How to Build Outdoor Storage for Toys

Providing a storage space for outdoor toys saves time and money.

Children enjoy playing in the yard, but by the end of the day, the area is usually strewn with toys. Gathering play things from around the yard becomes just one more task in Mom's busy day. Toys may be forgotten and sit in the rain overnight. Building a durable and sturdy outdoor storage container for your child's toys can save a lot of clean-up time, keep the toys in good condition for a longer period of time, and help teach your child some basics in responsibility and organization.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4 inch plywood
• Tape measure
• Circular or handsaw
• 1 1/4-inch wood screws
• Screwdriver
• Drill and 7/64-inch bit
• Sandpaper -- 180 grit
• Folding lid supports 9 1/2 inch (1 package -- 2 supports)
• Polyurethane sealer
• Paintbrush
• Swivel plate casters ----2 inch (4)
• Drawer pulls (2)

Instructions

1. Cut three pieces of plywood, each 17 inches wide by 48 inches long. These represent the bottom, front and back pieces of the outdoor storage toy box.

2. Cut one piece of plywood 18 inches wide by 48 inches long for the toy storage box lid. The extra width inch serves as an overhang on the front of the container to use for lifting the lid.

3. Cut two pieces of plywood, each 16 by 16 inches. These are the container's side pieces.

4. Lay the container bottom piece on a workspace. Attach the front piece, perpendicularly, along the bottom, outside edge of the bottom piece. Use four 1 1/4-inch wood screws, evenly spaced from end to end. Drill pilot holes, using a 7/64-inch bit, before inserting the screws. Repeat the process with the back container piece. Remember, these three pieces are all the same length.

5. Insert each 16 by 16 inch side piece between the front and back sections on each end of the container, creating an open box. Attach the sides to the front and back sections, using the drill bit and three 1 1/4-inch wood screws each, for the front and back. Evenly space the screws from top to bottom.

6. Connect the 18-by-48-inch lid to the inside of the box sides, using two 9 1/2-inch folding supports, following the manufacturer's package installation instructions. The supports come in a package of two, screws included. The back edge of the lid rests flush with the back of the box. The front edge of the lid should extend out from the front by 1 inch.

7. Put a drawer pull in the center of each 16-by-16-inch storage container end, following the manufacturer's package instructions. Screws are included in the package.

8. Attach a 2-inch swivel plate caster on each corner of the toy storage box bottom, following the plate caster manufacturer's package directions. Screws are included with the casters. Casters allow you to move the box using rollers instead of having to lift the container.

9. Sand the toy container edges to remove sharp edges or splinters.

10. Brush the container with two coats of polyurethane sealer, allowing the first sealer coat to dry completely before applying the second coat. This helps protect the wood from outdoor elements.

Tips & Warnings

• All items needed for this project are available at home improvement centers and hardware stores. The staff will answer any questions regarding products, tools and total amount of plywood necessary for your container. They typically will cut the plywood to your required sizes. The outdoor storage container may also be painted with exterior latex paint to match outdoor décor. Apply the paint to the container and allow it to dry completely before brushing on the polyurethane sealer.

References

• AZ Woodman: How To Build A Toy Box
• Craftsman: Toy Box
• Preschool Rock: Outdoor Toy Box