How to assemble a kitchen cart
A kitchen cart (trolley) is a small wheeled unit with shelves, drawers or a worktop. It moves while loaded, so the castors, the frame and the shelf fixings all need to be tight, with the locking castors where you can reach them.
- Time
- about 45 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- People
- 1 person
- Steps
- 6
Tools needed
- Allen key (supplied)
- Cross-head screwdriver
- Small spanner
Parts to check first
Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.
- Worktop
- Side frames or legs
- Shelves and baskets
- Drawer parts, if any
- Castors (two locking), bolts and screws
Step by step
Step 1: Fit the castors to the bottom of the legs or base, with the locking castors at the front or on diagonal corners.
Step 2: Join the side frames with the lower shelf and rails, bolts finger-tight.
Step 3: Fit the middle shelves or baskets and any drawer runners.
Step 4: Fix the worktop on top, with its screws in the pre-drilled holes only.
Step 5: Stand the cart on the floor, check it is square and tighten all bolts.
Step 6: Fit towel rails, hooks and drawers, then lock the castors and check the cart does not move.
Common mistakes
- Fitting all the locking castors at the back.
- Putting the heaviest items on the top shelf.
- Using long screws that break through the worktop.
Safety notes
- Lock the castors when using the cart as a worktop.
- Do not put hot pans directly on a wooden or laminate top without a board or trivet.
This is general guidance for this type of product. Your product's own manual comes first: follow its order, fittings and torque values where they differ from this page.
Updated 2026-09-30