Sterilite 50 gal tote size
- Length, lid on
- 42 3/4"
- Width across the lid rim
- 22"
- Height with lid
- 18"
- Capacity
- 50 gal
- Sold at
- Walmart
- Colors
- Gray
- Sizes from
- Store and maker listings: measure one of yours before you cut
Sterilite's 50 gal Tote (model 1849) is listed at 42 3/4" × 22" × 18" with a snap-on lid and no latches, the same as Target's Brightroom 50 gal. Sterilite's 50 gal Stacker Tote is a different, latching box that won't hang on runners.
A 3×3 rack for Sterilite 50 gal totes
It holds 9 totes (450 gallons) and stands 74 1/4" wide, 42 3/4" deep and 62" tall against a wall, with an open top. Change the layout in the configurator above; the numbers on this page are for the 3×3.
- 21 × 2x4 × 8 ft
- 104 × 2-1/2" screws
- 2 angle brackets to fix it to the wall studs
Cut list
| Part | Qty | Stock | Cut to (length × width) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legs | 8 | 2x4 SPF | 59" | Vertical posts |
| Rails | 4 | 2x4 SPF | 74 1/4" | Horizontal full-width members (top/bottom x front/back) |
| Runners | 18 | 2x4 SPF | 42 3/4" | Front-to-back tote supports |
| Spacer Blocks | 2 | 2x4 SPF | 16" | Assembly jig for row spacing (reuse during build) |
Ladder layout
Every leg gets the same marks. Measure down from the top end of the leg to the top edge of each runner:
- Row 1 (top): 3 1/4"
- Row 2: 22 3/4"
- Row 3 (bottom): 42 1/4"
Posts 22 3/4" apart leave 19 3/4" between the two runners of a bay, so the 22" rim rests on 1 1/8" of each. Cut the two spacer blocks to 16": stood on one runner, a block sets the next one.
Step by step
Buy the lumber and screws
For a 3×3 rack of Sterilite 50 gal totes: 21 2x4s 8 ft long, 104 2-1/2" screws and 2 angle brackets for the wall studs.
Cut every piece
Cut 8 legs at 59", 4 rails at 74 1/4", 18 runners at 42 3/4" and 2 spacer blocks at 16", as in the cut list. A stop block on your saw keeps identical parts identical.
Mark the ladder layout
On one leg, mark the top edge of the top runner 3 1/4" down from the top end, then a mark every 19 1/2" below it. Square the marks across and copy them onto all 8 legs.
Build the leg pairs
Screw a runner across a front and a back leg on every mark, with two 2-1/2" screws at each end; a spacer block (16") standing on one runner sets the next. The middle pairs get runners on both faces, the two end pairs on their inside face only.
Join the pairs with the rails
Stand the pairs on the two bottom rails with 22 3/4" between posts, so the runners of each bay are 19 3/4" apart, and screw the two top rails across the top ends of the legs.
Fix it to the wall and load it
Screw two angle brackets from the top back rail into two wall studs, then slide the totes in with their lids on: the 22" rim rests on 1 1/8" of each runner. Heaviest totes at the bottom.
Totes that fit the same rack
These totes share the Sterilite 50 gal's length and rim width and are no taller, so they hang on the same runners:
- Brightroom 50 gal - 42 3/4 × 22 × 18 in
Other 50 gallon totes are a different size and need their own rack: Commander 50 gal, Hyper Tough 50 gal wheeled, Rubbermaid 50 gal.
FAQ
What size is the Sterilite 50 gal tote?
42 3/4" long, 22" wide across the lid rim and 18" tall with the lid on, from store listings. It holds 50 gallons and is sold at Walmart. Measure one of yours before you cut.
Will a rack for Sterilite 50 gal totes fit other 50 gallon totes?
Yes for the Brightroom 50 gal: it has the same length and rim width and is no taller, so it hangs on the same runners. Not the Commander 50 gal, Hyper Tough 50 gal wheeled or Rubbermaid 50 gal: they are a different size, so pick them in the configurator for a rack that fits.
How much lumber does a 3×3 rack for Sterilite 50 gal totes take?
21 2x4s 8 ft long, plus 104 2-1/2" screws and 2 angle brackets for the wall studs. It holds 9 totes (450 gallons) and stands 74 1/4" wide, 42 3/4" deep and 62" tall.
How far apart are the runners for Sterilite 50 gal totes?
Set the posts 22 3/4" apart, so the two runners of a bay are 19 3/4" apart and the 22" rim rests on 1 1/8" of each. Each row sits 19 1/2" above the last: the tote's 18" height plus a 1 1/2" gap to slide it out.
Build it, guided every step
The Fixie iOS app turns this plan into a customized build for your exact space - pick your dimensions, get an auto-generated cut list, order materials in one tap, and follow the steps with 3D previews. Have something else in mind? Describe it or snap a photo and Fixie will design your own build from scratch - your first design is free.
Download Fixie on the App StoreTote rack plans for other totes
All tote rack plans and the 3D configurator