A deck box is a must-have item for storing all sorts of outdoor toys. It's great for sports equipment, pool toys, patio cushions and much more. The box can also be a beautiful addition to your outdoor decor. You can easily finish it to match your current patio furniture and decorating scheme.
Prepare the Panels
1. Glue five of the 47-inch long 1 x 6 pieces together for the box's front panel and five for its rear panel. After the glue cures, cut the panels to 46 inches by 25 inches.
2. Glue five of the 23 3/4-inch long 1 x 6 pieces together for the box's left-side panel and five for its right-side panel. After the glue cures, cut the panels to 23 inches by 25 inches.
3. Glue the 45-inch long 1 x 6 pieces (there should be five) together to make the box's floor panel. After the glue cures, cut the panel to 23 inches by 44 1/2 inches.
4. Glue the 48-inch-long 1 x 6 pieces (there should be five) together to make the box's lid. After the glue cures, cut the panel to 25 inches by 47 inches. Making the lid this size allows for a 1/2-inch overhang at the front and both sides of the box.
Assemble the Base
1. Secure two 21-inch-long 3/4-inch by 3/4-inch strips to the inside face of the front panel. The strips should be positioned 3/4 inches in from each end of the panel, with the top end of the strip 1 inch below the panel's top edge. Drive the screws through the strips into the panel so they aren't visible from the box's exterior. Secure strips to the back panel in the same manner.
2. Secure the side panels by driving screws through the 3/4-inch by 3/4-inch strips on the front and back panels into the inside faces of the side panels.
Attach the Lid and Install the Floor
1. Position the hinges, evenly spaced, on the rear panel and mark for hinge placement.
2. Secure the hinges to the rear panel and the edge of the lid with the screws provided.
3. Install the hasp and keeper on the front of the box. Make a mortise in the top edge of the front panel to receive the hasp when the lid is closed.
4. Position the floor panel inside the box.
5. Install a 44-inch-long 3/4-inch-by-3/4-inch strip to the inside face of the front panel. Position the strip so it's centered from left to right on the panel with its bottom edge 1/4 inch up from the panel's bottom edge. Install a 44-inch-long 3/4-inch-by-3/4-inch strip on the back panel in the same manner. Screw through the floor panel into the 44-inch-long strips to secure the floor panel in place.
Sand and Finish
Sand the box as needed. You can paint or stain the box with any exterior grade finish. If you prefer to use a clear coat, one of the best exterior, protective finishes for a project like this is exterior varnish. Varnish provides an excellent protective film for any surface that's used heavily or exposed to the elements. It flows well and has a relatively long curing time so it has time to self level. With its above-average leveling qualities you can easily achieve a high-quality finish with varnish.
Cut List
| Front and Back Panels | 1x6x8' board | 47 inches | 10 | Each panel requires five 47" boards. |
| Left and Right-Side Panels | 1x6x8' board | 23-3/4 inches | 10 | Each panel requires five 23-3/4" boards. |
| Floor Panel | 1x6x8' board | 45 inches | 5 | |
| Lid | 1x6x8' board | 48 inches | 5 | |
| Short 3/4" x 3/4" Strips | 1x4x8' board | 21 inches | 4 | |
| Long 3/4" x 3/4" Strips | 1x4x8' board | 44 inches | 2 | All of the 3/4"x3/4" strips can be cut from the same 1x4. |
Finished Dimensions
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