WHAT IT TAKES
Time: 2 hours
Skill level: Beginner
Some of the most useful and underutilized storage space in your home is right under the bed, and you can take advantage of it with this durable rollout chest, made from a single sheet of plywood. Plastic versions are also available, but wood looks better, lasts longer and lets you custom-size your rollout.
Measure the distance between the floor and the bottom of the bed. Subtract 1/2 in. for clearance under the bed and 1/2 in. (on bare wood) to 1 in. (on thick carpet) for casters. Subtract another 1/2 in. for the hinged top to arrive at the maximum height for the storage box sides.
Mark all the pieces on a sheet of plywood and cut them with a table saw or a circular saw. Fasten 3/4-in. square nailers to the edges of the base with glue and finish nails or screws (1/2-in. plywood is too thin to nail into on edge). Attach the sides to the base, adding square nailers at the corners. Fasten the caster supports to the sides, then nail the outer side pieces to the caster supports.
Attach the front and back. Add the filler strips on top of the caster supports and the last nailer along the top edge of the back. Finally, nail on the fixed top, set the hinged top against it and screw on the hinges. Attach the hinges using 1/2-in. screws so the screws don’t stick through the top.
Materials list
ITEM |
QTY. |
AC-grade 4' x 8' x 1/2" plywood |
1 |
3' x 3/4" x 3/4" square dowels |
6 |
2x6 x 2' pine |
1 |
2" fixed caster wheels |
4 |
1-1/2" hinges |
4 |
1" and 1-1/2" brad nails |
Note: All materials and dimensions are for a 7-1/2-in.-tall under-bed space. If you have more or less space, adjust these measurements.
Cutting list
KEY |
PCS. |
SIZE & DESCRIPTION |
A |
1 |
42" x 30-1/2" top |
B |
2 |
42" x 6" front and back |
C |
4 |
33" x 6" sides |
D |
1 |
42" x 4" fixed top |
E |
1 |
37" x 33" base |
F |
2 |
33" x 3/4" x 3/4" side nailers |
G |
3 |
35-1/2" x 3/4" x 3/4" front and back nailers |
H |
4 |
4-3/4" x 3/4" x 3/4" corner nailers |
J |
2 |
33" x 1-1/2" filler strips |
K |
4 |
3-5/8" x 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" caster supports |
Note: All 1/2" plywood
