Learn to build a set of easy stackable countertop storage bins for potatoes, toys, or other small items. Free plans and a full step-by-step tutorial.
Clear more countertop clutter with 25 great charging station ideas or these awesome DIY wall organizer ideas.
Build an Easy Stackable Countertop Storage Bin
Hello again! I’m Jamison from Rogue Engineer and today I’m sharing the tutorial and detailed instructions for our root vegetable countertop storage bin.
For the longest time my wife has been storing the potatoes and onions in a large bowl in the pantry.
Not only does this take up too much space but it’s overflowing and the idea to build this root vegetable storage bin was born.
This angled wood crate fits perfectly on our pantry storage shelves or on the kitchen counter. You can build a couple of storage boxes and stack them, too.
It’s also very easy to build with these instructions — perfect for a beginner, with no woodworking skills or experience required.
All you need is a saw and a nailer — whether that’s a miter saw or a circular saw or a jigsaw, and a pneumatic nailer or a good ol’ hammer and nails.
A nice sturdy upgrade over the plastic storage bins I see in the stores!
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Need something larger? Build this tiered toy organizer cubby shelf.
Want something taller for bottles? Make these easy rustic storage bins.
How to Build a Stackable Countertop Storage Bin
Get a printable PDF of these plans
Required Tools
Materials
- 1” x 10” x 6’ common (pine) board (actual ¾” x 9 ¼”)
- 1” x 8” x 6’ common (pine) board (actual ¾” x 7 ¼”)
- 1″ x 4″ x 6′ common (pine) boards (actual ¾” x 3 ½”)
- 1-1/4″ Brad Nails or Finish Nails
- Wood Glue
Click here to see Rogue Engineer’s Vegetable Bin Plans
Cut List
The width of this bin can be easily adjusted by changing the length of the 22-1/4″ and 20-3/4″ boards.
DIY Wood Stacking Bin Instructions
Cut the Wood Stacking Bin Pieces
Cut the boards to length as shown in the cut list.
To cut the sides – first make the 30 degree cut as shown.
make the 30-degree cut
Then flip the board over and make the 25 degree cut as shown.
make the 25-degree cut
Then trace the side and cut out one more just like it.
How to Build the Stackable Storage Bins
With all your boards cut you can get started gluing and nailing it all together.
Step 1: Nail the back of the bin to the sides
I started by nailing the back to the sides.
Notice that the back piece is attached to the back edge of the sides — not the sides to the edge of the back piece.
Dry fit the pieces together to make sure you have them in the right layout if needed!
Step 2: Attach the bottom bin piece
Glue and nail the bottom on as shown.
Step 3: Attach the bin front piece
Glue and nail the front 1×4 in place as shown.
Step 5: Attach the bin top
Attach the top, again, making sure to glue and nail in place.
Finishing the stacking wood storage bins
I tried something a little different this time. After giving everything a good sand, I stained the edges with Antique White wood stain from Varathane.
Then, once the stain dried, I painted with Serenity Blue Chalked Paint from Rustoleum and distressed the edges to reveal some of the Antique White stain for a subtle difference in color.
How to Stack the Countertop Storage Bins
I also wanted to include this shot to show how easy it would be to stack two of these together.
By simply using a couple of screws and screwing these two units together you now have a two tiered storage bin for root vegetables! or use it for other pantry essentials, or for toys, craft supplies, tools, etc.
For subsequent stacking bins, you could leave off the top and let the bottom of the next bin act as the top of the bin below it, too.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. For sneak peeks of our upcoming projects from Rogue Engineer be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
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More storage solutions you can build this weekend:
- Cabinet Door Storage Bins
- Tall Shoe Storage Cubby
- Rustic Wall Storage Bins
- Under-Sink Sliding Storage Shelf
- Tiered Toy Storage Cubbies (from one sheet of plywood)
First published 25 Apr 2015 // Last updated 26 Jan 2022
It is a beautiful bin.
Potatoes and onions cannot be stored in the same bin. The onions make the potatoes sprout soon and potato sprouts (which can be removed) are toxic.
Also, these are being exposed to light. Light will cause both onions and potatoes to sprout. Also, light will cause potatoes to turn green and green potatoes are also toxic.
All of the above need to breathe, so whatever “door” is put on should block out most light and also be “mesh.” This is why you often see these stored in burlap or paper bags with holes punched. Because they are “breathing” you can’t stack the containers or you have the same problem as if you stored them together in the first place. Stackable containers for onions and potatoes are only useful if you are stacking multiple bins of potatoes or multiple bins of onions, but not for stacking onions AND potatoes.
I would LOVE to see some plans for bins that block light and are ventilated. I would make at least two so I can store my onions and potatoes away from one another.
You have one of the best blogs by far. I just love that you present projects that one can create. Thank you for keeping it at that and not asking your reader “How should I decorate my house?”. I HATE THOSE SITES! I am reading to learn new things. I want to thank you for doing just that. You are very creative and inspirational. Keep it up!
Thanks, Suz!
Great bin, love it! It could be used for so many things!!! Is the paint food safe?
Just cut out my pieces and tried to get them together. Did the measurements correct, just as directed, and they’re wrong. The top and bottom piece are too wide. Made for a frustrating project, but hopefully it’ll still get done once we cut them to the right size.
Nevermind. My bad.