How to Build Deck Boxes

Place a Deck Box outside for additional storage.

A deck box is a chestlike item placed outside on a patio for extra storage. These boxes can come in many shapes and sizes and have been made from such materials as plastic and concrete. If you are interested in getting a deck box for your backyard, you may consider building one yourself. Building a deck box out of wood will give you the freedom to size it as you like and will save money.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pieces of 3/4 inch plywood, 1 foot 10 1/4 inches by 3 feet 10 inches
• 2 pieces of 3/4 inch plywood, 1 foot 10 1/4 inches by 1 foot 9 1/4 inches
• One piece of 3/4 inch plywood, 1 foot 9 1/4 inches by 3 feet 8 1/2 inches
• One piece of 3/4 inch plywood, 3 feet 10 inches by 6 inches
• One Piece of 3/4 inch plywood, 1 foot 4 3/4 inches by 3 feet 10 inches
• Drill with screwdriver bit
• Carpenter's square
• Wood screws
• Paint or wood stain
• Hinges
• Two handles

Instructions

1. Build a rectangular frame with the two pieces of 3 feet 10 inches by 1 foot 10 1/4-inches plywood and the two pieces of 1 foot 10 1/4 inches by 1 foot 9 1/4 inches plywood. Place the smaller pieces in between the larger pieces and push them to the edge of the larger pieces. These are the sides, front, and back of the deck box. Make sure all of the angles are 90 degrees with the carpenter's square and screw the frame together.

2. Stand the frame up on a flat surface so that the "front" is facing you. Place the piece of 3 feet 8 1/2 inches by 1 foot 9 1/4 inches plywood into the frame and place it on the flat surface. This is the bottom of the box. Screw the bottom of the box into the box frame.

3. Place the piece of 3 foot 10 inches by 6 inches piece of plywood on top of the frame and fit it it so that it is even with the back panel. Screw this piece to the frame through the top into the sides and back.

4. Screw three hinges onto the top of the 3 feet 10 inches by 6 inches piece of plywood. These should be 3 inches from either side and one in the center of this piece.

5. Attach the piece of 1 feet 4 3/4 inches by 3 feet 10 inches plywood to the hinges. This is the lid for the deck box. Close the deck box.

6. Paint or stain the box so that it has some protection from the elements. Screw handles into either side, near the top of the box, for easy transport.

Tips & Warnings

• By painting or staining the box yourself, you can decorate it to match your existing patio area. Explore color options to get the right color for your box.

• Make sure all the wood is cut correctly and is sized properly. If the size of any of these pieces if off, the box will not fit together correctly.

References

• MonsterGuide: How to Build a Deck Box
• DeckBoxesMart: Deck Box with Bronze Lid 73 Gal.