DIY Slim Rolling Laundry Cart {Free Plans}

When we moved into our new house the option to do laundry was available either in the mudroom (and 8’ by 6’ room) or downstairs in the basement. Neither was ideal but I knew for sure the mudroom wasn’t an option. I overhauled that space already and created built-in lockers, which is much more functional for our family. And while I would love to move the laundry room to the top floor that is going to cost thousands. So at this point, the basement it is. The bringing laundry up and down two floors hasn’t been fun but I have gotten used to it. The washer and dryer are behind bi-fold doors and all the pipes are showing behind it. Pair that with some awesome green marble and white stick floor tiles and you have yourself the epitome of ugly. However, right now isn’t the time for TLC to this area. Right now I just need some functionality. So building a slim rolling cart to sit in between the washer and dryer was just what I needed.

Since there are no drawers or shelves down here I have been storing everything on top of the dryer. So I am always having to move stuff around in order to clean out the lint trap. I had plenty of room between the washer and dryer to have a rolling laundry cart between them. The ones I saw online were between 6” and 8” wide. Since I had more available space to me I decided to build my own. This cart is 11.5” wide. Of course, these plans can easily be made with 1 x 10” (9.5” in total width) or 1” x 8” (7.5”) stock lumber if your area is narrower. This project is suitable for a beginner who has used a Kreg Jig before. Plus this is also a super versatile cart you could also make for an office, kitchen, art studio, etc., to store various supplies. In fact, I think I will make a few narrower ones for my studio when I start working on that.

Supplies:

2 – 1 x 12 x 8′

2 – 1 x 4 x 8′

wood glue

air nailer

saw

sander

Kreg Jig

1 1/4″ Kreg screws

drill

tape measure

casters (2 swivel, 2 none swivel)

3/4″ wood screws for casters

paint and primer or pre-wood conditioner and stain

drawer pull

1. Make all cuts and then drill 2 pocket holes in the (3) 1” x 12” x 25 1/2” on each end.

2. Sand all the boards with 100 grit sandpaper before assembly. You could also paint it now if you wanted. But I get to anxious to assemble.

3. With wood glue and an air nailer attach your side pieces (1 x 4’s) to your 1 x 12 x 25 1/2” pieces. Repeat for for the other two shelves.

4. With wood glue air nail the shelves in place. I did the bottom and top shelf and then the middle shelf.

5. After you have it all nailed together come back with your electric drill and screw in 1 1/4” Kreg screws in the bottom shelves to secure it.

6. Predrill your holes for the casters. With 3/4” wood screws attach casters. These are the casters I used. The two front wheels swivel and the back wheels don’t. This helps it move in and out with ease while keeping the back stable.

6. Patch all the nail holes with wood filler. If there are any gaps (and you plan to paint it) you can caulk it.

7. Sand wood filler. Paint and prime.

8. Find a wide handle you like and then drill holes and attach.

I used the Venetian Bronze Martini Pull from DLawless Hardware.

Yay! Now I have more storage in my laundry area making it way more functional and less cluttered. Plus I have the top of my dryer for folding or sorting socks.

I made some room between the washer and dryer and slid it right in. The swivel front wheels and non-swivel back wheels really help it slide in and out perfectly.