This project was built and designed by Jay Bates. It’s a thoughtfully constructed blanket chest that uses a tongue and groove design, part of his larger series on furniture made from dimensional pine.
The chest is designed to double as a sitting bench, offering both storage and seating in a practical, stylish form. Built entirely without metal fasteners, the project focuses on strong joinery, clean lines, and a timeless appearance.
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Planning the Size and Structure
Jay worked with his wife to finalize the dimensions for the blanket chest, aiming for a piece that felt balanced in scale and functionality. Initially, there were discussions about upholstering the lid, but ultimately the design leaned toward a clean, all-wood construction.
Using 2×10 pine boards, Jay set out to create a project that felt both solid and refined. This chest also marked his first time using a tongue and groove system for an entire blanket chest build.
Preparing the Lumber
As with previous builds in his series, Jay started by rough cutting the pine boards. Removing the center pith and any major knots was the first priority to ensure strength and stability.
Cuts were made using a miter saw and table saw, followed by careful milling to bring the boards down to their final dimensions. Milling not only removed defects but ensured flat, square surfaces throughout the project.
Milling and Building the Frames
Once the boards were prepped, Jay focused on the frame elements. The material was too thick to plane easily, so he rough cut it to closer dimensions at the table saw before jointing and planing.
Gluing up the panels involved switching strategies after early challenges with the bandsaw. Moving to the table saw for edge work produced better, more consistent glue joints across all panels.
Consistency in Rail and Stile Pieces
The rails and stiles—the frame components—were milled next. Rough cutting, jointing, planing, and sizing were repeated to ensure uniformity.
Jay took the time to dry fit all the pieces before final assembly, double-checking for squareness and proper fit. This dry fit also helped determine the final panel sizes that would fill the frames.
Laminating and Shaping the Legs
For extra strength, each leg of the chest was made by laminating two boards together. This method produced thicker, more stable legs compared to using a single piece.
Each leg was then tapered after joinery was complete, giving the chest a lighter, more graceful appearance. Careful milling throughout ensured the legs integrated cleanly with the rest of the structure.
Floating Tenons for Strong Joinery
Instead of traditional mortise and tenon joinery, Jay used floating tenons to assemble the frame sections. This method allowed for precise alignment and strong joints without overly complex mortising.
Floating tenons were also used in the top panel assembly, helping to maintain a flush surface while adding long-term stability. Jay’s attention to wood movement and joint strength helped ensure the chest would stay solid over time.
Building the Lid Without Hardware
Originally, Jay considered using a traditional hinged lid, but equipment issues forced a change in design. Rather than installing metal hinges, he created a tray-style lid that simply lifts off.
The lid seats securely thanks to an indexing system made up of shallow mortises on the underside. This design keeps the lid stable while allowing for easy removal, even if decorative items are placed on top.
Care was taken with grain orientation across the lid boards to minimize movement over the seasons. It’s a subtle but important detail that shows Jay’s experience in furniture making.
Assembly, Sanding, and Finishing
After all the pieces were milled and joinery completed, the chest was fully assembled and clamped carefully to ensure squareness. Jay emphasized the importance of taking time with clamping to avoid warping the structure.
Once assembled, the chest was sanded thoroughly to prepare it for finish. Jay chose Rustic Pine Briwax, a soft wax finish that enhances the natural beauty of the pine while giving it a slightly aged look.
The final result is a beautiful, versatile blanket chest that combines traditional techniques with practical design choices. The chest serves as both a storage piece and a functional bench, fitting seamlessly into a variety of home styles.
A Functional Piece with Timeless Appeal
Jay’s tongue and groove blanket chest highlights the satisfaction of using dimensional lumber to create heirloom-quality furniture. Every choice—from floating tenons to the removable lid—adds to the strength, functionality, and beauty of the finished piece.
This project shows that with careful planning and smart adjustments, even simple materials can be turned into lasting furniture. It’s a great project for any woodworker looking to practice joinery and furniture construction without getting overly complicated.
Please support Jay by purchasing his plans here: Jay’s Custom Creations.