Tea Cart Plans

This step by step diy project is about tea cart plans. Inspired by Paul Karo’s project, I designed this simple tea cart that can also be used as a plant stand or even as a bookshelf. Make sure you adjust the design and the size of the cart to suit your needs. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Tea Cart Plans

Building a tea cart

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 1×10 lumber – 24″ long, 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 18 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 25 1/2″ long 2xTRAY
• B – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 19″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8″ long, 2 pieces – 30 1/4″ long LEGS
• D – 1 piece of 1″ dowel – 20″ long HANDLE
• E – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 12″x12″ long WHEELS

• 4 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8′
• 1 piece of 1×10 lumber – 8′
• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 12″x24″
• 1 piece of 1″ dowel
• 1 1/2″ brad nails
• 1 1/4″ pocket screws
• threaded rod, nuts, washers, pipe clamps
• wood glue, stain/paint
• wood filler

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Bar cart plans
• Outdoor chair plans

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Building a wood tea cart

Building the bottom of the trays

The first step of the project is to build the trays for the tea cart. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you should start with the bottom of the tray. Cut the 1×10 slats at 24″ and drill pocket holes as in the plans. Add glue to the joint, align the edges and clamp them together tightly. Insert 1 1/4″ screws to lock everything tightly.

Fitting the tray trims

Build the trims for the trays from 1×3 lumber. Cut the trims at the right dimensions and secure them into place with 1 1/2″ brad nails and glue. Make sure the corners are square and align everything with attention. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the front supports

Next, you need to assemble the tea cart. Build the front supports from 1×3 lumber. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the components. Align the edges making sure the corners are square and fit the supports into place with 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to the joints and make sure there are no gaps between the components.

Building the back legs

Continue the woodworking project by assembling the back legs for the tea cart. Use 1×3 lumber for the components. Take accurate measurements and make the cuts to the components, as shown in the image. Add glue to the joint and use 1 1/4″ screws to lock the back legs together tightly.

Fitting the back legs

Fit the back legs to the tea cart. Align everything with attention and use 1 1/2″ brad nails to create rigid joints between the components.

Fitting the handle

Use a 20″ dowel (about 1″ in diameter) for the handle. Fit the handle between the supports and align it accurately. Drill pilot holes through the sides and insert 1 1/4″ screws to secure it into place tightly. Add glue to the joints for a professional result.

Building the wheels

Build the wheels for the cart from 3/4″ plywood or from 1×14 lumber. Mark the cut lines on the piece of lumber, using the information in the diagram. Drill starting holes and use a jigsaw to make the spokes for the wheels. Make sure you smooth the sharp edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the wheels

Next, you need to secure the wheels to the front of the cart. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, you have to drill pilot holes through the center of the two wheels. Use threaded rod and nuts to secure the wheels together. In addition, fit a couple of washers between the wheels and the tea cart. Secure the threaded rod to the bottom of the cart using appropriate pipe clamps.

Securing the wheels to the cart can be done in many ways, so feel free to implement your own solution, if you find mine too complex.

Tea cart plans

Fill the holes and dents with wood putty and let it dry out for several hours before smoothing everything with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of stain to enhance the look of the tea cart. If you build these, I would love to see your project.

This woodworking project was about tea cart plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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