Top
Subscribe for free and never miss a post

Storage Bin Building Plans with Tutorial

Do you ever find yourself saying, “I wish I had more storage space”? However, finding ways to add more storage space is always in demand, and this DIY tutorial is going to help you create a very versatile piece for your home. Not only is it aweseomt that once you build this wooden storage bin, but you’ll also have the ability to recreate it again and again making use of it in many ways.

Easy Step-by Step Plans to Build Your Own Wooden Storage Bin by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

First, for this project, I am creating a storage bin for my kitchen since we are in the middle of a remodel. I, for one, am tired of having my counter look like this when we are trying to either ripen our fruits or just don’t have anywhere to put our goods. Can you blame me?

This plan is for home use only and not to be redistributed or used to make items for sale. Plans are owned and copyrighted by Prodigal Pieces.

Kitchen Counter Clutter Before Storage Bin | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Ready to get started building one of your own? Also, you can build this in as many tiers as you want, and even mount it to the wall. Likewise, mix it up and add legs or feet to create a different style of bin. Have fun with it!

DIY TIME

Here is what you’ll need: (note: to customize a kitchen bin, be sure to measure the space from you counter to kitchen cabinet and adjust height accordingly)

Tools:

  • pencil
  • measuring tape
  • small level
  • quick square
  • carpenter’s square
  • drill/ drill bits
  • circular saw or miter saw
  • table saw
  • jigsaw
  • Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System
  • brad nailer / 1½” brads
  • orbital sander
  • 150 grit sandpaper
  • wood stain and/or paint
  • poly topcoat or wax
  • paint/stain brush
  • safety protection: goggles, ear plugs, chemical-resistant gloves

Cut List: use any species you choose

– 1″ x 12″ x 10′ board

  • 2 – 11¼” x 15¼”
  • 1 – 16½” x 9″
  • 2 – 14″ x 8 7/8″

– 1″ x 4″ x 8′ board: 2 – 14″ lengths

– From a bead board or plywood panel – 15″ x 15″ square

Let’s get building! Using the one of the two 11¼” x 15¼” boards, you are going to create a template in 6 steps.

Step 1

Measure 2″ in from the left side of your board and draw a vertical line.

Step 1 of Building Wooden Bin by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Step 2

Using the photo for reference, measure and mark on the 2½”, 5″, and 3″spots noted. Then, measure and mark ¾” up from the bottom between the 5″ and 3″ marks. Using a slightly curved line, connect the two points as shown.

Step 2 of Building Wooden Bin by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Step 3

Measure ¾” up from the line you just created and draw a line. This is where your bottom shelf will be. From this line, measure 6½” up and draw another line to mark the bottom of the top shelf. Doing the same as before, from the 6½” line, measure up ¾” and draw a parallel line to show where the top shelf will be. (There should be 6½” between both shelves as shown below)

Step 3 of Building Wooden Bin by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Step 4

First, starting at the top of the board, measure down 3″ and mark. From line marking the bottom of the top shelf, measure 3″ down as well and mark.

Step 4 of Building Wooden Bin by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Step 5

Then, measure down from the top left corner 4¾” and mark. Measure up from the bottom left corner 3½” and mark.

Step 5 of Building Wooden Bin by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Step 6

Next, using a square, connect the points as shown in the image below.

Step 6 of Building Wooden Bin by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Now you have your template drawn and it is time to use your jig saw to cut out the shape you created. I love using our DIY workbench complete with Kreg Clamp Trak System to hold my pieces while cutting.

Making Storage Bin with Jigsaw | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Once you have that piece completed, use it as a template to create the same image on your second 11¼” x 15¼” board, the cut out with a jigsaw.

Creating Second Storage Bin Side | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Once you have cut both pieces out you will have two boards with a mirrored image effect like this:

Mirrored Storage Bin Sides | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Next, lay your two pieces of 1″ x 4″ board that are cut into 14″ lengths in front of you and measure and mark as shown.

Storage Bin Front | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Cut out notch with your jigsaw.

NEXT STEPS

Now, in order for these bin fronts to lay at an angle, you will need to set your table saw at 37° and your fence at ¾” on the left. Then, run your board through with the outside face of the bin facing the fence. You cut will look like this profile:

First Cut of Storage Bin Front | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Place your shelf board against the bin front and mark where they meet as shown:

Marking Bin Front | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Leave your table saw blade set at 37° and reset your fence on the right to match the depth of your mark, and run the board through. Now your cuts should look like this profile:

Storage Bin Front After Second Cut | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Next, moving on to the shelves. First, use your Kreg Jig, to create pocket screw holes on each short side of the board (8 7/8″ side) measuring 2″ in from each 14″ side.

