How to Make Boxes

Sometimes it is the simplest things in life that are the most rewarding. Home décor is one area where this realization comes to life. Setting a coffee table with a small arrangement of flowers, a couple of old books and a knock-knack is a prime example. This holds true for box shaped items. They are stackable and can take up very little space and still be an integrated part of home décor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• (1) 8 foot 1-by-12 inch piece of lumber
• Table saw
• Skill saw
• Hack saw
• Screw gun
• Hammer
• 1 ¼ inch coarse thread drywall screws
• 3/16th inch drill bit
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Carpenter’s square
• Piano hinge (optional)
• Wood Glue

Preparation

1. Measure and mark a line at 11 ¾ inches on the 1-by-12 inch lumber. Draw a line across the lumber using the Carpenter’s square.

2. Cut the lumber on that line with the Skill saw. Repeat Step 1 to create two more pieces of lumber the same size as the first. Set these pieces aside for now.

3. Measure and place a mark at 10 ¼ inches on the 1-by-12 inch lumber. Draw a line across the lumber using the Carpenter’s square.

4. Cut the lumber on that line with the Skill saw. Repeat Step 3 to create two more pieces of the lumber the same size as the one in Step 3.

5. Set the table saw up on 10 ¼ inches. Take one piece that is 10 ¼-by-11 ¾ inches and rip this piece on the table saw to 10 ¼ inches wide. This piece will be square and will be used as the back of the box.

Lid and Assembly

6. Laying out the pieces you should have 3 pieces that are 11 ¾ inches square and 2 pieces 10 ¼-by-11 ¾ inches and finally, 1 piece that is 10 ¼ inches square.

7. Draw a line 3/8 of an inch from the edges of two of the pieces that are 11 ¾ of an inch in length. Draw this line from all four edges. Next, place a cross-hair mark in the exact center of two edges across from each other.

8. Drill pilot holes on these two marks as well as where the lines cross at the corners. Place a steady bead of Wood Glue on one ¾ inch edge of a piece that is 10 ¼ inches in length.

9. Assemble the pieces by placing the 10 ¼-by-11 ¾ inch pieces between the 11 ¾-by-11 ¾ inch pieces. Secure with the drywall screws. This will result in a box that is 11 ¾ inches square. The 10 ¼-by-10 ¼ inch piece of lumber will fit inside the box. Secure it in place using the same method as the others.

10. 
     
    Polished Brass Piano Hinge

    Cut the piano hinge to length with the hack saw and attach it to the factory edge of the 11 ¾ piece that is left using the nails supplied. Set the lid on the box and attach it with the nails provided.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses.
• The lid is an option.
• Measuring different lengths on the lumber will result in different size boxes.
• Use plenty of glue. Clean excess off with a damp cloth.
• Never raise the blade on a table saw more than needed to make the cut.
• Use extreme caution when using a skill saw as it can cause injury.

Resources

• Building a Wooden Planter Box