A deck box is a convenient storage container for outdoor areas like decks and porches. This project is suited to an intermediate level of handiness skill, though beginners can attempt the project if they have experience with building similar items, or have some assistance from someone with more experience.
Materials
- 13 pieces of 1”x6”x8’ cedar
- 1 piece of 1”x4”x8” cedar
- Wood glue
- 2 hinges
- Hasp
- 1 ¼” galvanized screws
- Sandpaper
- Varnish,
- Paint
- Or wood stain
Tools
- Circular saw or
- Table saw
- Combination square
- Drill/driver
- Palm sander
- Clamps
- Tape measure
- Paintbrush
- Dust mask
- Goggles
- Hearing protection
Instructions
Prepare the panels
- Fit five of the 47” long 1×6 pieces together for the box’s front panel and five for the rear panel with glue and allow it to cure. Cut the panels to 46”x25.”
- Glue together five of the 23 ¾” long 1×6 pieces together for the box’s left side panel and five for the right. Allow the glue to cure then cut the panels to 13”x25.”
- Glue the 45” long 1×6 pieces together to make the floor panel of the box and after the glue has cured cut the panel to 23”x44 ½.”
- For the box’s lid, glue together the 48” long 1×6 pieces. After the glue cures, cut the panel to 45”x47.”
Assembling the base
- Secure two 21” long ¾”x3/4” strips to the inside face of the box’s front panel. Position the stripes at ¾” intervals away from each end of the panel, with the top end of the strip 1” below the panel’s top edge. Drive the screws through the strips into the panel so they aren’t visible from the exterior of the box and secure the strips to the back panel in the same way.
- Drive screws through the ¾”x ¾” strips on the front and rear panels into the inside faces of the side panels to secure them.
Attaching the lid and installing the floor
- On the back panel, position the hinges, evenly spaced and mark the hinge for placement.
- Use screws to secure the hinges to the rear panel and the edge of the lid.
- Install the hasp and keeper on the front of the box then make a mortise in the top edge of the front panel to receive the hasp when the lid is closed.
- Position the floor panel inside the box and install a 44” long ¾”x ¾” strip to the inside face of the front panel. The strip should be positioned so it is centered from left to right on the panel with its bottom edge ¼” up from the panel’s bottom edge.
- Install a 44” long ¾”x ¾” strip to the rear panel in the same manner, and screw through the floor panel into the 44” long strips to secure the floor in place.
Sanding and adding final touches
- Using a sander or router, smooth the box as needed.
- Paint or stain the box with wood paint or stain. If you prefer a clear finish, use a varnish on the wood surface. Allow the paint, stain, or varnish to cure for as long as it takes to dry completely before using the box.