw holes with a pencil.

13. Drill very shallow pilot holes into the wood at each pencil mark, and attach the hinges to the cabinet with the included screws.

14. Stand the cabinet upright, and sand all the edges with a hand sander.

15. Paint or stain as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Make these cabinets to your space needs. You can also add shelving or leave off the doors depending on your needs.

• The amount of plywood needed will depend on the overall size of the cabinet. For the example cabinet, you need two sheets of 3/4-inch plywood.

References

• "Popular Mechanics"; How to Build the Ultimate Mobile Storage Cabinet; January 2011
• Sue Witty: Building a Garage Storage Cabinet
• "The Family Handyman Magazine"; Installing Large Garage Cabinets; September 2003

Resources

• The Gundersens: Rolling Tool Cabinet