How to Build a Deck Box

A deck box is a handy addition to your yard, garden, or pool that allows you to store unsightly items when they are not in use.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• pine boards
• cart nuts & bolts
• screws
• concrete mixture
• saws
• drill
• measuring tape
• adjustable wrench
• gloves
• hammer
• chalk
• knife

1. Planning - Plan the size needed for the box. Talk to experts at your local hardware store who can help you with the proper selection of wood stock and with reliable construction advice. They will often help you calculate your measurements as well. Some will cut the materials for a small fee.
2. Platform - Create a foundation that is just a bit wider and longer than the finished box will be. Fill the foundation with cement so that the back of the box will be higher than the front of the box. You may want to consider placing rebar into this platform. Leave 2-4” sticking out to mount your box onto for added security during severe storms. Your platform, when set and firm, will also be a great surface to use while working on the rest of the deck box.
3. Frame - Place 2×4s on the front and back of your platform, spacing them so that they are as wide apart as the finished box, minus 7/8”. Your 1” plywood will likely be 7/8” - 15/16” thick. Cut a similar piece of stock for each side and place on the platform. Use a metal fastening brace to secure each joint. Turn the stock over and place a second fastener on the other side at every joint. Create a second frame using the steps just outlined. Using 90-degree metal fastener braces for the support beams of the deck box, attach the appropriate length to the top and bottom pieces that have just been created. Turn the frame upside down and place a supporting joist at each 12” interval within the frame. Place a flat metal plate at both ends of the support joists at a desired interval and attach securely. The braces will keep the joists from falling. You should now have a complete frame for your box.
4. Floor of Box - Your box will start becoming very heavy at this point. Position a 6×6” footing on the platform to elevate the box before it becomes too heavy to safely move on your own. Drill holes in the footings to access the rebar you installed into the cement. Place the boards you chose for the floor of your box inside the frame with at least 1/4” between each board. Secure these at each end with two screws.
5. Sides - Cut two pieces of decking plywood to the exact depth of the frame. Screw them into place and measure the front and back of the box. Screw 1×2” boards through the box’s walls into your frame to decorate the sides whilst making them more secure.
6. Lid - Cut a piece of plywood that is 2” longer than the box and 2” wider. Choose which side you want exposed to the weather and position the security hinges (no fewer than three) so that the joint of the hinge is 1/2” from the edge on the longer side. Notch the back of your box to accommodate the hinge’s joint. Place the lid on the box with the hinge on the outside. Trim the lid as desired.