How to Build a Toy Chest

By: Chrystle Fiedler

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. 4-by-4-foot piece of ½-inch birch plywood

2. 120-grit sandpaper

3. Stainable wood glue

4. Rag

5. 4d finish nails

6. Stainable wood putty

7. Four 2-inch casters

8. Satin-finish latex paint in red, white, and silver

9. Painter’s tape

10. 30-inch continuous hinge

11. Two toy box spring lid supports (one left and one right)

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Tape measure
- Combination square
- Straightedge
- Adjustable clamps
- Safety glasses
- Jigsaw
- Random-orbit sander
- 36-inch bar clamp
- Hammer and nailset
- Drill/driver fitted with ⅜-inch bit
- Putty knife
- Small paint rollers and brush
- Screwdriver
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Photo: Wendell T. Webber

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10

5 hours
$95

Difficulty: Moderate Fitting the parts together takes a little extra patience.

Age Range: 7 and up

Open up a toy chest and a child’s imagination takes flight, especially if the chest itself is part of the fun. This toy chest looks like a barn, designed to make even a city dweller feel a little bit country. A bonus: With wheels on the bottom and special toy box lid supports, it’s easier than ever for kids to round up their toys when playtime is over.

You can make this chest in an afternoon with tools on hand and materials available at the home center. Kids can handle most of the work that includes measuring, nailing, sanding, and painting, while adults should do the sawing and clamping. Once the toy chest is put together, kids will be scrambling to fill it with their prized possessions.

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