How to make a wooden rolling kitchen cart with a towel bar

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by

Bernardo Palos
in

Creating a wooden rolling kitchen cart with a towel bar can be a fun and functional DIY project. Not only does it offer extra storage space in your kitchen, but it also helps to keep your towels easily accessible. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own wooden rolling kitchen cart with a towel bar.

Materials Needed:

  • Wood (Pine, Oak, or any hardwood of your choice)
  • Wood screws (2″ and 1″ screws)
  • Wood glue
  • Rolling casters (4)
  • Towel bar hardware (you can purchase a towel bar or make one using a wooden dowel)
  • Measuring tape
  • Circular saw or hand saw
  • Drill and bits
  • Sandpaper or power sander
  • Wood finish or paint
  • Clamps

Tools Needed:

  • Saw (Circular or Hand Saw)
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Wood glue
  • Measuring tape
  • Sandpaper or a power sander
  • Paint or finish (optional)

Step 1: Plan Your Design and Measurements

Before you start cutting wood, you need to design your cart and decide on the dimensions. A typical rolling kitchen cart could be around 36 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 18 inches deep, but you can customize the size depending on your space and storage needs.

Here’s a basic layout of the cart:

  • Top shelf: This will be the flat surface of the cart where you can place kitchen items like spices, appliances, or even a small countertop.
  • Side panels: These will help form the structure of the cart and hold everything together.
  • Towel Bar: This will be attached to one of the side panels for easy towel hanging.

You can adjust the number of shelves as per your requirement.

Step 2: Cut Your Wood Pieces

Once you have the dimensions ready, cut your wood into the following pieces:

  • Top Shelf: One piece, 24” x 18”
  • Side Panels: Two pieces, 36” x 18”
  • Bottom Shelf/Support Panels: Two pieces, 18” x 18” (for the bottom shelf), and two smaller pieces, 18” x 3” for the supports.
  • Towel Bar: One piece of wooden dowel or a metal bar about 12” to 18” long.

Use a circular saw or hand saw for cutting the pieces. Make sure to measure carefully to ensure the cuts are accurate.

Step 3: Assemble the Cart Frame

Start by assembling the basic frame of the cart. Attach the side panels to the top shelf using wood screws and wood glue. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Apply wood glue along the edge of one of the side panels.
  2. Position the top shelf so it aligns with the top of the side panel.
  3. Secure the pieces together using 2” screws. Drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood.
  4. Repeat this process for the other side panel, making sure everything is squared.

Next, attach the bottom shelf support panels by securing them inside the frame, about 3” from the bottom. These will provide additional support for the bottom shelf.

Step 4: Add the Bottom Shelf

Now that the frame is assembled, you can add the bottom shelf.

  1. Position the bottom shelf onto the support panels.
  2. Use wood glue and screws to secure the shelf in place.

If you are using any additional shelves for extra storage, repeat this step for each shelf.

Step 5: Install the Rolling Casters

Rolling casters make the cart easy to move around your kitchen. Install the casters on the bottom corners of the cart by following these steps:

  1. Choose the appropriate size of casters for your cart. Ensure they are sturdy enough to support the weight of the cart and its contents.
  2. Drill holes into each corner of the cart’s base, aligning them with the holes in the casters.
  3. Secure each caster using screws, ensuring that they are firmly in place.

If you want the cart to be stationary at times, you can use locking casters for added stability.

Step 6: Install the Towel Bar

Now it’s time to add the towel bar. If you’re using a metal bar, you can simply attach it using brackets. For a wooden dowel towel bar:

  1. Drill two small holes in one of the side panels where you want to attach the towel bar.
  2. Insert a wooden dowel or any cylindrical object (about 12” to 18” in length) through the holes.
  3. Use small screws or dowel pins to secure the ends of the dowel, ensuring it doesn’t slip out.

The towel bar should be low enough for easy access to towels but high enough so they don’t touch the ground.

Step 7: Sand and Finish the Cart

To give your cart a smooth finish, sand the entire structure, focusing on any rough edges or surfaces. If you’re using a power sander, start with a medium-grit paper and finish with a fine-grit paper for a smooth surface.

Once sanded, you can stain, paint, or finish your cart. Choose a wood finish that matches your kitchen decor or go for a paint that complements the rest of your furniture.

Step 8: Final Touches

Once the cart is finished and dry, you can add any additional touches:

  • You could add a handle on one side to make it easier to move the cart around.
  • Consider placing a protective pad or felt under the casters to avoid damaging the floor.
  • Organize the shelves with kitchen tools, utensils, or condiments.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve built your rolling kitchen cart with a towel bar, you have a functional, movable, and stylish addition to your kitchen. This DIY project can be customized in many ways depending on the materials, size, and design features you choose. Whether you’re using it for additional counter space or extra storage, it will be a handy piece in your kitchen.

For more woodworking projects and detailed plans, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.

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