How to Build a Wooden Craft Storage Unit with Pull-Out Bins
Crafting is an enjoyable hobby, but one of the challenges every crafter faces is keeping their tools and materials organized. A wooden craft storage unit with pull-out bins offers an ideal solution. It provides you with easy access to your materials and helps maintain an organized workspace. In this guide, we will walk through the steps to build a simple yet functional wooden craft storage unit with pull-out bins.
Materials and Tools Required
Before starting, gather all the materials and tools you’ll need. This project is beginner-friendly, but having everything on hand will make the process smoother.
Materials:
- 1/2 inch plywood (for the sides, back, and shelves)
- 1/4 inch plywood or MDF (for the pull-out bin bottoms)
- Wood screws (1 1/2 inches)
- Drawer slides (12 or 14-inch, depending on the size of your bins)
- Wood glue
- Wood filler (optional)
- Sandpaper
- Stain or paint (optional)
Tools:
- Table saw or circular saw
- Drill with screwdriver bits
- Measuring tape
- Square
- Clamps
- Hammer (if using nails for reinforcement)
- Screwdriver
Step 1: Plan and Measure the Storage Unit
Before cutting any wood, decide on the dimensions of your storage unit. The overall size will depend on how many bins you want to store and how large your craft supplies are. A good starting point for a craft storage unit might be around 36 inches wide, 24 inches high, and 16 inches deep.
- Width: This will depend on how many bins you need. Each bin can be about 12 inches wide. Adjust the number of bins accordingly.
- Height: Consider the available space and how tall you want your storage unit. The height should also account for the pull-out bins.
- Depth: Typically, craft supplies don’t require excessive depth, so 12-16 inches is a good depth for your bins.
Once you’ve settled on your dimensions, sketch out the design of your storage unit, including the dimensions of each pull-out bin and the space for the drawer slides.
Step 2: Cut the Pieces for the Unit
Use your table saw or circular saw to cut the plywood pieces based on the measurements you’ve determined. Here are the pieces you’ll need:
- Two side panels: Cut two pieces of plywood that are 24 inches high and 16 inches deep.
- Top and bottom panels: These should be cut to 36 inches wide and 16 inches deep.
- Back panel: Cut a piece to 36 inches wide and 24 inches high.
- Shelf panels: If you’re creating multiple rows of bins, cut the appropriate number of shelf pieces to the width and depth of your unit.
For the pull-out bins:
- Bin sides: Cut four pieces, each 12 inches wide and 8 inches high (adjust the height if you want taller bins).
- Bin bottoms: Cut four pieces, each 12 inches wide and 16 inches deep.
- Bin backs: Cut four pieces, each 12 inches wide and 8 inches high.
Step 3: Assemble the Storage Unit Frame
Begin by assembling the main frame of your storage unit. Attach the side panels to the top and bottom panels using wood glue and screws. Use clamps to hold the panels in place while drilling pilot holes for the screws. If desired, reinforce the joints with corner brackets.
- Attach the sides to the top and bottom: Apply wood glue along the edges and secure them with screws.
- Install the back panel: Attach the back panel to the unit, ensuring it’s flush with the sides and bottom. Again, use screws to secure it in place.
Step 4: Add the Shelves
Next, install the shelves inside the storage unit. These will hold the pull-out bins. To install the shelves:
- Measure and mark the positions for the shelves: Depending on how many bins you plan to have, mark evenly spaced shelf positions.
- Cut shelf supports: Cut small support pieces of wood to fit under each shelf.
- Install the shelves: Attach each shelf to the supports using screws or wood glue.
Step 5: Build the Pull-Out Bins
Now, let’s build the pull-out bins. The bins are typically made of four sides and a bottom.
- Assemble the sides of each bin: Use wood glue to attach the bin sides to the back piece of the bin. Once the glue dries, secure with screws.
- Attach the bin bottom: Apply glue to the edges of the bin bottom and attach it to the assembled sides and back.
- Smooth the edges: Sand all edges to remove any roughness.
Step 6: Install the Drawer Slides
To ensure the bins can pull in and out smoothly, you’ll need to install drawer slides.
- Attach the slides to the bins: Measure the length of the drawer slides and attach them to the sides of each bin using screws.
- Install the tracks inside the unit: Mount the other half of the slides on the inside of the storage unit, making sure they line up with the slides on the bins.
Step 7: Finish the Unit
Now that the pull-out bins are functioning, you can finish the storage unit.
- Sand the entire structure: Use medium-grit sandpaper to smooth all surfaces. If you want a more polished finish, use fine-grit sandpaper.
- Apply stain or paint: If desired, stain or paint the unit for a more polished, decorative look. Let it dry thoroughly.
Step 8: Add the Bins and Organize
Once everything is assembled and finished, place the pull-out bins into the unit. You now have a practical and efficient wooden storage unit that allows you to organize your craft supplies in a convenient way.
Conclusion
Building a wooden craft storage unit with pull-out bins is a relatively simple DIY project that will help you keep your crafting materials organized and easily accessible. The project not only enhances the functionality of your workspace but can also be customized to fit the style and size of your craft area.
If you enjoy woodworking and are looking for more projects, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course for detailed plans and instructions to help you build even more amazing woodworking projects.