HDX 38 gallon tote rack plans
A 2x4 ladder rack sized for HDX 38 gallon (144 L) Tough Totes. Each tote slides in on two runners and hangs by its lid, so you can pull out any tote without moving the others. Pick how many across and how high, and get a cut list, shopping list and step-by-step plan for your exact layout.
Designing is free. The PDF plan is $9.99 with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Popular 38 gallon tote rack sizes
| Layout | Totes | Overall size (W × D × H) | Lumber | Est. cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 × 2 Compact, against a wall | 4 | 4' 3-3/4" × 32" × 3' 4-1/2" | 10 × 2x4 × 8 ft | ~$81 | Design this |
| 3 × 2 Rolling workbench | 6 | 6' 4-7/8" × 32" × 3' 10-1/4" | 1 × 2x4 × 8 ft, 5 × 2x4 × 10 ft, 4 × 2x4 × 12 ft, 1 × 1x4 × 8 ft | ~$273 | Design this |
| 4 × 2 Long rolling workbench | 8 | 8' 6" × 32" × 3' 10-1/4" | 1 × 2x4 × 10 ft, 10 × 2x4 × 12 ft, 2 × 1x4 × 6 ft | ~$350 | Design this |
| 3 × 3 Garage wall, 3 high | 9 | 6' 4-7/8" × 32" × 4' 11" | 18 × 2x4 × 8 ft | ~$120 | Design this |
| 4 × 4 Full wall, 4 high | 16 | 8' 6" × 32" × 6' 5-1/2" | 1 × 2x4 × 8 ft, 16 × 2x4 × 12 ft | ~$183 | Design this |
Tote dimensions the plan uses
Measured with the lid on, at the widest point. Tote sizes vary a little between production runs, so measure one of yours before cutting.
- Length
- 32" (813 mm)
- Width
- 21-7/8" (556 mm)
- Height
- 17-1/2" (445 mm)
- Capacity
- 38 gal (144 L)
How the rack is built
- Legs and runners: 2x4 (1.5" × 3.5" actual), runners on edge.
- Legs 23-5/8" apart; first runner 3-1/4" below the top of the legs; 15" spacer block.
- Ladders joined by four rails laid flat, plus bottom cross pieces where the casters go.
- Diagonal 1x4 braces on the back of rolling racks.
HDX 38 gallon tote rack FAQ
What lumber do I need for an HDX 38 gallon tote rack?
We recommend 2x4 (38 × 89 mm) for the legs, runners and rails. A 3-wide, 2-high rack on casters with a plywood top uses 1 × 2x4 × 8 ft, 5 × 2x4 × 10 ft, 4 × 2x4 × 12 ft, 1 × 1x4 × 8 ft.
How far apart are the legs for 38 gallon totes?
23-5/8" (600 mm) clear between legs. That's the tote body width plus two 2x4 runners and 3/8" of sliding room on each side, so the lid overlaps each runner by about 5/8".
How much space does each row of 38 gallon totes need?
The tote is 17-1/2" tall with the lid on. With the default 1" gap above each lid, rows are 18-1/2" apart and the spacer block between runners is 15".
How much does a 38 gallon tote rack cost to build?
About $273 in lumber and hardware for a 3 × 2 rack on casters with a plywood top (6' 4-7/8" wide), at typical big-box store prices. Smaller wall-mounted racks cost less; the configurator prices your exact layout.