How to Construct a Cedar Chest

A handmade chest can become a family heirloom.

A cedar chest can be a rustic-looking piece of furniture, a work of art, or sometimes, both. Many people enjoy cedar chests because of their Old World charm and durability. Building one requires both carpentry and woodworking skills. Constructing a cedar chest can be an enjoyable experience. It also leaves the builder with a trophy that can last a lifetime.

Things You'll Need

• Table saw
• Electric drill
• Wood screws
• Varnish
• 1-by-12-inch-by-8-foot cedar board
• 1-by-4-by-48-inch cedar board
• Plywood
• Measuring tape
• Dado blade
• Hinges

Instructions

1. Cut the cedar wood into sections. Make sure to accurately measure before cutting each piece. Use the table saw to cut the 1-by-12-inch-by-8-foot cedar board into three pieces that are 24 inches long and two pieces that are 12 inches long. Cut two 9 1/2 inches with dimensions of 3/4 inches by 3/4 inches. Then cut a 3-by-24-inch section out of the 1-by-4-by-48-inch cedar board. Finally, cut a 22 3/4-inch-by-12 3/4-inch piece out of the plywood.

2. Assemble the bottom of the chest. Use the dado blade to cut a 3/8-inch dado slot along the bottom of two of the 24-by-12-inch pieces and both of the 12-by-12-inch pieces. Slide the plywood into the dado slots on each piece of wood. Use the electric drill to drill pilot holes and put in wood screws. Drive screws into every joint on the chest including the top corners.

3. Assemble the top of the chest. Attach the 3-by-24-inch board to the top back of the chest with screws. Again, remember to drill pilot holes before driving in the screws. Then place the last piece of 12-by-24-inch wood on the top of the chest. This will become the lid of the chest. Attach the hinges to the chest and new lid with screws. Place the two 9 1/2-inch pieces on the interior of the lid, 2 inches away from the sides. These act as support pieces.

4. Finish the cedar wood chest. Use varnish to coat the chest and give the wood a glossy finish. This is also the time to add handles or anything else you want to add.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish to hide the screws on the chest, drill a wider hole on top of each pilot hole for the screw head to go into. Then place wooden pegs into the holes during the finishing stage.

References

• Wayne of the Woods: How To Build A Cedar Chest