This tutorial has a step-by-step guide to teach you how to build a wooden caddy! The caddy is an easy build and makes a great addition in so many places.
My sister sent me a picture of one she likes and asked if I would build her one. I’ll let you know what did and didn’t work for me so your caddy can be exactly what you’re wanting.
We are going to go step by step in building a wooden caddy. In the tutorial, I will be using pallet wood but any material will do. This caddy will be used to display cut flowers, but a caddy can be used for many purposes. They’re great for carrying tools, holding utensils when you eat outside at the picnic tables, or even holding art and crafting supplies! There is also a short video included.
Tools needed for this project:
- 1 x material it could be pallet wood, reclaimed wood, or store-bought.
- Tape Measure
- Straight edge
- pencil
- Jig Saw
- Glue
- Drill
- Nails and Hammer
- Optional: Circular saw, paint or stain
How do I make a Wooden Caddy?
We are using leftover pallet wood that has been disassembled for other projects. This project is serving two purposes, it is reducing the amount of scrap wood and providing a multi-use Caddy for my sister.
Step 1. Source your material.
If you are going to use scrap wood, sort through your pile and make sure you have enough pieces to build the caddy before you get started. If you are using new materials make sure you have a 1 x 6 x 8.
Material list
- 3 boards 16 inches long. (Bottom and two sides)
- 2 boards 10 inches long. ( Two end pieces)
- 2 boards 4 inches long. (2 Dividers within the caddy) the length of these pieces is equal to the width of the two side pieces
- Glue and Finishing nails
Step 2. Determine what size Caddy we needed to build
Since canning jars will be used as flower vases within the caddy, I will measure the canning jars to get an idea of the overall length, width, and height of the caddy. The canning jars have a diameter of 3 1/2″ and are 6 1/2″ tall and each divider is 1/2″ wide.
Since I am working with small pieces I dry-fit everything to see if it looked right, sometimes my vision isn’t supported by my work. The sides are 15 1/2″ by 5 1/2″, the bottom is 15 1/2″ by 4 1/4″, and the ends are 9 1/4″ by 5 1/4″.
Step 3. Measure and cut out carrying handles.
The end pieces will have handles which will make carrying the caddy a little more secure and add a little something to look at. The hand holes will start and stop 3/4″ from each side of the caddy the height of the hand hole will be 1 1/4″ tall.
Measure and draw lines for cutting the top, bottom, start, and stop points. I will use a jig saw to cut the top and bottom line and an auger bit but a paddle or Forstner bit will do. Once all the cuts have been made, be sure to give each piece one last review and sand as needed.
Step 4. Assembling the Caddy
Apply glue to the edge of the bottom piece and line up the outside wall of the caddy, drill pilot holes, and secured the two pieces with 1 1/2″ finishing nails. Repeat this process for the other side of the caddy. After both sides are secured clamp until the glue has dry. Use glue and nails for the end pieces also. The dividers were spaced at 4 1/2″.
Step 5. Sand and prepare to stain, wax or paint.
There is one last thing left to do, get a high grit to count of 120 to 220 and sand the entire caddy to make sure there are no splinters or rough edges that might scratch the furniture or injure anyone.
Once the caddy has been sanded it is ready to be stained, painted, or displayed.
More Pallet Projects
If you have pallets laying around there are so many uses for them! You can see how to easily disassemble a pallet without breaking the wood in this tutorial. Some other pallet-related projects are:
Other Easy DIY Projects
You do not have to spend a lot of time or money on beautiful decor! I have several step-by-step tutorials for projects that are easy enough for beginners. These DIY Plant Pedestals are an easy woodworking project that also makes a great gift! Some other easy projects include:
[…] How to Build a Wooden Caddy – Great for entertainers! It can hold flowers, tools, and picnic essentials. Perfect for holding utensils and napkins when you’re eating out on the porch, too! […]