Storage on wheels

The space under your bed can be put to good use with storage bins that roll in and out for easy access.

These brightly painted bins are a perfect solution to store the cars, trucks, and train tracks this 3-year-old has collected. Casters are mounted on the bottom, and metal handles make it simple for him to pull them open. The bin size is spacious, and two fit nicely under a full-size bed. These drawers are easy to make with basic woodworking skills.

Determine the height by measuring the distance from the floor to the bottom of the bedframe. From this number subtract 1 1/2 inches for clearance from the bedframe, then subtract the height of the caster. Choose a length and width to suit your bed size. The following steps are for bins measuring 10 x 24 x 37 1/2 inches.

Step 1: Cut two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood 12 x 24 inches for the front and back. Cut two pieces of plywood 12 x 36 inches for the sides. Cut one piece of plywood 23 1/4 x 36 3/4 inches for the bottom.

Step 2: Route a groove (called a dado) inside each of the four side pieces inch from the bottom edge, 3/8 inch deep and 3/4 inch wide. Slip the bottom piece into the dado of all four sides, butt-joining the front and back to the sides. Secure with wood glue and finishing nails.

Step 2 alternate: Use this method if you do not have a router. Purchase 1/2inch square wood pieces for supports (found in the molding section). The bottom piece of plywood dimensions change to 22 1/2 x 36 inches. First, attach sides of the drawer together with glue and finishing nails, butt-joining the front and back to the sides. Cut the 1/2-inch square molding into four pieces-two 22 1/2-inch lengths and two 35-inch lengths. Glue to the inside of the bottom of the drawer. Allow glue to set; then position the bottom piece of plywood on top of the 1/2-inch supports, and secure with nails and glue.

Step 3: Sand rough edges; paint bins as desired, using a primer and then two coats of paint. Sand between coats with a fine sandpaper. Allow to dry.

Step 4: Turn bin upside down and mark placement of casters on the bottom four corners. Drill holes with a bit slightly smaller than the screws. Attach casters. Mark placement of handle, and drill holes using a bit slightly smaller than the screws. Attach handle. Sandra Allen Lynn

STORAGE ON WHEELS

Page 198 Paint by Benjamin Moore (M), color: #817, www.benjaminmoore.com; bed linens by Designers Guild (D).

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 1999
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