How to Make a Toy Storage Stacking Unit

For every active creative child, there’s an active creative room, but how you organize that space is up to you. So why not pull everything together with a stacked tote tower? It’s easy to make, looks great in any kid’s room, and should only take about 60 minutes and cost about $40. Learn how to make a toy storage stacking unit in this video by The Home Depot:

For this DIY project you will need the following materials and tools:

Five 2″ x 4″ x 8′ studs
Two 64-quart latching storage totes
One pack of #9 2-1/2″ drywall screws
Circular saw
Drill and 1/8″ drill bit
Measuring tape
Carpenter’s square
Clamps
Pencil
Sanding block
Safety goggles
Paint or stain, a paint brush and latex gloves (optional)

1. Measure and mark: Using your measuring tape, measure and mark the pieces you’ll need from the 8-ft. 2 x 4’s.

You will need to measure and mark three 30-inch sections from three of your 2 x 4’s, giving you nine different pieces.
Using your fourth 2 x 4, measure and mark two 17-1/2 inch sections and three 16-inch sections.
Using your final 2 x 4, measure and mark one 16-inch section and three 23-3/4-inch sections.

2. Make cuts: Use the circular saw to make straight cuts on your marks.

3. Paint or stain (optional): If you’re planning to paint or stain your project, give all the pieces a good sanding and then paint or stain them before you assemble.

4. Assemble sides:

First, lay down two of the 30-inch pieces vertically on the table. Place one of the 17-1/2 inch pieces on top of the boards so that it’s flush to the outsides and top. Pre-drill, then attach using your drill and screws.
Flip your assembled piece over and grab two of your 16-inch pieces. Attach one 2-1/2 inches from the top and the other one 10 inches up from the bottom. The 16-inch piece should be flush on one side so that on the other side, it will be offset by about 1-1/2 inches.
Now, do it all again – follow the same steps to build a mirror image of it for the other side of your project.

5. Attach sides: Stand up both of your two new sections on their long sides. Attach two of the 23-3/4 inch pieces to be flush with the 16-inch cross boards where you had previously left the 1-and-1/2 inch offset. These will create the stops for your bins. Stand up your piece and attach your final 23-3/4 inch piece in between the two front legs; this will be for added support.

6. Create top: Take the remaining five 30-inch pieces and screw them onto the top.

7. Insert bins: Insert your bins, and that’s it. Fill them with books, toys, or whatever’s going to help build your child’s imagination.