How to Build a Chest

A chest is both a functional and decorative piece that works in any room in the home. Whether it's a child's toy chest, or a storage chest for the master bedroom, they are fundamental in clearing up clutter and brightening a room. A well crafted chest is beautiful to look at, and will keep unused objects off the floors. This simple chest is easy to build, and provides lots of roomy space inside for all your things.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood
• Saw
• Screws or nails
• Screwdriver or hammer
• Tape measure
• Hinges
• Rope (Optional)
• Drill (Optional)
• Wheels (Optional)
• 2 Chains

Instructions

1. Choose a size for your chest. The measurements in this how-to guide do not have to be followed exactly. You can change the sizes to fit your own needs. Cut two 20" wide by 23 1/2" tall pieces of sturdy plywood for the sides and two 41" wide by 23 1/2" tall pieces for the front and back.

2. Screw or nail the front and back pieces to the edge of the sides to create a box. Measure the bottom to determine what size piece you'll need to use for the bottom of the chest. You can choose to measure only the open dimensions and insert the screws, or nails, from the side into the bottom. You can also cut the bottom to the size of the chest so that the box frame you created sits on top of it. Insert the screws or nails from the bottom and into the box frame.

3. Cut a board the size of the top of the chest to function as the lid. Attach hinges at an even distance apart to the back of the chest, towards the outer edges. Attach the top of the hinges to the underside of the lid. Once finished, the lid should swing open easily.

4. Paint or stain the chest and decorate it to your specifications. Screw on a handle in the center of the lid, or drill two holes in the lid and string a rope through them to allow you to open it easily. You can also attach handles to the sides of the chest to move it easily. Wheels can be screwed onto the bottom corners if the chest will be moved a lot.

5. Add a chain on each side of the bottom of the lid, about 3/4 of the way up the lid from the chest when it is open. Attach the other end of each chain inside the chest on the side panels. Use a screw or nail to hold it in place. This is optional, but it will help prevent the lid from falling open too far when in use.

Resources

• Buy Furniture Chest Plans