Make a braai cart or prep station

Ideal for use indoors or outdoors, this mobile braai cart offers plenty of additional prepping space and ample storage space for braai tools and beverages!

 

The braai cart is made using 20mm and 32mm pine and dressed up with accessories - all of which you will find at your local Builders Warehouse. Take the cutting and materials list into the store, or cut at home, and make this braai cart in a day. 

The braai cart can be used indoors or outdoors and offers plenty of additional prepping space and ample storage space for braai tools and beverages!

YOU WILL NEED:

4 of 32 x 94 x 324mm - end aprons

4 of 32 x 94 x 822mm - side aprons

4 of 32 x 94 x 794mm - legs

2 of 20 x 94 x 388mm - brace for caster wheels

16 of 20 x 94 x 388mm - top / bottom shelf slats

2 of 20 x 94 x 324mm - base shelf end slats

5 x 60mm screws

Wood glue

Towel rail

4 caster wheels (2 locking) and 16 of 25mm screws

Woodoc 30 exterior sealer

TOOLS:

Pneumatic nailer and nails or Hammer and panel pins

Drill / Driver plus assorted bits

Orbital Sander plus 120- and 240-grit sanding pads

Tape measure and pencil

Have all the wood cut to size at your local Builders Warehouse.

HERE'S HOW:

1. To assemble the top and bottom frames lay the side and end aprons together and secure with 60mm screws. For all holes drill 3mm countersunk pilot holes. Use 2 screws in each joint.

 

2. With the bottom frame resting on the floor, attach each leg to the end of the frame. Check that the edges are flush before securing in place with wood glue and 60mm screws. Use 2 screws per leg in a staggered arrangement. Repeat until you have all four legs attached to the bottom frame. 

3. Turn over the frame - with attached legs upside down - to slot in the second frame. The legs should align perfectly with the second frame. Attach the legs to the frame in the same way as for the first frame.

 

4. Now you can attach the slats to the top and bottom frames. To do this you can use a pneumatic nailer or hammer and panel pins. For both also apply wood glue. 

GOOD TO KNOW: Allow a 5mm spacing between all the slats.

GOOD TO KNOW: At both ends of the bottom frame the slats are shorter to allow for fitting inside the leg.

5. Turn the assembly upside down to attach the braces for the caster wheels. Align these with the bottom frame and legs. Secure with wood glue and pneumatic nailer or hammer and panel pins. It is recommended that you also add a couple of screws into the leg.

6. Use an orbital sander and 120-grit sandpaper to sand away rough edges and also to slightly round all the edges. Finish with 240-grit for a smooth finish. Wipe clean.

7. It is important to ensure the wood is protected, so apply Woodoc 30 exterior sealer to the entire project. Start on the underside and move to the outside, applying Woodoc 30 according to the instructions on the can. Woodoc 30 is for exterior wood, but can also be used for interior projects. This product leaves a matt finish, but for a more glossy look use Woodoc 50 or Woodoc 55 (for coastal regions). 

8. Now you can add the caster wheels to the base. Align each caster wheel centrally on the support and secure with 25mm screws.

GOOD TO KNOW: Where screw heads are smaller than the holes in the caster wheels, use washers to bridge the gap.

Finishing

To finish off your braai station and make it even more practical, add accessories for hanging. This can include a towel rail and some hooks for braai tools. 

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