12-Tote (3x4) DIY Garage Tote Tower Calculator
Exact framing dimensions for a 2280 x 2040 x 720 mm build: Capacity: 12× 27-Gal Storage Totes (3×4); Bay Opening: 709 mm W × 485 mm H. Open it in the free 3D configurator to check every opening before you buy a single board.
Open this exact build in 3D (free)Get the full PDF - EUR 9.90Key numbers for this build
Build size2280 x 2040 x 720 mm
Primary specCapacity: 12× 27-Gal Storage Totes (3×4)
Secondary specBay Opening: 709 mm W × 485 mm H
Stock boards24 x 2400 mm
Total cuts42 (13.4% waste)
Est. timber costEUR 187 (pro quote ~EUR 860)
Watermarked 2D framing elevation preview. Sheet A-02 in the PDF includes unwatermarked 1:20 / 1:25 dimension arrows and side section.
Cut list preview
| Part | Component | Section | Qty | Cut length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V-01 | Full-Height Vertical Ladder Posts (Front & Rear) | 38×89mm | 8x | 2040 mm |
| R-01 | Tote Rim Slide Rails (Front-to-Back Cleats) | 38×89mm | 24x | locked - in PDF |
| B-01 | Horizontal Cross-Tie Stretchers (Top/Mid/Base) | 38×89mm | 6x | locked - in PDF |
| G-01 | Diagonal Anti-Sway Gusset Braces | 38×89mm | 4x | locked - in PDF |
The first cut length is free. All exact lengths, the board-by-board cutting diagrams and the scaled drawing are in the PDF.
What the PDF blueprint includes
- Sheet A-01 - project summary and master cut list with every exact length
- Sheet A-02 - to-scale front elevation and side section with dimensions
- Sheet C-02 - colour-coded cutting diagram for every stock board (3mm kerf allowed)
- Sheet D-03 - step-by-step assembly sequence, fastener schedule and tool list
1D Stock Board Cutting Map Preview (2400 mm boards)
Showing first 4 of 24 stock boards (3.0 mm saw-blade kerf compensation active). All 24 boards are mapped in Sheet C-02 of the PDF.
Hardware & Fastener Shopping List
| Fastener / Material | Estimated Qty | Structural Use |
|---|---|---|
| Structural wood screws 5.0 x 90mm (#10 x 3-1/2") | 185 pcs (2 boxes of 100) | Stretchers & gussets to posts |
| Wood screws 4.0 x 50mm (#8 x 2") | 96 pcs (1 box of 200) | Tote rails to posts (2 per end) |
| Angle brackets + 5 x 70mm screws & plugs | 3 sets | Anti-tip wall anchoring |
How to build it
- Cut every member from Sheet C-02 board by board, then write its part ID on each piece in pencil so nothing gets mixed up.
- Build 4 ladder frames: lay a front and a rear post (V-01) flat, 720 mm apart outside-to-outside, and screw the tote rails (R-01) across them, one rail per tier, spaced 485 mm apart. Middle frames get rails on BOTH faces.
- Test-slide one real tote onto the first pair of rails before building the rest; the lid lip must rest on the rails with a few mm of side play.
- Stand the frames up and join them with the cross-tie stretchers (B-01) at the top, middle and base, front and rear, keeping every bay opening at 709 mm.
- Square the rack: measure both diagonals of the front face and adjust until they are equal, then fix the diagonal gussets (G-01) at the rear corners.
- Anchor the top stretcher to the wall studs with angle brackets - a loaded tote rack must never be free-standing.
- Slide in your 12 totes.
Tools: Mitre / circular saw, Drill-driver + impact driver, Spirit level (1200mm / 4ft), Tape measure, square, pencil.
FAQ
- How much timber do I need?
- 24 stock boards of 2400 mm (42 cuts in total, 13.4% offcut waste). Estimated timber cost is about EUR 187.
- How many totes does it hold?
- Capacity: 12× 27-Gal Storage Totes (3×4). Bay Opening: 709 mm W × 485 mm H.
- What size is the build?
- 2280 mm wide x 2040 mm high x 720 mm deep. Bay Opening: 709 mm W × 485 mm H.
- Can I change the dimensions?
- Yes. Open the 3D configurator, move the sliders to your exact room or project size in millimetres or inches, and the cut list, board count and drawings update instantly.
- What is in the paid PDF?
- A landscape A4 blueprint with every exact cut length, a scaled framing elevation, colour-coded board cutting diagrams, the assembly sequence and a fastener schedule. It is a one-time EUR 9.90 download.
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