Turn a Plastic Storage Container Into a Mobile Toy Box

Breathe new life into a basic plastic storage bin by adding jute rope, metal casters and a colorful fabric liner.
Plastic Bin Makeover with Jute Rope

How to Make a Jute-Wrapped Storage Bin

Breathe new life into a basic plastic storage bin with jute rope, hot glue, lumber and metal casters.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Materials Needed

plastic storage bin
hot glue gun
glue sticks
50' spool of jute or sisal rope
drill
3/4" paddle bit
1x4" board
(4) metal casters
3" wood screws
table saw
measuring tape
marker
fabric liner (optional)

Create Support Structure

Determine the length and width of the bottom of the plastic bin. Next, mark the board to size using a marker, then cut two identical strips for the length and four identical strips for the width. Piece together two length strips and two width strips to create a two-layer rectangle. This will become the support structure for attaching casters. Next, use a drill and wood screws to add pilot holes into all four corners.

Add Casters

Add all four casters to the wood strips using a drill and wood screws.

Secure Support Structure

Place two of the wood strips along the bottom of the plastic bin, then secure them in place with a drill and wood screws directly through the bottom support structure.

Add Rope Pulls

Unfurl the jute or sisal rope, then cut into two 6-inch strips. Next, use the drill and 3/4-inch paddle bit to add two holes for each of the rope pulls. Knot one end of each rope pull, then insert through one of the drilled holes, securing in place by knotting the opposite end.

Cover Bin in Rope

Cover the plastic bin in jute or sisal rope by wrapping it around the exterior from top to bottom, then securing it in place with hot glue. Allow each layer to slightly overlap the other; this will ensure proper coverage without exposing the plastic.

For an extra layer of texture and color, add a fabric liner to the inside of the bin. This not only adds a more polished look, but it keeps precious items safe and protected, too.

Materials needed plastic storage bin hot glue sticks glue gun 50-foot spool of jute or sisal rope (one spool per storage bin) drill 3/4-inch paddle bit 1-inch-by-4-inch pine four metal casters for each storage bin 3-inch wood screws table saw measuring tape marker fabric hamper liner Step 1 Use measuring tape to determine the width and length of the bottom of the plastic bin. Next, mark the 1-inch-by-4-inch pine to size using marker, then cut two identical strips for the length and four identical strips for the width. Piece together two length strips and two width strips to create a two-layer rectangle. This will become the support structure for attaching casters. Next, use drill and 3-inch wood screws to add pilot holes into all four corners. Step 2 Add all four casters to the width strips using drill and 3-inch wood screws. Step 3 Secure two of the width strips along the interior bottom of the plastic bin, then secure them in place with drill and 3-inch wood screws directly through the bottom support structure. This will keep the support structure with the casters in place firmly. Step 4 Add holes for rope pulls. Unfurl the jute or sisal rope, then cut into two 6-inch strips. Next, use the drill and 3/4-inch paddle bit to add two holes for each of the rope pulls. Step 5 Knot one end of each rope pull, then insert them through one of the drilled holes, securing them in place by knotting the opposite end. Step 6 Cover the entire exterior surface of the plastic bin by wrapping the jute or sisal rope around it, then securing it in place with hot glue. Allow each layer to slightly overlap the other. This will ensure proper coverage without exposing the plastic.
Materials needed plastic storage bin hot glue sticks glue gun 50-foot spool of jute or sisal rope (one spool per storage bin) drill 3/4-inch paddle bit 1-inch-by-4-inch pine four metal casters for each storage bin 3-inch wood screws table saw measuring tape marker fabric hamper liner Step 1 Use measuring tape to determine the width and length of the bottom of the plastic bin. Next, mark the 1-inch-by-4-inch pine to size using marker, then cut two identical strips for the length and four identical strips for the width. Piece together two length strips and two width strips to create a two-layer rectangle. This will become the support structure for attaching casters. Next, use drill and 3-inch wood screws to add pilot holes into all four corners. Step 2 Add all four casters to the width strips using drill and 3-inch wood screws. Step 3 Secure two of the width strips along the interior bottom of the plastic bin, then secure them in place with drill and 3-inch wood screws directly through the bottom support structure. This will keep the support structure with the casters in place firmly. Step 4 Add holes for rope pulls. Unfurl the jute or sisal rope, then cut into two 6-inch strips. Next, use the drill and 3/4-inch paddle bit to add two holes for each of the rope pulls. Step 5 Knot one end of each rope pull, then insert them through one of the drilled holes, securing them in place by knotting the opposite end. Step 6 Cover the entire exterior surface of the plastic bin by wrapping the jute or sisal rope around it, then securing it in place with hot glue. Allow each layer to slightly overlap the other. This will ensure proper coverage without exposing the plastic.

Next Up

How to Make a Wine Rack From a Wood Pallet

Put a new twist on a basic wooden pallet by turning it into a rustic outdoor wine rack that can hold at least 25 bottles of wine and stemware, too.

Turn an Old Tomato Cage Into a Storage Basket

Make a colorful, fabric storage basket out of a tomato cage and cotton twine with this simple and super-affordable tutorial.

DIY Fabric-Wrapped Storage Bins

Kick boring to the curb with these fabric-wrapped storage bins that will satisfy both the pretty and the practical in your life.

20 Best Lego Storage Ideas

Stop stepping on stray building blocks with these cute and clever storage solutions.

How to Build Banquette Seating With Built-in Storage

Optimize seating and storage with an L-shaped bench that will turn any corner into a cozy destination.

15 Best Stuffed Animal Storage Solution Ideas

Put those cuddly companions in their place, once and for all, with our favorite toy bins, baskets, bookshelves and hammocks.

How to Build a Floating Shelf With Hidden Charging Station

Don't let unsightly cables and cords clutter your living space. This DIY floating shelf has a built-in power strip tucked away in a drawer — the perfect spot to charge your phones, tablets and other gadgets out of sight.

The Best Outdoor Storage Benches Under $200

Because we could all use a few more hiding spots for our backyard gear.

Make a DIY Stock Tank Pool

This stock tank pool how-to will have you lounging in the summer sun in just one weekend — and for a lot less cash than you'd expect.

Turn a Vintage Dresser Into a Bathroom Vanity

Customize any bathroom by using a vintage dresser or buffet instead of a builder-grade vanity. Scour thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets for a piece that is the right size for your space. You may even be able to shop your home!

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.