How to Make a Wooden Game Cube

Wooden game cubes are small tables used for playing games like chess, checkers or any number of board games. Game cubes work well in children's playrooms and bedrooms. Use games cubes to play on and also to store games in.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 12 2 by 4 pieces of wood cut to 2 feet
• Saw
• Drill with screwdriver bit
• Screws
• 6 2 by 2 foot wood or particle board panels
• 1 25-inch square piece of felt
• Glue
• 2 hinges
• 1 hook or loop latch
• Paint
• Board games

1. Taper the ends of the 2 by 4 boards at a 45-degree angle. Angles need to match up to make the corners of the box line up.
2. Fit the angled ends of the 2 by 4 boards together to make a square. Screw the boards together. Be careful to keep the edges aligned.
3. Attach a 2 by 4 board to an open side of one of the squares. This makes one side of the cube. Use screws to attach the pieces together. This makes the cube almost complete. One side is left open until later when you attach a door. This helps the cube double as a storage space as well as a game center.
4. Stretch felt over one of the wood panels. Attach the felt to the top 2 by 4 with glue. Allow the glue to dry before attaching the panel to the cube. The felt is used when playing card games or to help keep puzzle pieces on the cube.
5. Screw on four more panel sides to the outside of the 2 by 4 boards. The last, open side is the door for storage.
6. Paint the cube. Paint one side of the cube like a chess or checker board. A standard board has 8 rows and 8 columns of 1-1/2 inch blocks. The blocks alternate between black and white. Remember to paint the sixth panel that is not yet attached. Allow the paint to dry.
7. Attach the sixth panel. Decide where to place the hinges. Measure the distance from the top of the door to the hinge. Copy the measurement to the appropriate side of the 2 by 4 board. Use screws to secure the hinges to the door. Attach the hinges to the cube after checking the alignment. Make sure the door fits in place.
8. Mark the spot for the latch on the door. If the latch has two pieces, one on the door and one on the cube, mark the opposing spot on the cube. Secure the latch in place.
9. Place board games into the box and lock the latch.

Tips & Warnings

• Personalize your wooden game cube with paint, stickers or anything else that works for you.
• Use chalkboard paint on one side of the cube for people to draw on.
• If the cube is placed outside, cover the painted sides with a sealant.