How to Make a Wooden Filing Cabinet with a Rolling Base
A wooden filing cabinet with a rolling base is a perfect addition to any home office or workshop. It provides storage for important documents while allowing easy mobility. This guide will take you through the steps to build a functional and stylish filing cabinet from scratch.
Materials and Tools Needed
Materials
- ¾-inch plywood (for the cabinet box, drawers, and top)
- ¼-inch plywood (for the drawer bottoms and back panel)
- 2-inch caster wheels (set of four)
- Drawer slides (full-extension, 18-inch or 20-inch)
- Wood screws (1 ¼-inch and ¾-inch)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
- Wood stain or paint
- Drawer handles
Tools
- Circular saw or table saw
- Jigsaw
- Drill and bits
- Clamps
- Measuring tape
- Square
- Wood filler
- Screwdriver
- Brad nailer (optional)
- Sander
Step 1: Plan and Cut Your Pieces
Before cutting, decide the size of your filing cabinet. A standard two-drawer filing cabinet is usually around 30 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 20 inches deep. Adjust dimensions based on your needs.
Cut List:
- Sides (2): ¾-inch plywood, 30″ x 16″
- Top and Bottom (2): ¾-inch plywood, 16″ x 20″
- Back Panel (1): ¼-inch plywood, 30″ x 20″
- Drawer Fronts (2): ¾-inch plywood, 14 ½” x 9 ¾”
- Drawer Sides (4): ¾-inch plywood, 18″ x 9 ¾”
- Drawer Back (2): ¾-inch plywood, 14 ½” x 9 ¾”
- Drawer Bottoms (2): ¼-inch plywood, 14 ½” x 17 ¾”
Step 2: Assemble the Cabinet Frame
- Attach the Top and Bottom Panels – Use wood glue and screws to secure the top and bottom panels between the two side panels. Ensure everything is square.
- Attach the Back Panel – Secure the ¼-inch plywood back panel using wood glue and nails or screws.
- Sand the Cabinet Frame – Smooth out rough edges using 120-grit sandpaper.
Step 3: Build the Drawers
- Assemble the Drawer Box – Attach the drawer sides to the drawer back using wood glue and screws.
- Attach the Bottom Panel – Secure the bottom panel to the drawer box using glue and brad nails or screws.
- Install Drawer Slides – Attach drawer slides to both the cabinet interior and the drawer sides.
Step 4: Attach the Drawer Fronts
- Position the Drawer Fronts – Align the fronts on the drawer boxes, leaving a slight gap (about ⅛-inch) between each drawer.
- Secure with Screws – Temporarily hold the fronts in place using clamps, then secure with screws from inside the drawer box.
- Attach Handles – Drill holes and install handles for easy opening.
Step 5: Install the Rolling Base
- Prepare the Bottom of the Cabinet – Mark the locations for the four caster wheels.
- Attach Casters – Use screws to secure each caster wheel in place. Ensure they are evenly spaced for stability.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Fill Holes and Sand – Use wood filler to cover screw holes, then sand the entire piece with 220-grit sandpaper.
- Apply Finish – Stain or paint the cabinet based on your preference. Allow it to dry completely.
Final Thoughts
Your wooden filing cabinet with a rolling base is now ready for use! This project is a great way to enhance your workspace with a custom, functional storage solution.
For more woodworking projects and expert guidance, check out Teds Woodworking Course here:
👉 Click Here to Access the Course