Inspire Your Next DIY Project
Creating your own furniture can be a deeply rewarding experience. The sense of accomplishment from building something with your own hands is unparalleled. Our DIY 4×4 Tote Storage Rack, constructed entirely from easy-to-source 2×4 lumber, is the perfect project for both novice and experienced woodworkers. Imagine transforming your garage into an organized haven where every tote has its place. This project not only enhances the aesthetics of your space but also boosts its functionality.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American moves 11.4–11.7 times in their lifetime. This frequent moving requires efficient packing and unpacking solutions. Using a storage system like the DIY 4×4 Tote Storage Rack, combined with the ToteScan system, can make these moves significantly less stressful. The ToteScan system offers a way to organize and track your belongings effortlessly, ensuring that your items are always easy to find and access.
Benefits of Using the ToteScan System with the Rack:
- Enhanced Organization: Scan and add items to labeled totes, reducing chaos during moves.
- Efficient Space Use: Uniform totes maximize storage space.
- Easy Accessibility: Prevent items from getting lost in the back of storage units.
- Quick Searches: In the Totescan application, key word and image search features make locating items hassle-free.
- Vertical Space Utilization: Make full use of vertical space in garages.
- Durability: Totes are more resilient than cardboard boxes.
- Reliable Labeling: Durable labels stay intact, unlike paper labels.
- Manageable Weight: Uniform totes ensure items are evenly distributed.
- Reusability: Totes withstand multiple moves, ideal for frequent movers.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Provides a clean, organized appearance.
About the DIY 4x4 Tote Storage Rack
This 4×4 Tote Storage Rack is designed to hold sixteen 27-gallon totes, making it an ideal solution for organizing your garage or workshop. The rack is built entirely out of 2×4 lumber, which is readily available at home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and others. Featuring straightforward joints, it’s sturdy, easy to assemble, and attaches securely to your wall, ensuring stability and durability.
Features and Specifications:
- Dimensions: The rack measures 65-7/16″ tall, 30-1/4″ deep, and 91-3/8″ wide, providing ample space for 16 totes.
- Materials: Made from accessible 2×4 lumber, which can be sourced from most home improvement stores, and even reclaimed wood can be used.
- Design: The rack’s design allows for easy access to each tote, making it simple to retrieve and store items.
- Compatibility: I offer other designs and variations of the plan, and they integrate well together. They can be joined to make the perfect organized garage.
Why Buy the DIY Plan PDF?
When you download our DIY plan PDF, you get more than just instructions. You get a comprehensive guide that makes the building process smooth and enjoyable.
What You Get:
- Step-by-Step Written Instructions: Each step is clearly explained, making the process easy to follow, even for beginners.
- Step-by-Step Diagrams: Visual learners will appreciate our detailed diagrams that accompany each step.
- Tools List: A complete list of all the tools you’ll need, ensuring you have everything before you start.
- Materials List: Know exactly what you need to purchase, saving you time and ensuring you get the right materials.
- Lumber Shopping List: A detailed list that makes shopping for 2×4 lumber straightforward.
- Lumber Cut List: Precise measurements for each piece of lumber, reducing waste and saving you money.
- Color-Coded Diagrams: These make it easy to understand where each piece fits, eliminating confusion and ensuring accuracy.
- Beginner-Friendly Design: Our plans are designed with beginners in mind but also offer a rewarding challenge for more experienced woodworkers.
By purchasing our DIY plan, you’re investing in a project that will not only enhance your space but also your skills. Our guides are meticulously crafted to ensure your success and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Building your own 4×4 Tote Storage Rack is a fantastic way to organize your garage while honing your woodworking skills. Our comprehensive PDF guide provides everything you need to succeed, from clear instructions to detailed diagrams. Embrace the joy of DIY and transform your space today.
Download the plan now and start building your own storage solution. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll have a functional and beautiful tote rack in no time. Happy building!
Time to build
(varies with experience)
Cost
Estimated cost: About $90 for the rack, and the totes will cost approximately $160, bringing the total to $250. (Note: Prices may fluctuate.)
Skill level required
Beginner
Download The PDF Plan
DIY 27 Gallon Tote Storage Rack Plans (4x4).
What is included in the PDF download?
-Step-by-Step Written Instructions
-Detailed Images
-Cut List
-Lumber Shopping List
-Materials List
-Tools List
-Project Estimates
DIY 27 Gallon Tote Storage Rack (4x4) Dimensions
Recommend Tools & Materials
Available with the purchase of the DIY plan PDF.
Lumber Shopping/Cut List
Available with the purchase of the DIY plan PDF.
Step 1: Build the Rectangular Frames
First, you’ll need to build the rectangular frames for the face and back of the rack. These frames will serve as the backbone of the rack and house all the totes, so they need to be very sturdy.
Sub-step 1.1: Prepare the Lumber
- Gather Materials:
- Two 66-7/8 inch 2×4 lumber pieces.
- Four 80-11/16 inch 2×4 lumber pieces.
- Cut the Lumber:
- Ensure all pieces are cut to the correct lengths.
Sub-step 1.2: Assemble the Frame
Lay Out the Frame:
- Lay the two 91-3/8 inch pieces parallel to each other.
