Rolling Lumber Storage Cart

Screw the two side rails, two end pieces, and four middle dividers into a rectangular frame with three evenly spaced openings. Two screws per joint, driven with the star bit screws.

Get this frame square before moving on — every rack frame above it registers off this base, so an out-of-square bottom telegraphs up into a cart that leans.

Build three identical ladder-style frames from the upright legs and rungs, two screws per joint. These are what actually separate and support the standing lumber.

Level the bottom frame first, then stand each rack frame at 90 degrees to the base, checking plumb with a square before driving four screws per joint.

Do this one frame at a time rather than all three loosely stacked — a rack frame that's slightly out of plumb is much easier to correct before the next one is screwed in next to it.

Cut and install the four top tie-in pieces connecting the tops of the three rack frames, either with pocket screws from inside or angled star bit screws from top and bottom.

This is what stops the cart racking side to side once it's loaded and rolling — don't skip it even though the bottom frame already feels solid.

Attach the four locking casters to the underside of the bottom frame, screwing into both the frame rails and the middle dividers where possible for a wider fastening pattern.

Check that all four lock before loading the cart — a cart that rolls away while you're pulling a 10-foot board off the top rack is a hazard, not a convenience.