Learn how to put together this simple sliding rail storage system using a few basic materials.
This is an adaptation of a neat project photo that was shared on Facebook. Here’s how to make these cool sliding tote storage bins.
You’ll Need:
1 sheet of 3/4″ Plywood (Or less expensive OSB)
2- 2x4x8
Screws (not Nails folks, SCREWS).
Wood Glue
4 (3inch screws)
Heavy Duty Plastic Totes
If you’re building your storage rails using totes that you already have, you’ll need to measure across the top of the tote to determine the width of the rips and the size of the flanges.
Take a piece of plywood or osb and rip it into four 3″ wide strips The plywood will become your top and bottom flanges. Now rip four 5″ wide strips.
Cut the 2×4’s on center making 2- 4 foot long pieces each.
Place the 3″ strip flange onto 2×4 centering it, glue it and screw it in place using screws every 10 inches. You will NOT be using Nails for this project.
Now flip the “T” and repeat the process on the other side, using the 5″ flange strips. This will become the bottom of your carriage housing.
Locate the ceiling joists and mark them with chalk or pencil. Ensure that you are screwing these to something SOLID or your stored items will end up on the garage Floor.
On each carriage, measure in 1 foot from each end and Mark the underside of the flange with a pencil. When you hold this up to the ceiling joists, these will be where you screw them into the ceiling.
Now, screw them to the ceiling, the width of your totes apart. If you aren’t sure how far apart that is, lay a piece of 2×4 across the top of your tote, cut it flush with the tote and use that piece as a template to ensure proper spacing.
If you want to prevent totes from being pushed all the way through you can rip a 1″x2″ strip and screw it in the middle across all 4 carriages. The stop will prevent the totes from sliding past the middle of the carriage.
Photo Source & Additional Instructions for this project goes to Family Handyman
next thing on my list of diy projects
excellent idea! only thing i would add, is to use clear see through tubs. or, write on the bottom, before you fill it up, what is in the tubs.
i would be going thru the tubs, wondering what is in them, coz i cant remember diddly, haha.
I love this idea. I agree write on the bottom what the tub holds so you do not have to look through all of them. Being I do not have attic space this is any awesome idea.
Thank-you
This would be great in a basement that gets occasional flooding