Service cart with casters and a ceramic tile top

Build a service cart

Difficulty:

Close Difficulty

Beginner Do-It-Yourselfer - Easy

Intermediate Do-It-Yourselfer - Moderate

Experienced Do-It-Yourselfer - Difficult

Professional - Expert
Completion Time : 1 Day

With this stylish rolling service cart in the bathroom, you'll always have everything you need within reach next to the bathtub, shower or mirror. Made with ¾" MDF, the cart measures 34 ¼" H, and the ceramic tile top, 22 ½" x 16 ½". Delicate moulding can be used to enhance the finished look, and smooth-gliding, silent casters are easily installed on the bottom. Ensure harmony in your bathroom decor by using the same ceramic tiles for the top of your service cart as you've used elsewhere in the bathroom. This furniture unit is also ideal for any room in the house.

Tools and materials required

TOOLS

Table saw
120-grit sandpaper
Pencil
Square
Notched trowel
Grout float
Hammer or finishing nailer
3/8” countersink drill bit
Screwdriver drill (electric or cordless)
Tape measure
Tile cutter

MATERIALS

1 sheet MDF ¾” x 48” x 96"
1 ½" No. 6 screws
Small finishing nails
1 length moulding, ¾" x ¾" x 96"
4 casters without brakes
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tile adhesive
Ceramic tile grout
Grout sealer
Plastic spacers
Wood glue
Filler

Before Assembly

ELEVATION(S)

MDF

MDF is a versatile material that makes it easy to build strong, sturdy and affordable furniture. It is advisable to always glue the parts together with wood glue before fastening them with nails or screws. If the nails or screws do not provide enough strength, use clamps to hold the assembly together while the glue dries.

Screw fastening:

Always drill pilot holes using a countersink bit with pieces in their final assembled position; this will prevent the MDF from buckling or splitting under the torque of the screws. The countersink bit makes it possible to bore a hole for the body of the screw as well as a cavity to conceal the screw head. You may use a screwdriver drill to insert the screws, but it is advisable to finish tightening the screws with a manual screwdriver to avoid damaging the MDF and weakening the screw’s grip due to the drill’s increased strength and speed.

Nail fastening:

For some projects it is best to use finishing nails; use a pneumatic nailer to get the job done more quickly and easily, and the nails will hardly show.

Important note:

Always wear a protective mask when cutting or sanding MDF as the dust can be irritating and is a potential health hazard. Work outside if you can; if this is not possible, close any air vents and doors leading to other rooms so as to prevent the dust from spreading. Open a window while you work and cover all items in the room with dust sheets. Vacuum when you have finished cutting.