A rolling Laundry Cart makes moving clothes, linens, and bedding much easier—whether in a household laundry room or in a commercial setting like hotels and laundromats. While ready-made carts are available, building your own gives you flexibility in size, material, and design. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Materials and Tools You Will Need

Materials:

• 4 caster wheels (2 fixed, 2 swivel with brakes recommended)

• 4 metal or wooden legs (approx. 24–30 inches depending on height preference)

• Frame material (steel tubing, PVC pipe, or wooden boards)

• Laundry Basket or fabric liner (canvas, mesh, or wire basket)

• Screws, bolts, or welding supplies (depending on chosen material)

• Optional: bottom shelf or wire grid for extra storage

Tools:

• Drill and drill bits

• Screwdriver or wrench

• Measuring tape and marker

• Saw (if cutting wood or PVC)

• Welding machine (if working with steel frame)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Plan Your Design

• Decide the size and purpose: household (lightweight) vs. commercial (heavy-duty).

• Measure your basket or liner so the frame fits snugly.

2. Build the Base Frame

• Use metal tubing, wood, or PVC to create a rectangular frame.

• Attach cross-supports for strength if carrying heavy loads.

• Ensure the base is square and level.

3. Attach the Wheels

• Secure 4 casters to the bottom corners.

• Use swivel casters with brakes in the front for maneuverability and stability.

• Test rolling before proceeding.

4. Install the Upright Supports

• Attach 4 vertical legs to the base frame.

• Reinforce with corner brackets or crossbars for added stability.

5. Add the Laundry Basket or Liner

• Secure a wire basket, canvas bag, or plastic tub to the frame.

• For fabric liners, use Velcro straps or hooks to make it removable for washing.

6. Finish and Test

• Smooth sharp edges with sandpaper or a file.

• Optionally paint or powder-coat the frame for durability.

• Test the cart with a full load of laundry to ensure stability.

Real-World Example

A family in Ohio built a DIY rolling cart using PVC pipes and a canvas laundry bag. The lightweight design cost under $40 and was perfect for home use. In contrast, a laundromat in New Jersey built steel-frame carts with large wire baskets and heavy-duty casters, each carrying up to 200 lbs. These lasted over 10 years in daily operation.

Tips for Success

• For home use: PVC or wood is inexpensive and easy to assemble.

• For commercial use: Steel tubing with welded joints ensures long life.

• Choose casters rated for your load capacity (light duty 50–80 lbs, heavy duty 150–200 lbs per wheel).

• Consider adding a bottom rack for detergents or folded clothes.

Conclusion

Building a rolling laundry cart requires careful planning, the right materials, and proper assembly. Whether using PVC for lightweight household use or steel for commercial durability, you can create a cart that saves time and effort in managing laundry.