A DIY kitchen cart adds extra storage and workspace to your kitchen. To build one, start with a solid plan, choose quality materials, cut and assemble the frame, and give it a polished look.
A kitchen cart is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, and get-togethers, offering extra space to serve food, store essentials, and keep everything accessible. This article will guide you through each step to build your own kitchen cart.
| Project Difficulty: Intermediate Estimated Time to Complete: 6 to 12 hours Project Cost: ~$240 |
The experts at Sawdust Studios, a Missouri-based woodworking shop, highlighted several advantages of a kitchen cart. According to the company, “A kitchen cart provides extra space for food preparation, serving, or even dining. It can also help keep a kitchen organized by providing designated spaces for specific items.”
They also emphasized that a kitchen cart offers additional storage and mobility. “Drawers, shelves, and cabinets on a kitchen cart offer storage for utensils, cookware, and ingredients. In addition, the ability to move a kitchen cart around allows for flexibility in kitchen layouts and tasks,” the company explained.
Plan and Design
Start by deciding the size, style, and features you want for your kitchen cart, such as shelves, drawers, or a thick wooden countertop. Sketch a simple design with measurements and choose materials that match your kitchen’s look and functionality. Planning ahead ensures a smooth building process and helps you avoid costly mistakes.
In this article, we will guide you through building a custom kitchen cart with a drawer, a cabinet, and a shelf that is perfect for storing a microwave or other small kitchen appliances.
Supplies Needed
Materials
- 2×2 Lumber (for the legs)
- 1×2 Lumber (for the frame)
- 1/4 Plywood (for the drawer bottom)
- 1/2 Plywood (for the side and black panel)
- 3/4 Plywood ( for the countertop)
- Drawer Slides
- Hinges
- Pocket Screws
- Wood Glue
- Wood Filler
- Paint Primer
- Paint
Tools Needed
- Tape Measure
- Miter Saw
- Orbital Sander
- Pocket hole jig
- Drill/ Driver
- Bar Clamps
Pro Tip: One common mistake DIYers make when building a kitchen cart is using incorrect tools. Sawdust Studios offers this advice: “Using the appropriate tools for assembly will make the process easier and prevent damage to the cart.”
Cut the Parts
The pros at Sawdust Studios highlight that one of the most common mistakes DIYers make when building a kitchen cart is incorrect measurement. The company explained, “Taking accurate measurements is essential to ensure the cart fits properly in the kitchen and that all components align correctly.”
They also point out that proper measurements help prevent another frequent mistake—failing to level the cart. “Ensuring the cart is level will prevent it from wobbling or tipping over,” the company added.
Begin the cutting process by preparing the cart legs from 2×2 lumber. You will need to cut four pieces, each measuring 33 1/4 inches in length. Next, cut the pieces for the cabinet front and side frame. Cut four 1×2 lumber pieces, each measuring 31 inches, for the cabinet frame. Then, cut four more 1×2 lumber pieces, each measuring 15 inches.
You will need to make additional cuts during the assembly process to modify the kitchen cart, creating space for the drawer, cabinet, and shelf. Next, cut the plywood to the necessary sizes for the bottom, side, and back panels of the kitchen cart. You will make these cuts during the assembly process.
You can choose to sand these parts using an orbital sander to ensure a smooth finish and remove any rough edges or imperfections before assembling the cart.
Assembly
During assembly, use pocket screws to keep the fasteners hidden for a clean, seamless look. For added strength, apply wood glue to reinforce the connections between the parts.
Step 1: Build the Frame Assembly
Start by assembling one side of the frame. Attach the upper and lower side frame pieces to two of the legs. Repeat this process for the other side using the remaining side frame pieces and legs. Once you assemble both sides, connect them by attaching the front and back frame pieces to complete the frame structure.
Step 2: Cut and Install the Base Panel
To cut the base panel, first measure the space above the lower frame assembly where it will be installed. Then, use a circular saw to cut a ½-inch thick plywood piece to the required dimensions.