Kreg Jig for Pocket Screw Holes in Storage Bin | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Then, use your orbital sander and 150 grit sanding pads to smooth out all boards and create a rounded corner on the top edge of your side panels and feet, and also the bin face corners.

ASSEMBLY

Last, lay the cutout side panels we created earlier on your surface and attach the shelves in the designated spots from your template. First add glue to each end, then screw down.

Attaching Storage Bin Shelves | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Attach the 16½” x 9″ (your top board) using a wood glue and a nail gun with 1½” brads.

Nailing on Storage Bin Top | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Using your bin fronts, apply wood glue to the angled edge and then attach with a nailer with same size brads. Nail in from the outside angled edge as shown.

Nailing on Storage Bin Front | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Here is what your assembled frame should look like:

Assembled Storage Bin Before Stain | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Notice the rounded corners and edges to make reaching in and out of the bins a pleasant experience.

FINISHING

At this point, I leave the beadboard back off because it is easier to stain or paint this way. There are so many options on how you can finish this project.

  1. Simply use Boiled Linseed Oil (like I did on my antique pew) to bring out natural colors and protect
  2. Stain in your choice of color with a topcoat.
  3. Paint in a flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finish – don’t be afraid to mix it up: light inside with dark outside, multi-colored, add graphics, etc.
  4. Stain and then paint with distressing to create a time-worn appeal
  5. Add wallpaper or decoupage the back to create even more design elements

Since this storage bin is for my own kitchen, I am using Briarwood stain by Rustoleum for my base coat.

Briarsmoke Stain by Rustoleum for Storage Bin | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

One coat is all you need. Now since this is a bit darker than I’d like, I’m going to use a white wax to create a textured effect.

I place a small amount of wax in a piece of cheesecloth and rub evenly over the surface. See how it is highlighting the wood texture?

Applying White Wax Over Stain on Storage Bin | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

This will not only look better but will protect the wood as well. After waxing is done, I attach the beadboard back with my nailer and 1½” brads. Then…we’re done. Yay!

THE REVEAL

No more clutter, no more mess, and I have a stylish new addition to my kitchen decor.

DIY Kitchen Storage Bin with Free Plans by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodiglapieces.com

Rustic Storage Bin Plans with Step-by-Step Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

The storage options for this bin are endless really. How about one for your sewing essentials…

Sewing Notion Storage Bin with Complete Building Plans by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

…desk top storage…

Desk Top Bin with Plans to Build Your Own by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

… in your bathroom…

Bathroom Wooden Storage Bin Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

and even toy storage.

Wooden Toy Bin Tutorial & Plans by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Totally endless possibilities!

Same DIY Storage Bin 5 Different Ways with Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Likewise, this would be a great gift filled with essentials for any occasion. So go on and get your DIY on! If you’re not into woodworking.

Please feel free to ask any questions. I hope you’ve enjoyed my wooden storage bin tutorial. In addition, pin and share so others can build one too! ♥

Easy Step-by Step Plans to Build Your Own Wooden Storage Bin by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Next week I’ll be sharing a few fun furniture and paint projects as our kitchen remodel continues.

blog signature

While you’re at it, here are more DIY projects like my storage bin:

Outdated Vintage Dresser Gets Industrial Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comFrench Provincial Blue Dresser Set Makeover by Prodigal PIeces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Jamie K says

    So glad you shared this…may be something I could do too. thank you for the detail tutorial and great pics. Love it!!

    • Larissa says

      My absolute pleasure, Jamie! Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

  2. Andrea says

    This looks awesome! You are very talented, your instructions are very detailed and helpful. Your website makes me feel as thought I could ACTUALLY make something! Thank you so much. Your children are very blessed to have such a wonderful teacher 🙂 Did you (this is a silly question) make the shelf hanging on the wall behind your bin? I’m sure you did, I guess the question is how? Is it somewhere on the website? Thanks again Larissa. God has gifted you, I’m sure in many ways, but definitely with creativity and skill with wood, drills, paint and stain, etc, etc!

  3. Wendi@H2OBungalow says

    Crazy creative girlfriend! Wow! I love this so much I’m trying to find a reason to build one! Like I need more to do, right? LOL This is darling and I love the beadboard looking back. So smart! Sharing !

    • Larissa says

      Hahaha…they are addictive, Wendi! Thank you for taking the time to stop by. You’re a blessing!

  4. Ivory says

    I love your work, especially how you make it look so easy to create. Thank you for sharing.

    • Larissa says

      That’s wonderful news! Thank you for making my work worthwhile.

  5. Susan says

    Great project! I loved all the alternate places/ways to use it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
0
0
Prodigal Pieces