This project was built and designed by Sam Macy. It’s a clean, modern toy box made from plywood and pine, featuring soft-close hardware for safe use around kids.
Combining simple joinery with thoughtful design, this toy box offers a great mix of function and visual appeal. It’s also highly customizable, making it a perfect woodworking project for both beginner and intermediate builders.
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A Stylish and Practical Project
The main goal for this build was to create a toy box that’s sturdy, modern, and safe for daily use. Sam uses affordable materials like AC sanded plywood and clear pine to keep the cost reasonable without sacrificing quality.
The soft-close lid adds an extra layer of safety, especially important in a child’s room. With clean lines and smooth edges, the toy box is designed to blend in with most home decor styles.
Cutting the Plywood to Size
The build starts by breaking down a full sheet of plywood. Sam uses a track saw for straight cuts, but a circular saw paired with a guide can also do the job.
Once rough cuts are made, a table saw brings each piece to final dimensions. This ensures all parts of the box are uniform and square, making assembly much easier later on.
Creating the Side Panels with Joinery
To strengthen the box, Sam cuts dados along the inside edges of the panels. These half-lap joints allow the pieces to nest together securely, forming a more durable frame.
Three of the four sides receive these cuts, which help the panels interlock when the toy box is assembled. The result is a clean structure with improved strength.
Building the Frame and Legs
For the base and legs, Sam uses 1×4 clear pine. The legs are mitered to form clean angles, avoiding visible end grain while giving the piece a more refined appearance.
A trick he shares is using painter’s tape to hold miter joints in place while the glue sets. This keeps the joints tight without needing clamps, and helps maintain clean lines around the corners.
Assembling the Toy Box
After preparing all components, the panels are glued and screwed into the leg assemblies. The bottom panel is added once the sides are secure, completing the main body of the toy box.
Special care is taken to keep the panels flush along the top edge. This ensures a snug fit for the lid and a more professional look when finished.
Installing the Lid and Soft-Close Hinges
The lid is cut from plywood and edged with banding for a clean finish. Sam preps the hinges by mortising small recesses so they sit flush on the back edge of the lid.
To keep everything in place during installation, he uses double-sided tape. This tip makes it easier to secure the hinges without needing an extra set of hands.
Painting and Finishing Steps
Before final assembly, all parts are painted or stained separately. This keeps finish lines clean and avoids getting paint on moving parts or hardware.
Once dry, the lid is attached and tested for smooth operation. A soft-close mechanism is added at this stage, preventing the lid from slamming shut and keeping fingers safe.
Adding Personalized Details
To give the toy box a personal touch, Sam suggests decorating the front with custom cutouts. These could be letters, shapes, or themed designs like animals or dinosaurs.
Using a scroll saw, decorative elements are cut from thin wood and then glued in place. This step is entirely optional but can add a lot of character to the final piece.
A Fun and Functional Build
This project is a great example of how a few basic materials can turn into something both practical and beautiful. It serves as functional storage and a handcrafted gift that will last for years.
Whether you’re making it for your own child or as a gift, this toy box is a thoughtful woodworking project that teaches precision, joinery, and finishing techniques. It’s also a solid weekend project with room for creativity.
Please support Sam by visiting his website here: https://sammacydesigns.com/.