To ensure the base panel fits correctly, use a jigsaw to cut notches into the corners of the plywood, allowing it to fit around the cart legs.
Step 3: Cut and Attach the Side Panel on One Side Only
Install the side panel on just one side of the cart, as this will form the mini cabinet section. Begin by measuring the side and cutting a ½-inch-thick plywood piece to the correct size. Once cut, secure the plywood in place using pocket screws and wood glue.
Step 4: Divide the Kitchen Cart into Two Sections
Next, divide the kitchen cart into two sections. One side will be designated for the cabinet door, while the other side will remain open, providing space for a drawer at the top and two shelves below.
Begin by cutting two vertical 1×2 frames to match the distance between the upper frame and the base panel. Install them using pocket screws and wood glue. Then, cut a horizontal 1×2 frame to connect the two vertical frames at the top, securing it to the upper frame assembly.
The cabinet’s width, from left to right, should measure 10 1/2 inches, while you should allocate 20 1/2 inches for the drawer and shelves. Cut four 1×2 vertical frames to divide the drawer from the two shelves. You will position the drawer at the top, with the two shelves below. You can decide the exact placement of the divisions based on your preferences.
Step 5: Install the Back Panel and Drawer Slides
You will install the back panel only on the mini-cabinet section of the kitchen cart. The other side, designated for the drawer and shelf, will remain open. Start by measuring the area where you will install the back panel. Then, cut a ½-inch thick plywood panel to size using a circular saw. Once cut, attach the panel with pocket screws and reinforce it with glue.
Next, cut two pieces of lumber to serve as supports for the drawer slides. Attach one to each side of the designated drawer space. Once secured, proceed with installing the drawer slides onto the supports.
Step 6: Build the Drawer and Install the Base Panel for the Shelves
The size of your drawer will depend on the space you have allocated for it. Begin by cutting ¼-inch plywood for all four sides. Then, assemble the drawer using glue. Since gluing the sides can be tricky, use clamps to hold them in place while the glue dries.
After assembling the sides, use the frame to measure the bottom panel’s size. Cut a piece of plywood to match these dimensions. Then, attach the bottom panel to the assembled sides using glue.
For the shelves below the drawer, start by measuring the dimensions of the two base panels. Once measured, cut the panels from plywood and install them in place. To ensure a proper fit around the cart legs, trim the corners of each panel as needed.
Step 7: Create and Install the Countertop
To create the countertop, start by cutting a 3/4-inch thick plywood panel to the dimensions of the top of your kitchen cart. Make sure the edges are smooth and even. Once the plywood is cut to size, position it on top of the cart frame. Secure the countertop by attaching it with wood screws from the underside, making sure the fasteners are hidden for a clean look.
Finishing Touches
This step includes installing the countertop, painting the cabinet, adding the wheels, and attaching the ready-made door and drawer fronts. Additionally, ensure that the paint color matches the door and drawer fronts for a cohesive look.
For the painting process, start by preparing the surface of your kitchen cabinet cart. Fill any gaps or imperfections with wood filler, then sand the entire cart for a smooth finish. Apply a coat of primer and let it dry completely.
Once dry, lightly sand the surface before applying the first coat of paint. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then apply a second coat for full coverage. Let the final coat dry completely before installing the door and drawer fronts.
Finally, to install wheels on your DIY kitchen cart, choose heavy-duty locking casters for stability and mobility. Mark and drill pilot holes at the bottom of each cart leg, then attach the casters using screws. Once all four wheels are securely in place, test the cart by rolling it and ensuring the locking mechanism works properly.
Building a DIY kitchen cart can be rewarding, but if you struggle with precise cuts, drawer installation, or achieving a smooth finish, or if you are not yet confident in your woodworking skills, it may be best to call an expert.
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Read more: 6 Ideas to Make the Most of a Kitchen Cart
Main Photo Credit: Ixepop / Adobe Stock
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