If you’re looking for a creative woodworking project, you’re in luck! This rustic storage chest was crafted by DIY Montreal, and it’s a fantastic way to utilize reclaimed wood.
This step-by-step guide will help you build a beautiful and functional chest for your home.
Materials Needed:
- Reclaimed wood
- 2x2x8 pine
- 1-¼” Brad nails
- Hinges
- Latch
- Corner braces
- Rope
- Black paint
- Old leather belt
- Screws
Tools Required:
- Table saw
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Palm driver
- Brad nailer
- Orbital sander
- Kreg jig
- Utility knife
- Chisel
- Speed square
Step 1: Cut Your Wood
Start by rough cutting all your pieces at the miter saw, leaving them slightly longer than their final length for easier handling. Most of the tongues and grooves on the boards may be damaged, so remove them and rip the boards down to three inches wide.
Step 2: Assemble the Wall Panels
Create a custom spacer equal to the thickness of your wood. Each wall will consist of five boards stacked together. Align the boards using the spacer and secure them with Brad nails.
Step 3: Construct the Base
Using 2×2 pine wood, create a simple base for the chest. Drill pilot holes and assemble the corners with screws, ensuring the corners are square.
Step 4: Attach the Walls
Stand the walls up to form a box. Attach the first wall with Brad nails from the outside, then screw the base in from the inside. Repeat this for all walls.
Step 5: Install the Floorboards
Lay the floorboards flat and secure them to the 2×2 base using your nail gun. For joining the wall panels, use metal corner braces for visible hardware appeal.
Step 6: Make the Lid
To create the lid, use concealed pocket screws. Clamp your boards and insert the screws, adding decorative support pieces to hide them.
Step 7: Mount the Hardware
Install the hinges on the lid. To accommodate the hinges, add an extra board across the back for support. Then, countersink the hinges so they sit flush.
Step 8: Create Handles and Latch
Repurpose an old leather belt by cutting it into strips for handles. Attach them using tape as guidelines. Then, install the latch to secure the lid.
Step 9: Final Touches
Round over and smooth all edges, touching up screws with black paint. To keep the lid open, screw a piece of rope to the inside of the lid and the side of the chest.
