How to Build Cheap Storage Boxes

Proper storage keeps clutter under control.

Taking a bit of time to manufacture sturdy and identically sized storage boxes will go a long way to keeping clutter out of the way in your home. By making boxes the same size, you will be able to stack them in closets or attics in an organized way. Alternatively, then can be stacked on their sides within a living area and used as shelves. These instructions specify MDF (medium-density fiberboard) because it is cheap, easy to buy and can be sanded and painted for an attractive look if the boxes are to be used in a visible way. Boxes can also be made of wood planks, plywood or any other material that you may have around.

Things You'll Need

• 2 sheets of MDF, 48-by96 inches
• 90 screws, 1 1/2 inches long
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Straight edge
• Table saw
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper

Instructions

Make the Parts

1. Lay out the parts on the two 4-by-8 sheets of MDF to get maximum use of the material. There are various ways to do this so that it is possible to get 10 long sides, 10 short sides and five bottoms out of the two sheets, with a bit left over. Don't cut the MDF until you are sure that you have all the parts laid out properly.

2. Using a table saw for straight and accurate cuts, cut the following parts: 10 pieces of 16-by-24 inches; 10 pieces of 16-by-15 ½ inches; and five pieces of 22-by-15 ½ inches. These will be assembled to make five boxes measuring 24 inches long by 17 inches wide by 16 inches tall. You can cut the 16-by-24 inch pieces in such a way that you get two 24-inch pieces out of the 48-inch width of the MDF sheet. If you do this, they will be just slightly less than 24 inches because of the width of the saw cut. This is not a problem as long as you make the 22½ dimension of the 22½-by-15½-inch pieces slightly smaller, too.

3. Drill counter-sunk screw holes into the 16-by-24 inch pieces in the following places: in each corner, 1½ inches away from the 24-inch edge and 3/8 inch in from the 16-inch edge; 3/8 in from the center of both 16-inch edges (8 inches away from each 24-inch edge); 3/8 in from the edge of one of the 24-inch edges, evenly spaced. You should now have a 16-by-24-inch piece of MDF with eight counter-sunk holes evenly spaced around three edges and no holes on the fourth edge.

4. Drill one counter-sunk screw hole into one edge of each of the 16-by-15½ inch pieces, 3/8 inch from the center of the 15½-inch edge.

Assemble the Parts

1. Place a 22½-by-15½ inch piece of MDF a flat surface. Place a 15½-by-16-inch piece on edge against the first piece, so that the two 15½-inch dimensions are together and the screw hole in the vertical piece is facing the edge of the flat piece. Drill a small pilot hole through the counter-sunk hole and into the edge of the flat piece. Carefully drive a screw into this hole.

2. Repeat the previous step with another 15½-by-16-inch piece on the opposite end of the flat piece.

3. Place a 16-by-24-inch piece vertically against the edges of the assembly. Drill pilot holes through the eight holes and into the edges of the other pieces. Carefully drive screws into all of these holes.

4. Repeat the previous step with another 16-by-24-inch piece on the opposite side of the assembly.

5. Sand any rough edges.

6. Repeat all of these steps for the remaining four boxes.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use a dust-collection system and wear proper breathing protection when cutting MDF, as the dust could be harmful.

References

• Real Living: Make Your Own Storage Box
• Sawmill Creek: Building Cabinets With MDF