Who doesn’t need a cube or trunk for storage? 2 of these at the end of a bed, or as unique storage coffee tables…This is such an easy project! It can be stained or painted, or even covered with your favorite fabric, wallpaper, or scrapbooking paper! Maybe even add hardware so it has the appearance of steamer trunks from a bygone era! Try using Asian reproduction hardware for something really fabulous! It can also be easily adjusted to a different size by increasing the length of the front, back, top, and bottom!
Showcase: Built From These PlansI am so honored each and every time one of you fine friends builds from these very plans! If you have built this piece, please take a moment and showcase your build! We are dying to see your fabulous hard work!
Under $25
- Tape Measure
- Saw – Jig, Circular, or Miter
- Table Saw
- Drill
- Square
- Sander
- Hammer or Brad nailer
- 1 sheet of ¾” plywood or MDF
- Small nails or 1-1/4” brads
- Iron on edge banding, if desired on exposed edges of plywood
- Hinges
- Handle or latch for front
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Finishing Supplies
- 2 – 20” x 20” pieces – Front & Back
- 2 – 18-1/2” x 20” pieces – Sides
- 2 – 18-1/2” x 18-1/2” – Top & Bottom
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying.
If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages.
Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
**If using edge banding, it will need to be applied to all exposed edges of the plywood before assembly ** Cut the pieces for the top and bottom.
Attach the pieces for the sides to the top and bottom (making sure the edges are flush) with brad nails and glue. Do not use brad nails in the area where the top will be cut away! Check for square.
Attach the front and back pieces with brad nails and glue, making sure all edges are flush. Again, do not use brad nails in the area where the top will be cut away!
Please adhere to all safety guidelines when using a table saw. I find that a “spotter” (another person with me) is always helpful! Draw a line horizontally across the front 4” from the top. Draw Xs on this line – this way the front of the top can be easily matched to the front of the box when attaching the hinges. To create the top: set the rip fence on the table saw 4” away from the blade. The blade should be set high enough to cut through ¾” material. Run the box through the table saw with the top against the rip fence. Flip the box over with the cut facing you and run it through the table saw again. Now you will have two sides of the top cut away from the box. Repeat the cuts two more times. The fourth cut will separate the top from the box itself. Line up the Xs drawn before cutting and attach the hinges. Remove the hinges and finish the box as desired.
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
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**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you provide an adequate link back to the appropriate post! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.
