How to Build Toy Boxes & Chests

If you have children, you know how messy their toys can be. Often, toys are strewn about the floor or haphazardly put away. A toy chest can make the organization of toys much easier. Follow these steps and watch your toy problems disappear

Things You'll Need

• 3 pieces 2-foot by 1-foot cedar board (1-inch thick)
• 2 pieces 1-foot by 1-foot cedar board (1-inch thick)
• 1 piece of 22-inch by 12 3/4-inch board (3/8-inch thick)
• 1 piece of 3-inch by 2-foot-long ceder board (1 inch thick)
• 2 pieces 9 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch by 3/4-inch wood
• Drill with screwdriver bit
• 2 hinges
• 1 support hinge
• Two handles
• Wood screws

Instructions

1. Take your piece of 3/8-inch board and place it on the ground. This will be your bottom. Place two of the 2-foot by 1-foot boards next to the 3/8-inch piece on the 1-inch side at right angles to form the front and the back of the chest. There should be a 1-inch overlap on both sides. Screw these pieces into the bottom.

2. Take your 1-foot by 1-foot boards and place them in between the front and back panels so they sit next to the bottom piece. These will be your sides. Screw them to the bottom. You should now have a box with an open top.

3. Place your piece of 1-inch by 3-inch board on top of your chest and line it up with the back edge. The 3-inch side should be down and it should run the entire length of your chest. Screw this into the back and side panels.

4. The remaining 1-inch by 1-foot board will be your lid. Offset your two pieces of 3/4 inch square wood 1 inch from either edge of the board and center them vertically. These are the support beams for the lid. Screw them into the lid.

5. Screw two hinges into the beam on the top of the chest and attach the lid to the hinges. The support beams will be on the bottom of the lid.

6. Attach the support hinge to one of the interior sides of the chest and to one of the square support beams

7. Screw in handles to either side

Tips & Warnings

• Use cedar, as it resists decay. If there is no cedar available, other types of wood will work too. After finishing, paint or stain for a longer life span.

• Don't place the sides of the chest on top of the bottom, as the pieces will not fit together.

References

• Free Cedar Blanket Chest Plans