Jan 13, 2021

Let Me Carry The Load

DIY Instructions On How To Build A Dolly

My vision of The Traveling Pheasant mobile coffee bar includes a marble top café table with French bistro chairs for a seating area in front of the trailer. I am still on the hunt for the perfect chairs; however, I was able to locate the table…sort of!

First, I found a round marble top on Facebook Marketplace for a fraction of the cost if I were to buy the table outright or source the stone from a supplier. Then, I found the perfect black cast iron base that has very handy self-leveling feet. The two pieces fit perfectly together but once they were attached, they weigh A TON!

I was not cutting corners on quality or sacrificing the aesthetic, so I needed a dolly in order to move this gem of a piece around. Sure, I could have bought one, but where is the fun in that? Not to mention, it goes against my “I’ll just make my own” personality!

Dollies are extremely helpful in many ways. Why strain your back moving boxes, furniture or even groceries when you can just load them up and glide them to your destination? Work smarter, not harder.

“It’s not the load that weighs you down, it’s the way you carry it” – C.S. Lewis

Building your won dolly is fairly simple and only requires a handful of materials.

1x4 or 1x6 wood boards
Wood screws with washers
Outdoor/utility carpet
Swivel casters

Step 1: Cut Wood Boards to Desired Lengths

This is another benefit of building your own dolly, you can customize the size you need for specific items.

Step 2: Wrap the Two Top Boards in Carpet and Staple into Place

Yes, I admit that I am stubborn. I insisted on doing things the “old fashioned way” and using my grandfather’s handheld staple gun to feel more connected with him when doing the project. After a few staples, however, the wood seemed to be too hard and I had to also hammer in the staples. I finally caved and used my step-dad’s air gun and holy moly, what a difference!

I know what you are thinking, I just said work smarter, not harder! Fair! But sometimes you need to experience both ways in order to appreciate the other.

Regarding the carpet, I went to Home Depot/Lowes and asked for a small portion of the cheapest outdoor/utility carpet they had. They will be able to cut it to the length you need.

Step 3: Screw the Boards Together

Layout the boards, carpeted ones face down and the raw boards on top, so that it looks like the finished dolly is upside down. Use wood screws to secure the pieces together. After the first screw is started, begin the second screw diagonally from the first, then work your way around to the other corners. Gradually secure the screws. This helps to prevent movement and misalignment when one side is overtightened before the others are attached.

LIVE & LEARN TIP: Predrill the screw holes!

Step 4: Attach the Casters

Lay the casters in their desired locations and trace the screw holes. By removing the casters and pre-drilling the holes, it makes it far easier to attach them without them wiggling out of place.