DIY Modern Wooden Toy Box with Lid: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Repeat this process for a 12” strip of 1×2 on the other (bottom) end of your Side A. 

Learn To Build A Wooden Toy Box

It should be snug but not crazy tight.

Materials Needed to Build a DIY Wooden Toy Box:

• Out of 1/2″ plywood: two (2) 12”x12” squares AND two (2) 12”x32” rectangles AND one (1) 13”x33” rectangle
• Out of 1×3 lumber: two (2) 12” cuts AND two (2) 32” cuts AND three (3) 13” cuts
• Out of 1×2 lumber: two (2) 12” cuts AND two (2) 32” cuts
• Out of 2×2 lumber: four (4) 18-1/2” cuts
• One (1) 3/4″ thick project panel (also sometimes called “craft pine”) in 16”x36” rectangle
• Two (2) torsion hinges (example uses 40# load) or hinge of your choice
• 1” and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws
• Wood glue
• Kreg jig, jigsaw, 120- and/or 220-grit sandpaper + sander, drill, clamps
• Felt/rubber pads for lid (optional)
• Finish (e.g., stain, paint, sealant) of your choice

Step 1: Sanding

Step 2: Build side panels

To paint kids wood toys, you’ll want to use tempera paint. Make sure that you set the area up beforehand, and lay lots of newspaper or old rags down to prevent a mess. Then, go ahead and get painting. Let dry fully and add a second coat for good luck.
Use a jigsaw to make your cut-out.
The lid’s staying power is a lifesaver.
Note: With both 2×2 legs attached, the inside of your Side A panel will look like this.
Next, measure for two or three pocket holes on the top and bottom ends of your square (note: use the photo for measurement reference). 

Step 3: Set up Kreg Jig and drill holes

On the inside/under side of your lid, along the back end, measure 5” in from the sides and 1-7/8” in from the back end. 

Open your box lid to check it works properly.

Step 4: Measure the pocket holes

Align the outside edge of your hinge with your lines. 

Set the Side A panel, glue side down, onto a 2×2 leg with the top ends flush.
Run a bead of wood glue along the bottom of a 1×3 12” strip.

Step 5: Choose Inward Facing Side and Drill Holes

Repeat for the other hinge.


Be sure you’re checking for glue squeezing out on both the interior and exterior sides of your panels. 
Let dry fully before adding a lid to your unfinished wooden toy box.
You could also choose to attach a sort of guard (with 1×3 strips) along the top sides and back of your lid for a more craftsman look.
It’s now time to grab your 1×3 and 1×2 strips, including not just the 12” but also the 13” lengths. 
Secure the hinge to the underside of your lid. 

Step 6: Drill holes into longer, thinner wood strips

Place the grain running sideways, then measure 3” in from the corners on the two sides (at the entry/exit points of the grain). 
Wipe away any excess glue. 


Your piece should now look like this. 

Repeat this process for Side B.
Join the glue side with the top end of your Side A plywood. 

Step 6: Prepare and measure the front strip of the DIY toy box

Double check to make sure it is perfectly parallel with your lid and is aligned.
Use a square to make sure it’s, well, square. 



Now slide the hinges onto the back panel of your toy box. 
Grab Side A and run a bead of glue along the side. 
Note: You can use 1” screws through the bottom of your base support boards if you feel it’s necessary to keep your floor in place.  
When you have a relatively wide corner like this, simply curve your jigsaw around the corner on your first pass. 

Step 7: Use your jigsaw to cut the wood

We now need to prepare the Front top strip (one of your 32” 1x3s) for cutting out the finger hold. 

Now draw a line from the 4” point at the top to the new 5” point. 


Then use 1” pocket screws to attach the 13” strip to the box Front and Back strips.
With everything ready with pocket holes, it’s time to assemble your box.
By positioning your side panel 1/2” away from the corner edge of your 2×2 leg, it gives the exterior of your side panel strips a beautiful 1/4″ inset. 
The inside (pocket hole side) of your side panel should be positioned 1/2″ away from the corner edge of your 2×2 post. 
Repeat these steps for the other side panel.

Step 8: Sand your wooden toy box piece

Time to build the box floor.  

Step 9: Use wood glue and attach pieces

Repeat for the other two 13” 1×3 strips. 





Use a straight edge to draw all the lines you need to guide your jigsaw.

Repeat for the other rectangle.


