DIY Network

Building a Storage Chest From "DIY Home Repair & Remodeling" episode DIR-163

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A storage chest might be just what you need to clean up your bedroom. For a more professional look, raise the bottom piece by placing a scrap plywood underneath. This will also prevent the chest from making too firm an impression on carpeting. Figure A Figure B Prevent the lid from being opened too far by attaching a small chain or cord between it and the side of the chest.

If you need to organize some of the clutter in your bedroom, consider building a storage chest.

Materials:

3/4" cabinet-grade plywood
Drill, with drill bits and driver bits
Two hinges
Small decorative chain
Short wood screws
2 1/2" all-purpose screws
Measuring tape
Circular saw
Straight piece of 1" x 4" x 4' lumber
Clamps
Decorative trim pieces
Hammer
Finishing nails
Safety glasses

You can build a chest of any size: the measurements used in these instructions are arbitrary.

1. Measure and mark the plywood for the appropriate dimensions. In this example, the two side pieces are 20" wide by 23 1/2" tall and the front and rear pieces are 41" by 23 1/2".
2. Use a circular saw to cut the front, rear and side pieces to size. Use a straight 1" by 4" board as a fence to help you make straight cuts.
3. Use finish nails to attach the rear piece to the two side pieces. Measure the interior dimensions to determine the proper size for the bottom piece.
4. Cut the bottom piece to size, and attach it to the side and rear pieces with finish nails.
5. Set the front piece in place, and secure it with finish nails.
6. Drill pilot holes every 5" around the perimeter of the front and the back pieces. Make sure the drill bit goes into the edge of the side pieces.
7. If you've raised the bottom piece, you'll need to measure the distance to the bottom piece from underneath and add half the thickness of the plywood. Transfer the measurement to the front pieces, and drill pilot holes through the front, back and sides into the edge of the bottom piece.
8. Secure the front and rear pieces with screws (figure A). You can cover the screw heads with trim after the chest is assembled.
9. Measure the distance from front to back and side to side. Transfer those measurements to a piece of plywood, and cut it to size. This piece will serve as the top of the chest.
10. Place the top piece on the chest, and measure in 5" to determine the placement of the hinge. The hinge will be attached underneath the lid and on the outside rear of the chest (figure B).
11. When attaching the hardware, use screws that won't go all the way through the plywood.
12. Stain or paint the chest as desired.