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Tote Storage Rack Plans
A tote storage rack that holds plastic totes like drawers: each tote hangs by its rim on two rails, so you slide out the one you need without lifting the others off. The defaults fit 27-gallon totes (about 20 in wide at the rim) in 3 columns and 4 rows, twelve totes in a rack 65 in wide and 66 in tall. Enter the width of your totes at the rim, their length, the row height and the number of rows and columns to size these tote shelves for any storage bin.
- Default size
- 520 × 760 × 400 mm
- Parts
- 32 pieces · 4 sizes
- Sheets (2440 × 1220 mm (4 × 8 ft))
- 5 carcass + 2 back
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Build time
- About 5 hours
- Edge band
- 9.8 m
Cut list (default size)
| Part | Qty | Length | Width | Thick. | Board | Edges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side panel | 4 | 1660 | 760 | 18 | Carcass board 18 mm | |
| Top | 1 | 1662 | 760 | 18 | Carcass board 18 mm | |
| Rail | 24 | 760 | 40 | 18 | Carcass board 18 mm |
Sizes in millimetres; length runs along the grain. Edges: bold lines are banded.
1 more parts, the sheet layout and the cut order are in the full plan.Resize it to any size, print labels and save it in a project.Sign in free to open it
How it is built
- Enter the width of the tote across its rim: the opening is 10 mm wider, and the rails hold the tote by its rim like a drawer.
- Cut the rails from 40 mm strips. Fix them with a spacer block cut to the row height, so every pair is level and every row the same.
- Fit the back panels or screw the rack to the wall: loaded totes put a lot of weight high up.
Common mistakes
- Making the openings tight: full totes bulge. Keep the 10 mm.
- Marking each rail with a tape measure: small errors tilt the totes. Use a spacer.
Tools you need
- Circular saw or table saw
- Drill/driver
- Square
- Spacer block
Frequently asked questions
How big is a 27-gallon tote?
Most 27-gallon totes (HDX, Husky, Sterilite, Commander) are about 30–31 in long, 20–21 in wide at the rim and 14–15 in tall with the lid. Sizes vary by brand, so measure one across the rim before you cut.
How wide should the openings be?
The width of the tote at its rim plus about 10 mm (3/8 in). The rails stick out 18 mm on each side, so the body of the tote drops between them and the rim rests on top.
What are the measurements of a 27-gallon tote rack?
At the defaults, 3 columns and 4 rows of 27-gallon totes, the rack is 1662 mm (about 65 1/2 in) wide, 1678 mm (66 in) tall and 760 mm (30 in) deep, with 530 mm (20 7/8 in) openings and 400 mm (15 3/4 in) rows. Change the totes, rows or columns and every measurement follows.
How much space does each row need?
The height of the tote with its lid plus about 50 mm (2 in) to lift it off the rails. For 27-gallon totes that is about 400 mm (16 in) per row.
Does the rack need a back?
A thin back panel stops the rack from leaning sideways when it is loaded. Without one, screw the rack to the wall studs.
