FindWoodPlansWoodworking Plans

Ultimate Lumber and Plywood Storage Cart

We've been planning on building a dedicated wood shop for years. An awesome Build Cave just for creating projects out of wood.

Ultimate Lumber and Plywood Storage Cart

Specifications

Project typeOther Projects
RoomOutdoor
DifficultyIntermediate

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Ultimate Lumber and Plywood Storage Cart dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

11 - 2x4 @ 8 feet

5 - 2x4 @ 10 feet (cut 60" long wall pieces from these)

4 - 1x4 or 1x3 boards

2 sheets of 1/2" plywood (can be construction grade)

1 sheet of 3/4" plywood or 1x material for scrap wood bins, top shelf

4 Heavy Duty Caster Wheels

Cut List

BASE

2 - 2x4 @ 96"

5 - 2x4 @ 45"

WALLS

10 - 2x4 @ 60"

4 - 2x4 @ 96"

FLOOR

2 - 1/2" plywood @ 96" x 14-1/2"

1 - 1/2" plywood @ 96" x 12"

CROSS SUPPORTS

4 - 1x4 @ 25-1/2" (both ends cut at 45 degrees, not parallel, long point to long point measurement

TOP

1 - 1/2" plywood @ 19" x 96"

2 - 1x4 @ 96"

2 - 1x4 @ 20-1/2"

SCRAP WOOD BIN

1 - 1/2" plywood @ 36" x 96" (cut from same piece as 12" strip below)

1 - 1/2" plywood @ 12" x 96" (cut from same piece as 36" strip above)

4 - 3/4" plywood 13" x 25" tapered down to 12" on one side at 45 degree angle

dividers can be cut from 1x boards or 3/4" plywood

*can use 1x3s instead of 1x4s

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • hearing protection
  • drill
  • circular saw
  • compound miter saw

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Screw together the base with either 2-1/2" screws or pocket holes (1-1/2" setting and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws). Adjust for square. I'd add the caster wheels at this stage as it will get super awkward to add after this step.

Ultimate Lumber and Plywood Storage Cart — step 1
2

Step 2

Build the walls and then attach to top of floor framing. You'll need to screw at an angle to attach to the floor studs.

Ultimate Lumber and Plywood Storage Cart — step 2
3

Step 3

Place plywood between the walls. Screw down with 1-1/2" screws.

Ultimate Lumber and Plywood Storage Cart — step 3
4

Step 4

Add cross bracing to keep the walls square. Screw on with 1-1/2" screws.

Ultimate Lumber and Plywood Storage Cart — step 4
5

Step 5

Ultimate Lumber and Plywood Storage Cart — step 5
6

Step 6

For additional support, I also screwed 1x4s around the top. I use the top for storing smaller pieces of plywood as well.

Ultimate Lumber and Plywood Storage Cart — step 6
7

Step 7

The scrap wood bins are actually pretty easy to make - just cut the four side/divider pieces with the angled top out of a strip of plywood. Then attach the front and back to those strips. And then add dividers in between. Super simple.

Ultimate Lumber and Plywood Storage Cart — step 7
8

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/ultimate-lumber-and-plywood-storage-cart