Build a DIY PVC Art Cart for Safe Artwork Transport
Transporting artwork can be challenging—especially when you need to protect delicate pieces while keeping everything easy to move. Photographer Randy Jackson of Randy Jackson Images faced this exact issue when preparing to transport his photography prints. After searching for a suitable commercial cart that fit both his vehicle and mobility needs, he decided to design his own DIY Art Cart using PVC pipe and fittings.
Sturdy, Lightweight Design
Randy built the cart’s frame using 3/4 in. PVC pipe from Home Depot, reinforced with 3/4 in. 3-Way PVC Elbows and 3/4 in. 4-Way PVC Tee Fittings to create a rigid cage that could securely hold his framed artwork during transport.
To anchor the PVC structure, he mounted the frame to a plywood base using 1 in. Table Caps connected through a plumbing-grade reducer. The result was a strong, balanced design capable of supporting large artwork panels without flexing or tipping.
Easy Mobility
After assembling the frame, Randy attached casters to the base board, allowing him to roll his cart easily between his vehicle, studio, and show setups. The finished PVC Art Cart makes it simple to move delicate art pieces safely and securely—without heavy lifting or damage risks.
See the Build
You can read more about Randy’s project and view his full build process on his blog, Random Thoughts of a Photographer Artist.
