Introduction: #DIY How to Build a Wooden Utility Cart

About: CraftyAmigo is a browser app that works perfectly on your mobile or desktop. Create 3D models or grab pre-designed ones to build anything using aluminum 8020, wood, and PVC. It's 100% free to create and save p…

DIYers! We've crafted this exquisite wooden utility cart complete with wheels, versatile enough to serve various purposes. Whether you require a stylish addition to your mini bar area, a convenient storage solution for your school supplies, or a handy organizer for your instruments and paints in a workshop - this cart has you covered!

This utility cart is made out of 2 bases of storage, with an 18-inch gap between the two shelves at the lower base. Make your own with your preferred wood -- rustic cedar, modern pine, or sturdy oak. You'll be needing 2x2" and 2x4" lumber at different lengths for this project.

Perfect for: Workshops, dining rooms, offices, restaurants, and cafes. 

Let's start with this new wooden project that will bring joy to your home!


Instructions

Before starting - 

Note that the below diagrams were originally and carefully designed to make your experience easier throughout the the building process. Nevertheless, we refrain from providing exact suggestions for tools, hardware, or products to utilize. These designs are genuinely intended for a do-it-yourself approach.

As such - the builder has the power to decide what a significant portion of the build process will be up to. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to assemble any of our projects! If you need to ignore some of the instructions, or add steps and do it differently along the way, feel free to do so. 

Our only request is for your safety. Moreover, don't hesitate to consult a professional for assistance or reach out to local experts whenever needed – seeking guidance is always a reasonable choice.

And please: enjoy the process!

Supplies

  • 4 2'' x 2'' Lumber - 32" Length Wood - Lumber
  • 4 2'' x 2'' Lumber - 17" Length Wood - Lumber
  • 8 2'' x 2'' Lumber - 33" Length Wood - Lumber
  • 4  2'' x 4'' Lumber - 33" Length Wood - Lumber
  • 4 2'' x 4'' Lumber - 17" Length Wood - Lumber
  • 14 1'' x 4'' Lumber - 17" Length Wood - Lumber

Step 1: Making the Main Frames of the Wooden Utility Cart

We will start by measuring all of our wood carefully and cutting each part as precisely as possible. Paying attention to detail will allow you to correctly fix all your lumber when reaching that step. 

Our main frames will be made of four lumber measuring 2x2" - 32" length, four 2x2" lumber - 17" length and four 2x4" lumber - 17" length. These will be the laterals of our utility cart.

Before you start cutting out all your lumber, double-check if it has the right measurements. Once all your parts are ready, with a pencil and a measuring tape, mark the longest lumber where you'll place all your smallest pieces of lumber. For the 2x4" - 17" length of lumber make sure to mark 2 points on each end of the wood. Since this lumber is wider, with two holes and screws, it will make this piece extra sturdy to support anything that needs to be stocked on the grill. 

The 2x2" lumber - 17" length can be used with just one screw. Make sure to mark the lumber in the middle. While marking and drilling, use the right bit so all lumber is assembled tightly. We recommend 2 1/2 " screws. When reaching the end of this step, both frames of your cart will be ready for the next step.

Step 2: Making the Utility Cart Side Supports

The next step consists of working with our 2x2" lumber - 33" Length and our 2x4" - 33" Length. We just built our slender side; now it's time for the broader side of our utility cart. In essence, we create a T-shaped assembly by positioning our 2x2" lumber, which is 33 inches in length, on top of the 2x4" piece, also 33 inches in length. As previously mentioned, use a pencil to mark the midpoint of your lumber. Keep in mind that the widest piece of lumber requires two screw holes, while the smallest one only needs one. Please refer to the "Group 2 Side Supports" image above. 

On the longer side of your lumber, create three markings. Begin in the center and extend towards the edges of the lumber. These points will be affixed to the middle of the width of the 2x4" lumber. These sections will provide support for the grill that will be utilized in step three. In this step, we use 2 1/2 -inch screws.

Step 3: Building Our Utility Cart Side Supports

This upcoming step is quite exciting as it involves the assembly of the main structure of our wooden project.  You should have four ready side supports- 33" Length and four of 2"X 2"Lumber - 33" Length.

Before we move on with this step, remember that safety is very important for any DIYer project. Please use gloves that protect you from nails or drills. Now, let's begin by drilling through all of the lumber and with our 2 1/2 " screws, begin to screw each piece of lumber to the main frame. Start by the T-assembles which are your side supports and place them on each corner of the frames. Then place your 2x2" lumber in the middle - 33" length.

We suggest that you work on a flat surface, like the floor, so you can have a full view of the base while fixing the posts. 

Don't forget to enjoy the process. This step holds significant importance for ensuring the cart is accurately aligned and perfectly straight.


Step 4: Grills Assembly of Our Wooden Utility Cart

Start by making sure your 1x4'' - 17'' length wood is well measured and cut with great precision. Each grill uses seven pieces of lumber, so you should have fourteen in total. These pieces will be placed on top of our T-Assemble. Mark them with a pencil and these marks will guide you on where each piece of lumber should be evenly placed. Grab the lumber with a steady grip that will prevent the piece from slipping while hammering out the nails. We recommend two nails.

If the piece doesn't fit perfectly, our advice is to use paper sand and rub off the extra wood that might be interfering with placing the parts onto the main structure.

Begin with the base, using just one nail on each extreme of the lumber. It is a good idea to use a guide in between each piece so you make sure the grill is even and has an aesthetic finish. You're almost there!! Finally, add the final details!.

Step 5: Wheels Assembly of Our Wooden Utility Cart

Guess what? This is the final step, and it's easy! 

To do this, you'll need four 3" Caster wheels. 

Position each wheel at the corners of your utility cart, taking care to mark the drill points that cover the two connections between the 2x4" and the 2x2" lumber. We suggest using a 1-inch screw bit for this task. Congratulations, you've successfully crafted your very own wooden utility cart!

Step 6: Design Your Own Wooden Utility Cart

If you want to make any adjustments to this Wooden Utility Cart 3D Model, remember you can always visit our design app for DIYers and create your own project for Wood, PVC, Aluminum, or T-Slot Aluminum.

Is there any design you would like to see? Please leave us a comment.

Thank you for reading and watching the video!