Tools and Materials
Design and Measurements
Before you start building your DIY toy chest, you need to measure the box according to the area and space available in the room where you plan to place it.
- Use a measuring tape to measure the size of the box. The standard size for a toy box is usually about forty inches in length, eighteen-twenty inches in width and sixteen-twenty inches deep, but you can change these measurements according to your space. You should also consider the number of toys you want to store.
- Next, select the design for your box, a regular cuboid shape or if you want a lid over it or not. A clear design will make the process smooth.
How To Build a Toy Box
After reviewing the basic design and measurements, we will build the DIY toy chest step-by-step.
Cutting the Plywood
Choose the plywood of the thickness that you like. We will take the example of a standard box here to explain. (40 x 30 x 18)
- Measure and mark your plywood sheets with a pencil for the sides, front, back, bottom and lid.
- Use a miter saw to cut the plywood once you’ve marked them for all the sides.
- For the bottom, one piece is 40x16 inches.
- For both front and back sides, two pieces of 40x18 inches.
- For smaller sides, two pieces of 30x18 inches.
- If you are going to use a lid, make it slightly bigger than the bottom piece, 40x18 inches.
Consider lighter plywood or less thickness for the lid, as it can be heavy for a child.
Ensure the miter saw is bolted tightly to the table before cutting the plywood and the angles are right. Use gloves, respiratory mask and goggles while you are cutting plywood.
Smoothen the Pieces
Before assembling the pieces, use sandpaper to smooth them. It will take out the rough edges and splinters. It should be done before assembling as it will be hard to do after the nails are there and you can miss spots.
Assembling the DIY toy box
- To attach the sides to the bottom, apply glue on all the edges of the bottom pieces using a brush. This will make sure that the sides stay in place even after the nails are attached.
- Place all 4 sides on top of the bottom piece one by one and apply glue to the adjacent pieces. Clamp them together to get an overall view and make sure they fit together.
- After 10-15 minutes, when the glue is dry, use wood screws to secure the pieces together.
- You can add extra screws at the corners to make sure the box stays strong.
You can add small holes in the box on the sides for ventilation. It will help to prevent the smell inside.
Install the Lid
- Mark the places on the back side and on the lid piece for hinges using a pencil, making sure they are evenly marked from both ends.
- Use a power drill to make holes and then screw the hinges into place.
For added safety, consider using soft-close hinges to prevent the lid from slamming shut, which can help avoid injuries to small children.
Finishing the Toy Box
- Look for any gaps in the box and fill them with wood filler.
- You can use paint or wood stain to design the box. Using paint or any other design that your child likes would be better.
- After the paint is dry, apply a thick layer of wood sealant over it.
- You can add handles at the sides or wheels at the bottom to make it moveable (optional)
Use non-toxic, child-safe finishes, especially if small children will use the toy box.