How to Build a Wooden Box

As the picture illustrates, boxes are almost as handy as a pocket on a shirt. Making them different sizes and shapes can add to the décor of any room. If you fancy yourself an artist, you can add the personal touch that makes the final product say your name.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• ¾ inch plywood
• Table saw
• Measuring tape
• Framer’s square
• Pencil
• Hammer
• 6d Finish nails
• Nail set
• Wood glue
• 100 grit sandpaper

Blocking Out Parts

1. Decide on a size that fits your design plans and draw a picture of it. Take special notice of the height, width and depth.

2. Measure and cut the wood to be used for the horizontal pieces (shelves). It is recommended that the vertical pieces (side panels) support the horizontal pieces.

3. Subtract the thickness of the two horizontal pieces from the overall desired height. Use this measurement for the vertical (side panels) pieces making sure the depth is the same as the horizontal pieces (shelves).

4. If a back is desired, use the height of the side panels as the height of the back and subtract the thickness of the side panels from the overall width and use that measurement for the width of the back.

5. Sand all the pieces on both sides until smooth and stain or paint if desired.

Assembling Box

6. After parts are dried from staining or painting, lay them out on the floor keeping like parts together.

7. Take one of the side panels and the back. Glue the edge of the back as it fits inside the four pieces that make the box. Tack together with hammer and 6d finish nails. Do not drive the nails all the way in.

8. Repeat Step 2 for the other side panel. Do not drive the nails all the way in.

9. Put glue on the edges of the top of the two sides and back. Position one of the shelves in place and tack it to the sides and back.

10. Repeat Step 4 for the remaining shelf and then use the nail set to set the nail heads below the surface of the plywood.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses.
• As an added feature the box can be sanded on the exposed edges to round the edge, or a router can be used to cut a profile on the edges.
• Variations on the measurements can create a special design fitting your lifestyle.
• Do not raise the table saw blade any higher than needed for cut.

Resources

• Think About the Box