Create the Perfect Coffee Station with a DIY Coffee Bar Cart. We had so much fun with this DIY Coffee Bar Cart! A rustic take on the classic bar cart, build it yourself and switch up the styling to use it for coffee! 
I want to add this one to the list of “things every mom needs in her life.” Along with “high metabolism” and “more energy” this could be one of those gifts that every mama, especially when she has number two, or three, or four, could use. A coffee bar cart? Oh yeah. I could totally even see this going in my room.
Okay, and cue confession time… I’m not actually that huge of a coffee fanatic, I only started drinking it about a year ago in fact. Chai tea was always my first love (and if I’m hitting up the nearest coffee shop, that’s usually still my go-to order). Loaded up with cream, a swirling, steaming cup of energy is something I can use, and have about once a day… that is when I even get to finish the cup. But the scent, those first few sips, the feeling of “something-just-for-me,” that’s the blessing of coffee. And this DIY coffee bar cart? Well, it just makes it that much easier to make and enjoy… wherever, without taking up precious counter space.
I was on the hunt for the longest time to find a bar cart, or something to use for one. Something new, something old, something I could transform. While I found many and had plenty of ideas, there wasn’t one that quite fit the bill. By that I mean, I either would have had to shell out too much cash, my husband didn’t like it, etc. Together we came to a compromise and a conclusion; let’s just make our own! We did, and I could be happier with the result.
Table of Contents
Check out these fun fall styling options for your coffee bar cart!
The style we went with is slightly rustic and industrial, completely customizable (so if we ever decided to change our mind on color, just a little paint or stain with change the entire look), and we can be totally proud that we made it all ourselves.
Today, we’re sharing the full rundown (which is easier than it seems). Keep reading for our coffee bar cart tutorial.
How to make your own DIY Coffee Bar Cart
First, round up the items you’ll need for building this rustic coffee station. We’ve got the shopping list below.
Item list:
- (18) – 1/2″ floor flanges
- (4) – 1/2″ x 12″ nipples/risers (use PVC piping instead of black or cast iron irrigation piping to save $)
- (4) – 1/2″ x 18″ nipples/risers (used plastic again)
- (1) – 1/2″ x 8″ nipple/riser
- (2) – 1/2″ x 1″ nipples/risers
- (2) – 1/2″ elbows
- (2) – 1x8x10 boards
- (4) casters
- Flat bracket set
- Stain of choice
- Dowels
- Wood glue
- #8 3/4″ wood screws (100qty)
- Spray paint of choice (for the piping)
Instructions:
- Start by cutting boards down to length making 6 – 30″ pieces. It’s easier to have it done for you at the store while you are there. We purchased 2 – 10 foot boards and had them cut down to size.
- Sand the wood on all edges. A palm sander works great.
- Stain wood desired color and let dry.
- Wash and assemble the pipe. Assemble one pipe to two flanges and hand tighten (no need to use a wrench). Do this with all 8 pipes, your 4 – 12″ pipes and 4 – 18″ pipes. You should have 2 flanges left over for top handle. The 8″ pipe will be used for the cart handle, hand tighten an elbow to each end. Add a 1″ nipple to each elbow, followed by a flange. Once all pieces are assembled, spray paint desired color. (Cute little helpers don’t hurt either 😉 )
Edited to add: Final dimensions will be 30″ L X 15″ W X 40″ H (height is approximate and based on the caster height). Based on the materials listed, we built this for right around $100!
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5. Pre-drill 3 dowel holes in one side of each board (a dowel jig works great, just make sure to measure the exact same length from the end of the wood for each board). We used dowels and wood glue to help give extra strength to each shelf which will be two boards in width.
6. Place dowels in pre-drilled holes.
7. Run a line of wood glue on one piece of wood and then place opposing piece lining up with dowels and use a rubber mallet to gently hammer so pieces are tight. If you have a wooden clamp you can clamp tight while drying. We just set aside and let dry.
8. Repeat steps for all three sets of boards to create three sets of shelves.
9. Choose which side of your boards will face down and lay them flat. Add 2-3 flat brackets to the seem of each shelf for added strength.
10. Flip over your bottom shelf so that it is now face up, and using 3/4″ screws, attach your 4 – 18″ pipe sets at each corner with flanges 1/2″ from outside edge. Measure from the edge of the wood to the edge of flange.
11. Flip your bottom board with attached piping upside down and set onto another board that is still face down to create the next level and screw the other set of flanges to the bottom of the board, still measuring 1/2″ from the outside edge of the wood.
12. Flip the unit right side up again and repeat steps 10 and 11 with the 4 – 12″ pipe sets.
13. Flip upside down one last time onto the top board and attach from bottom.
14. Return to right-side up position, center the handle and affix with 3/4″ screws where you wish on the top.
15. Lay your coffee bar cart on it’s side OR upside down either on a table or before affixing the handle and attach casters on all four corners. We measured 1/2″ from each edge to outside of casters. Screw in place with 3/4″ screws.
16. (Optional) We used a little of the spray paint, sprayed into a disposable cup, and applied with a small brush to the tops of the screws so that they would blend in with the rest of the metal work.
DIY Coffee Bar Cart
Materials
- (18) - 1/2" floor flanges
- (4) - 1/2" x 12" nipples/risers (use PVC piping instead of black or cast iron irrigation piping to save $)
- (4) - 1/2" x 18" nipples/risers (used plastic again)
- (1) - 1/2" x 8" nipple/riser
- (2) - 1/2" x 1"Â nipples/risers
- (2) - 1/2" elbows
- (2) - 1x8x10 boards
- (4) casters
- Flat bracket setÂ
- Stain of choice
- DowelsÂ
- Wood glueÂ
- #8 3/4" wood screws (100qty)
- Spray paint of choice (for the piping)
Instructions
- Start by cutting boards down to length making 6 - 30" pieces. It's easier to have it done for you at the store while you are there. We purchased (2) 10-foot boards and had them cut down to size.
