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How to make a wooden toy box with a lid

By Bunnings magazine /

A white wooden toy box decorated with colourful drawings sitting on grass, surrounded by toys and gumboots

Overview

After a day of backyard fun is done it isn’t always easy to get the kids to pick up their gear. Turn tidying up into a game in itself with a toy-toss challenge – whoever gets the most balls and toys to land through the holes in the wooden toy box wins!

Built from lightweight pine and ply, this D.I.Y. toy-toss box has rope handles for carrying and a removable lid. Make it in a weekend and get the kids involved by having them help decorate the box with bright designs using paint sticks.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1

Cutting list

From 12mm plywood:

  • Sides and base: 800mm x 500mm (3)
  • Lid: 775mm x 475mm
  • Ends: 500mm x 476mm (2)

From 19mm pine:

  • Side lid supports: 776mm (2)
  • End lid supports: 414mm (2)

2

Cut the timber

Following the cutting list (above), have the plywood and pine cut to size in store. Clamp the lid piece to the workbench. Position two plates at least 50mm apart and 50mm in from the edges; trace around them with a pencil. Drill starter holes with a 10mm bit, then cut out the circles using a jigsaw.

A jigsaw cutting a circular shape into a piece of plywood

3

Prep the pieces

On the base piece, mark 6mm in from all edges with a combination square; use a countersinking bit to predrill three evenly spaced holes starting from 30mm along. On the side pieces, mark 6mm in from the ends; on each line, predrill holes 10mm in from the edges and halfway along. Sand around all cut edges.

A hand sanding the edge of a piece of plywood with a sanding block

4

Apply the glue

On the side and end pieces, mark 12mm down from the top edges. On the lid supports, predrill centred holes 40mm in from the ends, and at the centre of the side supports. Centre the supports below the marks; apply adhesive and secure with screws.

A hand applying a bead of adhesive to a piece of plywood.

5

Join the pieces

Position the sides against the end pieces, apply adhesive and secure with screws. Position the base with edges flush, apply adhesive and secure with screws. On the end pieces, mark two handle holes 150mm from the top and 150mm apart, centred; drill through using an 8mm bit.

A drill bit creating a hole in a piece of plywood

6

Sand and paint

Sand over the screws to remove breakout, smooth in with filler and leave to dry. Sand all over, including the handle holes, removing excess filler. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Use a cutting-in brush and mini roller to apply two coats of exterior paint, leaving to dry after each coat.

A gloved hand uses a roller to apply white paint to a timber surface.

7

Finish the toy box

Cut two 300mm lengths of rope with scissors and thread through the handle holes, securing with double knots inside. Position the lid, then use solid paint sticks to draw designs over the top and sides of the box. Tip: Fluoro paint will make those holes easier for the kids to see when it's time to start tossing!

A hand holding a purple crayon near a white-painted timber surface with colourful drawings and two circular cut-outs.

8

Keep in mind...

  • When operating power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and a mask are also recommended).
  • Ensure the work area is well ventilated for power-tool use and painting. When painting, wear a mask and disposable gloves. Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
  • This project is designed as a coordination game and storage container only and is not for climbing on or in.
  • Paint colours may vary on application.

9

Looking for more clever D.I.Y. ideas?

Learn how to build a mud kitchen for kids.

 

Photo credit: Martina Gemmola, Carly Spooner.

[disclaimers]
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
*Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.