Wednesday, May 22

DIY Rolling Cart Coffee Table (Day 17)

This coffee table is a great way to  bring an industrial vibe to your living room. It's reminiscent of an industrial rolling cart and looks great painted glossy white, matte black, or with a rustic stain finish! The casters add to the character, but they also make it super easy to move for vacuuming, or pulling it closer to put your feet up. It's an easy build that doesn't require any specialty tools.

Build matching end tables here.
Check out the rest of our DIY Coffee Table Series here.




Measure twice, cut once (seriously, though). Use glue in every step (be careful to clean up any drips, because they can mess up your finish at the end!). Read through all the instructions before you begin. Use 2 1/2"" screws unless otherwise indicated. Pre-drill and countersink all your screws. Be safe, have fun, and let me know if you have any questions! Please note I have not built from these plans myself (you might be the first!), so double check everything as you go.

Shopping List:
3  -  2x2  @  8' long
1  -  sheet 3/4" plywood
4 bolts (optional)
4  -  2" casters
2" wood screws
Kreg Jig + 2 1/2" pocket hole screws + 1 1/4" pocket hole screws (optional, instructions in italics)
wood glue
wood filler
sandpaper and finishing supplies



Dimensions:  36" long  x  24" wide  x  14" high (plus casters)

Cut List:
(A)  4  -  2x2  @  12 1/2"  (legs)
(B)  2  -  2x2  @  21"  (bottom trim)
(C)  4  -  2x2  @  33"  (long trim)
(D)  2  -  plywood  @  33" x 21"  (top/shelf)
(E)  2  -  2x2  @  24"  (top trim)

Start by attaching two legs (A) to each bottom trim board (B). The trim should be set up 2" from the bottom of the legs. Drill through the legs into the ends of the trim board with 2 1/2" wood screws. Don't forget the glue! If you have a Kreg Jig, go ahead and make pocket holes at the top of each leg for later. Then make pocket holes in both ends of the trim boards and attach them to the legs with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws.


Attach two  long trim boards (C) to the shelf board (D). Drill through the trim boards into the edges of the shelf with 2 1/2" wood screws. If you have a Kreg Jig, start by making pocket holes in both ends of the trim boards. Then change the settings to 3/4" thick wood and drill pocket holes along all four edges of the shelf board. Attach the long trim  with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. 

Repeat with the remaining top board and long trim boards. You'll end up with two units that look like this:


Install the shelf board between the two leg sections you built earlier. It should be set up 2" from the bottom of the legs and flush with the side trim boards. Drill through the side trim and legs into the ends of the long trim and shelf with 2 1/2" wood screws. If you have a Kreg Jig, install it using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws on the shelf and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws on the legs.

OR you can add to the industrial vibe by using large-headed bolts when you drill through the legs into the long trim!


Attach the top trim (E) to the top unit. Drill through the top trim into the ends of the shelf and long trim boards. If you have a Kreg Jig, attach the trim using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws on the shelf and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws on the legs.

OR you can add to the industrial vibe by using large-headed bolts when you drill through the top trim into the ends of the long trim! You should end up with one bolt at each corner (see next pic)



Install the top on the cart by drilling down through the top trim into the top of each leg. If you have a Kreg Jig, install it using the pocket holes at the top of each leg and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws.


Add casters to the bottom.


To finish, fill any visible holes with wood filler then sand everything down really well. This is the most important step for a professional finish! Start with a rough sand paper, then go over everything with a medium paper, then again with a fine paper. Once it's super smooth, finish it with whatever paint or stain and sealer you like.


I love to see your finished projects! Tag me on instagram @more.like.home or share them on our facebook page!

Want more plans? Check out the rest of the coffee table series here and all our other building plans here!

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