How to Build a Wooden Toy Box

Asssembing the Toy Box

• 1

  Cut the following six pieces using ¾-inch plywood: two 36-by-24-inch pieces for the front and back, one 36-by-16 1/2-inch bottom piece, two sides that measure 22 1/2-by-16 1/2 inches and a top that is 36-by-18 inches.

• 2

  Lay the bottom piece flat. Stand up the front piece against the bottom and attach it with six 1 ½-inch screws. Repeat with the back piece.

• 3

  Slide each of the side pieces into place between the front and back pieces. Insert four 1 ½-inch screws from the front, back and bottom to attach each side.

• 4

  Attach the three safety hinges to the lid. Place one 3 inches from each end and then the third directly in the middle.

• 5

  Place the lid on top of the box and attach the three hinges to the back.

• 6

  Fill all of the screw holes with wood putty and let it dry.

• 7

  Sand the entire box to remove any rough edges and to smooth out the wood putty.

Decorating the Toy Box

• 8

  Paint the box's exterior with a coat of primer. Allow to dry completely. Use spray paint for a faster application.

• 9

  Apply a base coat of paint and allow to dry. Apply a second coat if needed.

• 10

  Trace each child's name on the box in very light pencil. Then give the kids small paintbrushes to fill in their names with different colors of paint.

• 11

  Use stencils or have the children paint their handprints to decorate the rest of the box.