- Sand the wood on all edges. A palm sander works great.
- Stain wood desired color and let dry.
- Wash and assemble the pipe. Assemble one pipe to two flanges and hand tighten (no need to use a wrench). Do this with all 8 pipes, (4) 12" pipes and (4) 18" pipes. You should have 2 flanges left over for top handle. The 8" pipe will be used for the cart handle, hand-tighten an elbow to each end. Add a 1" nipple to each elbow, followed by a flange. Once all pieces are assembled, spray paint the desired color. (Cute little helpers don't hurt either 😉 )
- Pre-drill 3 dowel holes in one side of each board (a dowel jig works great, just make sure to measure the exact same length from the end of the wood for each board). We used dowels and wood glue to help give extra strength to each shelf which will be two boards in width.
- Place dowels in pre-drilled holes.
- Run a line of wood glue on one piece of wood and then place opposing piece lining up with dowels and use a rubber mallet to gently hammer so pieces are tight. If you have a wooden clamp you can clamp tight while drying. Set aside and let dry.
- Repeat steps for all three sets of boards to create three sets of shelves.
- Choose which side of your boards will face down and lay them flat. Add 2-3 flat brackets to the seem of each shelf for added strength.
- Flip over your bottom shelf so that it is now face up, and using 3/4" screws, attach your 4 - 18" pipe sets at each corner with flanges 1/2" from outside edge. Measure from the edge of the wood to the edge of flange.
- Flip your bottom board with attached piping upside down and set onto another board that is still face down to create the next level and screw the other set of flanges to the bottom of the board, still measuring 1/2" from the outside edge of the wood.
- Flip the unit right side up again and repeat steps 10 and 11 with the 4 - 12" pipe sets.
- Flip upside down one last time onto the top board and attach from bottom.
- Return to right-side up position, center the handle and affix with 3/4" screws where you wish on the top.
- Lay your coffee bar cart on it's side OR upside down either on a table or before affixing the handle and attach casters on all four corners. We measured 1/2" from each edge to outside of casters. Screw in place with 3/4" screws.
- (Optional) We used a little of the spray paint, sprayed into a disposable cup, and applied with a small brush to the tops of the screws so that they would blend in with the rest of the metalwork.
Notes
Final dimensions will be 30" L X 15" W X 40" H (height is approximate and based on the caster height). Based on the materials listed, we built this for right around $100!
Congratulations, you now have your own rolling DIY coffee bar cart! Add your favorite mugs, coffees, syrups, coffee makers, books, waters and other flavorings and accessories work well too… then just enjoy each sip. I’ve got a few of my favorite Folgers flavors on hand, plenty of mugs to fill and my sleek, white Keurig brewer that will keep me going, especially after baby arrives! Goodness, I really may even move this cart into my room 😉
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
What do you think? Do you already have a fabulous bar cart turned coffee bar cart or have you tried your hand at making one yourself? If you make one, I would SO love to see!! Just post a pic and tag me on Instagram or Twitter with @tabithablue or #freshmommy!
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Parent Club says
This is such a good idea! That coffee bar cart would be a nice addition to a weekend buffet with friends.
Tabitha Laboy says
That would be a perfect way to use it!!!
Jenny says
About how much $ did this cart cost? I’d love to make one!
-Jenny
http://www.sweetteal.com
Tabitha Laboy says
Right around $100!
megan says
Hello! What color stain did you use for this? i like the simble color
Tabitha Laboy says
Hi Megan, I’m pretty sure for this project we used a light coat of golden oak >> http://bit.ly/2KbCPy9
megan says
simple*
stacey says
Curious as to how much this cost as well.
Tabitha Laboy says
When we did it, it was just under $100 for everything!
Katy says
Is that a faux brick wallpaper in the background? Love the colors in it. What is it called and where can I buy it?
Tabitha Laboy says
HI Katy! It is a faux brick wallpaper and I love it!!! I can’t find the exact one that we used any longer, but it was from Home Depot and the currently have quite a few options: http://bit.ly/2rzDAKN
Melissa says
I love it! What spray paint / color did you use?
Tabitha Laboy says
Hello Melissa! It’s a dark copper metallic spray paint! >>> http://bit.ly/2rxgEMe
Joe says
Very Nice- I am thinking that the swivel casters work best opposite the handle. Pretty much the set-up used on a shopping cart- the push handle is above the fixed wheels.
Beth says
Thanks for this design! Pro tip to all the readers out there: I went to Home Depot for the floor flanges and they were ~$7 each and considering you need (18) for this design, I would recommend getting them on Amazon. I found a 10 pack for $22, so I bought 2 of them. 🙂
Aarsun says
You have beautifully described about the coffee bar cart. In my opinion, the Wooden bar cart would be best due to its long-lasting and durability features. We are also into handcrafted service/kitchen cart and other articles -do visit our website.
maggie says
curious what kind of wood did you use?
maggie says
Hello wondering what kind of wood did you use for the shelves?
Krystal H says
LOVEEEE the shelves but where is that giant jar to store your KCups from?!
Royal Carving says
Thanks for sharing this idea.
Its easy to made with some tools pipes and wood.
Keep sharing creative ideas.