- Space the five 62-7/16 inch pieces evenly between the two longer pieces, as shown in the diagram.
Attach the Pieces:
- Apply wood glue to the ends of the 62-7/16 inch pieces.
- Secure each joint with 3.5 inch long screws.
- Tip: Use a countersink drill bit to ensure the screws sit flush and to prevent the wood from splitting. Always predrill the holes.
Sub-step 1.3: Reinforce the Corners
Add Corner Braces:
- Attach four 6-inch flat corner braces to the corners of the rectangular frame.
- Recommended Product: Use “10 Pcs 6″ Black Flat Corner Brace, L Right Angle Bracket Flat Mending Plate” from Amazon, as their predrilled holes are well-positioned for this application.
Secure the Braces:
- Follow the instructions provided with the corner braces to securely attach them to the corners of the frame.
Sub-step 1.4: Build the Second Frame
- Repeat the Process:
- Follow sub-steps 1.1 to 1.3 to build a second identical frame.
Tips for Assembly
Planing and Sanding:
- If you choose to plane the pieces, avoid planing off more than 1/8 inch from each side to prevent issues with the tote fitting. Sand the rest for a smooth finish.
Use a Speed Square:
- Ensure all joints are at right angles by using a speed square during assembly.
Measure Diagonally:
- To ensure the frame is square, measure the distance diagonally from corner to corner. Both diagonal measurements should be equal. If they are not, adjust the frame until they are. This ensures the rectangle is perfectly rectangular and even.
Countersinking:
- Use a countersink drill bit to make sure screws sit flush and to prevent wood splitting. Predrilling holes is crucial for a strong joint.
Step 2: Attach the Tote Supports
Next, you’ll need to attach all the tote supports. These are the 2×4 lumber pieces that will hold up the totes. Proper spacing is crucial to ensure everything fits perfectly.
Sub-step 2.1: Prepare Spacers
Gather Materials:
- Scrap plywood or wood pieces.
- Cutting tools.
Cut the Spacers:
- Yellow Spacer: Cut one piece to 10-7/16 inches x 30-1/4 inches.
- Teal Spacer: Cut one piece to 11-15/16 inches x 30-1/4 inches.
Optional: If you don’t have plywood, you can use a speed square or other scrap wood pieces cut to the correct lengths.
Sub-step 2.2: Cut the Tote Supports
Gather Materials:
- Thirty 28-1/4 inch long 2×4 lumber pieces.
Optional: Trim the ends at 45 degrees for a decorative finish (this step is not required).
Sub-step 2.3: Attach the Tote Supports to the First Frame
Position the First Frame:
- Lay one of the rectangular frames flat on your work surface.
Attach the First Row of Tote Supports:
- Use the yellow spacer to position the first row of tote supports.
- Apply wood glue to the ends of each tote support.
- Secure the supports to the frame with 2.5 inch long screws.
Attach Subsequent Rows:
- Switch to the teal spacer for the remaining rows.
- Repeat the process of applying glue and securing with screws.
- Continue until you have attached a total of five rows (one with the yellow spacer and four with the teal spacer).
Sub-step 2.4: Attach the Second Frame
Prepare to Attach the Second Frame:
- There are two methods to do this:
- Method 1: Flip the entire assembly (the first frame with the attached supports) onto the second frame.
- Method 2: Place the second frame directly on top of the first frame with the attached supports. This method may require wood clamps to hold everything in place.
- There are two methods to do this:
Attach the Second Frame:
- Apply wood glue to all areas where the second frame will join with the supports.
- In this example I have chosen method 2.
- Position the second frame on top, aligning it carefully.
- Use wood clamps to hold everything in place.
- Secure the second frame with 2.5 inch screws, ensuring all connections are tight.
- Wipe off any excess glue.
Step 3: Secure the Tote Rack to the Wall
Now it’s crucial to securely attach the tote rack to the wall to ensure safety, especially if you have kids. A movable rack can be extremely dangerous. Properly securing the rack will prevent accidents and provide stability.
Sub-step 3.1: Prepare for Wall Attachment
Gather Materials:
- 2×4 L-angle strong ties.
- Screws appropriate for your wall type (wood screws for studs, masonry screws for concrete walls).
- Stud finder.
- Drill.
Locate Wall Studs:
- Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs where you will attach the rack.
- Mark the stud locations on the wall. In modern homes, studs are typically 16 inches apart on center, but this can vary in older homes up to 24 inches apart.
Sub-step 3.2: Attach L-Angle Strong Ties
Position the Rack:
- Move the tote rack to its final location against the wall.
Attach the L-Angle Strong Ties:
- Place the L-angle strong ties at the top of the rack, aligning them with the wall studs.
- Use a pencil to mark the holes for drilling.
Drill Pilot Holes:
- Drill pilot holes into the marked locations on the wall studs. This helps prevent the wood from splitting and ensures a secure fit.
Secure the Rack to the Wall:
- Align the L-angle strong ties with the pilot holes.
- Insert screws through the strong ties into the wall studs, using a drill to secure them tightly.
Sub-step 3.3: Double-Check Security
- Ensure Stability:
- Verify that the rack is securely attached and does not move.
- Double-check all connections to ensure the screws are tight and the rack is stable.
