Stackable Countertop Storage Bin Plans + Tutorial

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 no need for drawers just perfect open, easily access storage.

It’s also very easy to build with these instructions — perfect for a beginner, with no woodworking skills or experience required.

If you’ve asked yourself, how can I make a cheap storage bin?  We will show you!  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!

This post contains affiliate links. Learn more and read our full disclosure policy here. 

Need something larger for kids? 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

• Miter Saw
• Nailer
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Safety Glasses
• Hearing Protection

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.

Then flip the board over and make the 25 degree cut as shown.

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 to make a stackable box version, as easy as stacking 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.  These would work great in a child’s closet too (just be sure to secure them together and to the wall).  So many great uses for these incredible storage containers.

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.

—————————————

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