How to Build a Toy Chest in an Afternoon

Every kid has toys. Every parent wants a place to put them (the toys not the kids). What better place toy store toys is there than this toy chest.

Things You'll Need

• (1) 4 foot x 8 foot sheet of 3/4 inch plywood.
• (2) 10 foot long 10 inch x 3/4 inch wood planks
• 4 bun feet
• 4 felt pads (to go under the feet)
• 1 piano hinge
• 2 support hinges that open past 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees
• Drill
• Woodscrews
• Circular saw
• Orbital sander
• Pocket screw kit
• pocket screw fillers
• wood filler
• Primer
• Paint
• Stain
• Lacquer
• Router (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Make these cuts out of the sheet of plywood:
   3 pieces @ 23 7/8 inches x 47 7/8 inches
   2 pieces @ 22 3/8 inches x 23 7/8 inches
   Make these cuts out of the planks
   4 pieces @ 8 1/4 inch x 49 7/8 inches

2. Sand all surfaces. Kids touch things. Don't leave any possible splinters.

3. Build the top. Attach the (4) 8 1/4 inch x 48 inch plank pieces together using pocket screws. You will have a top that is 24 inches x 48 inches.
   Make sure it is flush on all edges and square.

4. Build the box. Using pocket screws, attach the (2) 22 3/8 inches x 23 7/8 inches plywood pieces and (2) of the 23 7/8 inches x 47 7/8 inches together into a box that is 47 7/8 inches long x 23 7/8 wide x 23 7/8 inches high. Once you've checked for square, attach the bottom (the other 23 7/8 inch x 47 7/8 inch piece of plywood).

5. Attach the feet. Place each foot 2 inches from both the length and width edge. Attach by screwing down from the inside of the box.

6. Lay the box on its back, and lay the top upside down against the top edge (as if the lid was attached and open). Attach the box to the lid using the piano hinge. Do the same thing with the support hinges. The top when closed will overhang the front edge and both sides by 1 inch. The back should be flush.

7. Fill in all holes with wood filler or pocket hole plugs. Sand smooth.

8. Stain the inside of the box and the bottom of the lid. Let dry. Cover with 2 coats of lacquer, sanding lightly in between.

9. Prime the outside of the box, the feet and the lid's top and sides. Use as many coats as necessary, sanding lightly in between.

10. Paint the outside of the box a whimsical color, colors, or with fun images. Add 2 coats of lacquer.

11. Add felt to the bottom of the feet.

12. Fill up the box with great toys.

Tips & Warnings

• A light-colored stain such as oak is a nice choice.

• Never paint or stain in an area without ventilation.