Simple Workshop Cart with Hidden Drawer 2026

Simple Workshop Cart with Hidden Drawer, including several cabinets, a large walk-out work table and this new mobile workshop cart. I wanted a simple but sturdy cart to hold my jointer and planer that would allow them to move easily, and this is what I came up with. I was also able to incorporate a small secret drawer!

This basic design could be adapted or modified for all types of uses, or even simply used as a freestanding portable work table.

A cart like this can be made fairly quickly (minus the drawer) from six 8-foot framing bolts, some scrap material for the top, two casters, glue, screws, and some finishing supplies.

Step 1: In use

Here is the completed cart, with my jointer and plane bolted into place. The bottom shelf fits my scroll saw perfectly for storage. This stroller is rock solid and is exactly what I needed. I wish I had built it years ago. Okay, let's build this!

Step 2: Start with the top

Almost the entire car was built upside down. That sounds a little funny but it works well. Start by choosing the material you will use for the top and cutting it to the desired size.

You could use almost any type of sheet material for the top of a car like this. Plywood, MDF, real wooden boards… Whatever you have on hand. I had two small pieces of old solid core doors left over from a previous project, and this is what I used. They were first trimmed as needed and then glued together with clamps to form one solid piece. The final size was 38 1/2″ by 25″ (completed with the trim in place as seen in the introduction, the top is 40″ by 26 1/2″, and the cart is 30″ tall).

If I didn't have the door pieces I used, I would have folded two pieces of 3/4″ plywood for the top.

Step 3: Cut the boards for the frame

I used standard framing plugs to build a structure to support the top. The frame consists of two main runners that extend beyond the top, which allowed a handle to be built. The handle was made from a section of an old wooden curtain rod.

After trimming each board to the desired length, I ran the edges across the joint and then the table saw to trim the widths down to 3″ and to square all the edges. This is completely optional, but creates cleaner looking joints when folded top legs are done.

Step 4: Assemble the frame

All boards were held together with wood glue and 2 1/2″ screws, held in holes that were pre-drilled and countersunk.

Step 5: Plug the holes

I used 3/8″ dowel pieces to cover all the countersunk holes. I put a little glue on the ends, tapped them into the holes with a mallet, and then used a small flush saw to trim them out.

I've plugged 90 holes like this... It takes a little time, but I think it looks a lot better than having screw heads everywhere.

Step 6: Build the drawer

I built a simple drawer out of birch plywood and a piece of 1/4″ MDF. The frame was glued together with snaps, then securely attached with 1 1/4″ drywall screws fastened into countersunk holes. The bottom panel was simply glued and screwed into place.

The drawer slides were installed and on the bottom of the cart.

Step 7: Apply Finish

Before finishing, I sanded the cart frame section with 220 grit sandpaper.

The frame of the chariot was covered with boiled linseed oil. I brushed it generously, which gave it plenty of time, and then wiped it clean. After about 24 hours, I applied three coats of powder lacquer, with a light sanding of 220 grit sandpaper between coats. I used 3/4″ pine as trim around the top board, which was fastened with glue and nails. After filling the holes with wood filler and sanding, the edge was covered with spray lacquer. with a couple of coats of primer with a brush.

The front face of the drawer was finished in the same manner as the frame, and attached to the drawer box with screws.

Step 8: Add a Shelf

I wasn't initially planning on adding a shelf, but decided it would be silly not to.

I added a bracket in the center with pocket screws, and two pieces of 1/4″ MDF, cut as needed and screwed into place.

Step 9: Add wheels and non-slip padding

Up until this point, I wasn't sure what type of wheels I was going to put on the stroller. I ended up buying two 3″ reinforced polyurethane wheels.

The legs opposite the cart handle side needed to be trimmed by about 5″, and an additional support piece needed to be added. These areas were touched up with the finish to match the rest of the car.

The wheels were attached with 2″ lag screws in the pre-drilled holes. For the legs on the handle side of the cart, I cut up an old computer mat and glued pieces to the bottom of the legs with contact cement. They are super adherent and work very well.

Step 10: Fix the tools!

My jointer and planer were bolted in place to the top of the carriage. The bolts where the drawer was were too long and had to be carefully cut.

Step 11: That's it!

If you make a cart like this, please leave a comment and a photo to show it.

I'd love to see how yours turns out! Thanks for coming!

Get more information at perfectionidea.com and on our Facebook for more Simple Workshop Cart with Hidden Drawer.

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