How to Build a Vegetable Bin

Measure and cut your lumber to make your bin. The front piece should be 16 inches tall and 11 1/2 inches wide. Cut two side pieces each measuring 21 3/8 inches in height and 8 7/8 inches in width. Cut a 11 1/2-inch-tall and 7 1/2-inch-wide bottom piece . Cut another 14 1/2-inch-tall and 3-inch-wide piece. Cut the right 14-1/2 inch side at an 18-degree angle. Lastly, cut the top so that it is 8 5/8 inches tall and 14 1/2 inches wide. Cut the left underside of the 14 1/2-inch side at an 18-degree angle. Sand all the edges to eliminate splinters.

Cut your pegboard to 12 7/8 inches in width and 20 inches in height. This piece is going to fit on to the back of your vegetable box. Do not substitute the pegboard with lumber. The pegboard’s holes provide essential ventilation to the vegetable bin. Without the ventilation, your vegetables will age at an accelerated rate.

Lay your sidepieces one on top of each other. Measure three inches from the right corner and mark with a pencil. Measure the left side of the board 17 inches from the bottom. Once you reach the 17-inch mark, make a pencil line to hold your place. Use a straight edge to mark a clear line from your 3-inch mark to your 17-inch mark. Use a saw to cut off the corner, following the line.

Wedge the front piece between the sidepieces. Hold them together using a C clamp. You want the front piece of the board to line up with the sheared off corners of the sidepieces. Screw the front to the sides. Remove the clamp. Fit the bottom piece of the bin into its proper location and screw it into place.

Flip the bin over so that the open back is facing you. Lay the pegboard over the back so that it reaches all the way to the top of the sidepieces. Screw it securely in place.

Install two small hinges onto the 14 1/2-by-3-inch board. Attach the hinges to the underside of the board along the 18-degree angle. Space the hinges 8 1/2 inches apart from each other. Attach the other side of the hinges to the lid’s 18-degree angle underside. These angles allow your lid to completely close. Move the lid around to ensure the hinges provide you with a full range of motion. Fit the 14 1/2-by-3-inch board to the top of the bin. It should rest on the level 3-inch piece of the sides. Ensure the hinges are facing down and the lid is able to open up. Use two screws to secure the 3-inch wide board to the top of the vegetable bin.