Wooden chest plans

This step by step diy project is about wooden chest plans. If you want to store items in a vintage manner, building a wooden chest is a solution. The classical design of the chest matches the style of any room. This project is designed so any person having average woodworking skills can get the job done in just a weekend, using common tools and materials.

This chest can also be used in your home, as a rustic coffee table You should always plan everything form the very beginning and to adjust the size of the chest to your needs, while you can still use the woodworking techniques described in this project. Mark the cut lines on the slats before making the cuts and use a jigsaw to get the job done.

There are a few tips that you should take into account, if you want to get a professional result. Therefore, take accurate measurements and use professional tool when making the cuts or when drilling pilot holes. Align the components at both ends and add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure. Round the exposed edges with sandpaper or by using a good router. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a wooden chest

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 21″ long LEGS
B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 20″ long SUPPORTS
C – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 38 1/2″, 2 pieces – 14″ long SUPPORTS
D – 44 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 14″ long SLATS
E – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 20″x42 1/2″ long BOTTOM
F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 44″ long, 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 20″ long, 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 20″ long LID FRAME
G – 8 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 44″ long LID PANEL

5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
12 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 6 ft
1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 2’x4′
100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
100 pieces of 1 1/4″ screws
hinges, latch
glue, stain / paint

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws

Time

One Week

How to build a wooden chest

Building the sides

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the sides of the wooden chest. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the bottom and top supports out of 2×4 lumber. Use 1×3 lumber for the panels. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the 1×3 slats and secure them to the supports using 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to the joints and leave no gaps between the components.

Building the front frames

The next step is to assemble the frames for the front and back faces of the chest. Cut the components out of 2×4 lumber after taking accurate measurements, Drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal components and secure them to the vertical legs using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and leave no gaps between the components.

Fitting the panels to the faces

Afterwards, it is time to fit the 1×3 slats as to fill in the panels. Cut the slats at the right size and drill pocket holes at both ends. Fit the slats to the frame and secure them into place using 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess using a damp cloth.

Assembling the wooden chest

After assembling the four sides of the wooden chest, you need to lock them together tightly. Therefore, drill pocket holes at both ends of the side supports and then secure them to the legs using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are square. Align the edges before inserting the screws.

Attaching the bottom

One of the last steps if to attach the bottom to the wooden chest. Cut the component out of 3/4″ plywood and drill pocket holes along the four edges. Fit the component to the structure and secure it into place using 1 1/4″ screws. In addition, we recommend you to fit 1×1 cleats under the component, if you are going to fit heavy items inside the trunk.

Wooden chest plans

Fit 1×2 supports to the lid frame, in order to add support. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and secure them to the frame using 1 1/4″ screws. Place the supports 3/4″ under the top edge of the frame. Make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws into place.

Fitting the slats to the lid

Cut the 1×3 slats at 44″ and smooth the cut edges thoroughly. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the slats and secure them to the frame using 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to the joints and leave no gaps between the components. Fit the lid to the chest and secure it into place with several hinges.

Wooden chest plans

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. In order to get a professional result, fill the holes and the gaps with wood filler and let it dry out for a few hours. Check if there are protruding screws and fix this issue, if necessary.

Thank you for reading our project about wooden chest plans and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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