INTERMEDIATE

KITCHEN CART

15 hours

PROJECT OVERVIEW

A mobile kitchen cart with butcher block top, drawer, and lower shelf. This project combines furniture-making with practical storage solutions.

MATERIALS

▪Hardwood for top: 8/4 maple, 12 board feet
▪Plywood: 3/4" x 4' x 4' sheet
▪Hardwood for frame: 2" x 2" x 30 feet
▪Drawer slides (1 pair)
▪Locking casters (4)
▪Wood screws and glue
▪Finish

TOOLS REQUIRED

▪Table saw
▪Jointer and planer
▪Router
▪Drill
▪Clamps
▪Sander

CUT LIST

PIECE	QUANTITY	DIMENSIONS
Top boards	6	1-1/2" x 3" x 30"
Legs	4	1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 34"
Frame pieces	8	1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 18"
Shelf	1	3/4" ply 18" x 26"
Drawer front	1	3/4" x 6" x 24"

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Glue up butcher block top from 1-1/2" thick maple boards.

Flatten and sand top smooth.

Build frame using mortise and tenon joints connecting legs and rails.

Install drawer slides on appropriate rails.

Build drawer box using half-blind dovetails or box joints.

Attach drawer front.

Install lower shelf on supports.

Attach locking casters to bottom of legs.

Secure top to frame with figure-8 fasteners.

Apply finish to all surfaces.

EXPERT TIPS

✓Make the top extra thick (1-1/2" to 2") for durability.
✓Use locking casters so the cart stays put when in use.
✓Add a towel bar on one end for convenience.
✓Consider adding hooks on the sides for utensils.
✓Finish the top with food-safe mineral oil and beeswax.

FINISHING

For the butcher block top, use food-safe mineral oil and beeswax blend. For the base, use polyurethane or paint for easy cleaning. Apply multiple coats to all surfaces for durability in the kitchen environment.