How to Make a Chalk Board Toy Box

A chalkboard toybox makes fun kids' storage.

Toy boxes are essential storage for children's play space. Without one, not only do the toys end up a mess, they are more likely to get broken or lost. Plywood is the best material for simple box building. Use heavy plywood to eliminate the need for internal framing on your box. Non toxic chalkboard paint can be applied to almost any surface to allow chalk to be used and wiped off of the surface.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4-inch thick plywood
• Tape measure
• Table saw
• Wood glue
• Pin nail gun
• Piano hinge
• Slow-close trunk hinge
• Sander
• Disposable paintbrush
• Chalkboard paint

Instructions

Building the Box

1. Cut two long sides for your toy box using a table saw from three-quarter-inch plywood 14 inches by 24 inches. Cut two short sides 14 inches by 14 inches. Cut one bottom 14 inches by 22 1/2 inches. Cut one top 15 1/2 by 24 inches.

2. Stand one end on edge and apply wood glue down one edge. Stand one long side on edge and match the two pieces up, so that the end of the long side is flush with the outside face of the end piece. Nail through the long side into the edge of the end piece, every 4 inches, using 1 1/2-inch pin nails.

3. Do the same with the remaining end and long side. Match these two pieces up to form the body of the box. Glue and nail them together as before. Apply glue around the edge of the bottom panel and fit it into one open face of the box, so that it is flush with the box edges. Nail the bottom in place.

Constructing the Box

1. Turn the box over. Attach a 24-inch piano hinge along on long edge of the lid with half-inch wood screws through each hole in the hinge into the edge of the lid. Fit the lid on the box with the hinge on the outside face and attach the hinge to the box with half-inch wood screws, one through each hole.

2. Sand the entire box smooth with a random orbit sander and 150-grit sandpaper. Open the lid and brace it vertically against a saw horse or other heavy object. Open the slow-close trunk hinge all the way out. Position it on the inside of the lid and back of the toy box. Attach it with half-inch wood screws, one through each hole, to prevent the lid from slamming on tiny fingers.

3. Apply two coats of chalkboard paint in black or green to the entire box with a disposable brush. Work with the grain in overlapping strokes, spreading evenly to prevent runs. Allow one hour dry time between coats.

References

• "The Big Book of Kid's Rooms"; Leisure Arts; 2000