How to Build DIY Tote Shelves

Start by measuring, marking and cutting your 2-by-4s. You need:

• A 108-inch back support beam
• 61-1/4-inch middle support beams (10)
• 32-inch tote rails (32)
• 91-1/2 inch top and bottom support beams (4)

The middle support beams and the tote rails create vertical ladders that hold the totes. The support beams and exterior ladders create the frame. The back support beam runs diagonally along the back of the unit, from the top of one end to the bottom of the other end.

Use a miter saw to make clean, accurate cuts. Double-check each measurement before you cut.

Start the build by assembling the exterior ladder structures from middle support beams and tote rails. In addition to helping support totes, the exterior ladders form part of the frame of the shelving unit.

Place two of the middle support beams parallel to each other. Mark each board at:

• 13-1/2 inches
• 28-1/2 inches
• 43-1/2 inches
• 58-1/2 inches

Use a rafter/speed square to extend the marks to level lines square to the beam edges. Place four tote rails across the support beams, with the top edge of each rail aligned to a mark.

Repeat Step 2 to assemble the second exterior ladder. You now have the two outer ladders. The three interior ladders are similar but each has tote rails on both sides of the structure.

Lay out two of the remaining middle support beams as you did in Step 2 above, but mark both sides of each beam with the measurements. Remember to use your square to extend the marks to level, squared lines. Align and square four rails. Drill pilot holes and secure the rails to the beams. Turn the assembly over and attach four more rails to the other side to complete the interior ladder. Repeat for the other two interior ladders.

With the five vertical ladders complete, it’s time to build the frame. Lay out each exterior ladder on its side with the rails facing inward. Place a bottom support beam on its edge below the ladders. Align the outer faces of the ladders flush with the ends of the support beam. Ensure the rail is square to the ladders.

Drill two pilot holes at each end of the support rail and fasten the rail to the ladders. Have a helper support each ladder as you attach it. Repeat the process to attach a top support beam, again ensuring the rail ends are flush and square.

Place an interior ladder inside the assembly, with the vertical supports of the ladders 21 inches apart. If necessary, have a helper support the interior ladder as you align it. Use a Project Source Commander 27-gallon tote to verify proper spacing. It should fit easily on the rails between the exterior and interior ladder.

Drill two pilot holes through the support beams and into the ladder. Drive screws to secure the top and bottom beams to the ladder. Repeat this process for the remaining two rails one at a time, insuring you maintain 21-inch spacing and verifying the fit with a tote before securing the pieces.

When all of the interior ladders are in place, drill pilot holes and attach the remaining top and bottom support beams as you did in Step 4. If you’re working alone, use clamps to hold the beams to the ladders while you secure them.

Attach the back support beam running diagonally from the top of one exterior ladder to the bottom of the opposite ladder. Drill pilot holes and attach the support with two screws wherever it crosses a ladder.

If you decide to add optional casters, hold one in place on the bottom support beam and mark bolt hole locations. Drill pilot holes and drive bolts to secure the caster to the bottom support beams. Repeat the process for the other casters. Lock the wheels and, with a helper, stand the shelf up on the casters.

Unlock the wheels, move the shelf into place and lock the wheels again. If you don’t plan to move the shelf often, install furniture straps to reduce the risk of tipping. Now you’re ready to load your Project Source Commander 27-gallon totes onto the shelf unit. Keep heavier totes on the bottom row and lighter ones at the top.

If you don’t have plans to move the unit, you can build it without casters. Once you build the shelf stand it up, set it in place on a level surface and anchor it to a wall with furniture straps. Now you’re ready to load your totes.