Tote Rack Planner

BuildPlanners.com · tote storage rack & bench planner

Click a tote to slide it out · drag to orbit · right-drag to pan · scroll to zoom
3D view

Fit check

Key measurements

Plans all dimensions from the floor unless noted

Front elevation

Side elevation

Lip / runner detail (section)

Runner layout marks

Tote — front (faces out of the rack)

Tote — side

Cut list

Lumber list & cutting diagrams what to buy, and what gets cut from each board

Estimated cost approx. Home Depot retail — click a price to match your store

Hardware

    Build steps

      Plan a DIY tote storage rack or rolling workbench

      Tote Rack Planner designs a wooden tote storage rack around the totes you actually own — HDX and Commander 27 gallon, Sterilite Industrial, IKEA SAMLA, or any custom size. Each tote hangs by its lip on a pair of runners and slides out like a drawer. Change the number of rows and columns, the lumber for posts, runners and frames, or add a bench top and casters, and the 3D model, plans, cut list and cost update instantly.

      1. Measure your totes

      Rim width and length, height, lip height and lip overhang. Or start from a preset.

      2. Choose the build

      Rolling workbench, garage wall rack or low bench; stud posts or plywood panels; space limits for your wall.

      3. Check the fit

      The fit check confirms lip bearing, wall clearance and that everything fits your space — with one-click fixes.

      4. Build it

      Download a PDF with dimensioned plans, runner marks, cut list, board layouts, lumber cost and build steps.

      Frequently asked questions

      What size should a tote rack be for 27 gallon totes?

      It depends on the exact tote. Enter your tote's rim width, length, height and lip size (or pick the HDX or Commander 27 gallon preset) and Tote Rack Planner calculates the bay width, row spacing and overall rack size, including clearance so the lip slides on the runners.

      How do the totes hang on the rack?

      Each tote's lip rests on two wooden runners screwed to the dividers, so the tote slides in and out like a drawer. The fit check confirms how much lip rests on each runner and how much clearance the tote walls have.

      Does it make a cut list and shopping list?

      Yes. It lists every part with lengths, packs the cuts onto standard 8, 10 or 12 ft boards and 4x8 sheets with kerf, and estimates the cost of lumber, casters and screws.

      Can I turn it into a rolling workbench?

      Yes. Add a plywood, MDF or butcher block top with overhangs and casters, and the work surface height is calculated for you.

      Is Tote Rack Planner free?

      Yes. It runs in your browser with no sign-up, and you can download the plans as a PDF or save your settings to a file.

      Tote presets

      Create, edit, hide or delete tote presets. To add your own, measure your tote and type each size into the box the arrow points to, as a decimal (13.375, not 13 3/8) — retailer dimensions are usually rounded and often include handles or the lid.
      New tote
      Units
      How to measure each part
      1. A / B — rim width & length. Lid off. Measure across the outside of the lip at its widest point. Ignore handles that stick out further.
      2. C — height without lid. Tote on a flat floor; measure from the floor to the top edge of the rim.
      3. D — lip band. The height of the lip itself: from its underside (where it will sit on a runner) to the top of the rim.
      4. E — lip overhang. Hold a straightedge against the wall just below the lip; measure how far the lip sticks out past it.
      5. F — bottom width. Across the outside of the bottom on the short side. Used to work out the wall taper.
      6. G — lid height at the edge. Lid on its own, right way up on a flat surface: from the surface to the top of the lid at its edge.
      7. H — skirt depth. How far the lid’s skirt reaches down from the underside of its top panel — this is how much it overlaps the tote’s lip.
      8. J — center bump (optional). Many lids have a raised middle. Lay a straightedge across the lid edges and measure how far the middle rises above it — often 1/4″ or more. It matters for the gap between stacked totes.
      9. I — lid width (optional). Across the outside of the lid’s skirt on the short side. Helps us check it clears the rack.

      Report a bug or request a feature

      Goes to . Your settings and the diagnostic log are included so we can see exactly what you see.
      Clicking Send email downloads a report file and opens your email app with this message filled in. Web pages can’t attach files for you — attach the downloaded file before sending. Using webmail? Use Copy all and paste it into a new email.

      Diagnostic log

      Paste this into a bug report — it includes your configuration, computed sizes, browser info and any errors.