Clamp in place, then use 1” pocket screws to attach.

Measure 5/8” from the corners of your 13”x33” plywood rectangle.

Then measure and mark five pocket holes on the top and bottom ends.
A great paint to use for wooden projects with kids is tempera paint. This type of paint is safe and effective.

The post DIY Modern Wooden Toy Box with Lid: A Step-by-Step Tutorial appeared first on Homedit.

Step 10: Attach all the panels and legs to assemble the large wooden toy box

Run two beads of glue along the open ends of your Front and Back panels.

This helps the floor to settle completely. 



Drill two holes into each end of your 1×3 pieces and one hole into each end of your 1×2 pieces.

Sand anything that may need it before you lay the floor in the box.

You need to cut out that part from the four corners of your kids wooden toy box floor so it fits.
Lay your Side B panel, pocket holes facing upward, on your flat, clean work surface. 
Go ahead and sand your fresh cuts.
Mark this point, and draw some light pencil lines.
Drill your four pocket holes (two per side).

Step 10: Assemble and attach back and front panels

They’ll look like this.
You should you choose a low-VOC paint when painting children’s furniture. These types of paints have reduced amount of volatile organic compounds and release less fumes, making them a safer option for children.
Note: Be sure to wipe on the front and back sides, and remember that if you’re staining your toy box, stain won’t take to glue so make sure that it’s all the way wiped off.

Step 11: Grab a helper and a power drill to attach all panels to create a box shape

Pro Tip: You can place rubber or felt pads on the lid or on the top of your front leg posts to protect the front end of your lid when it’s down.
Note: Have a helper flip the U-shaped Front/Side A/Back piece over and place the glued ends onto the Side B legs. 



Repeat for the longer (32”) strips as well.
Then repeat for Side B.

Step 11: Build the toy box wood floor panel

Drill these four holes (two per end). 
Use a square at your 5” marking to place a new 5” point that is 1-3/4” up from what will be the bottom (away from the lid) end. 

Wipe away excess glue. 
To ensure leveling, consider placing a small piece of scrap wood at each corner and hammering downward. 
Do this from both sides of your wood strip.
Pro Tip: Use other wood pieces underneath to make it flush; as in, stick a piece of 1/2″ plywood under the 1×3 strip that you’ve glued and a 1×3 strip under the plywood you’re gluing to. 
You should have 4 holes total.
As you can see, to create girls or boys wooden toy box, the process isn’t as complicated as it may initially seem. With the right tools, a free weekend day, and a little motivation, you can have a beautifully handmade DIY wooden toy box in no time.


From each (side) end, measure and mark the 4” and 5” spots along the top (close to the lid) end.



Give the lid a light sanding.
You’ll start by building your side panels. 

Following instructions, set up the Kreg jig at the 3/4” depth mark.

Step 12: Sand everything before laying the floor

For this next job, you’ll want to choose the two 1” screws.
It’s now time to assemble the box by attaching all the panels to your box legs, which are the 18-1/2” long 2×2 boards. 

When the panel is positioned precisely, attach with 1-1/4” pocket screws.
When the main piece is cut out, come back with your jigsaw and, coming in from both sides of the corner, sharpen up that corner angle. 

Step 13: Place scrap wood to level the floor

Have them hold the box in place while you align precisely and attach both ends with pocket screws.
Then, using 3/4″ screws, attach the front side of your hinge base to the back panel as well. 
Place a 13” 1×3 strip in the center of the box, with the pocket holes facing you.

Step 14: Paint or stain your DIY toy box

Unwrap your project panel first; this will be the top (lid) of your box.
This creates a flat surface for you where the pocket holes connect.) Make sure the sides are flush and all pocket holes are visible.
The 13” strips will go onto the bottom of your toy box to support the box floor.
With the smoothest side facing upward, slide your floor rectangle into your box. 

Step 15: Add a lid to the wooden toy box bench

Step 16: Sand the project panel

Repeat on both sides.


Flip your box upside down and place on a clean, level surface.
Use wood stain or paint.  

Take a 12”x12” plywood square and determine which side will face the interior of your toy box. 
Your finger hold should look something like this.
To create this kids wooden toy box, first you’ll want to secure the below materials.
Repeat for the other leg on this panel.
You should still be able to see the pencil marks at the corner point.
With the right wood and some power equipment, you’ll be off to creating a kid-approved piece of furniture confidently. Read on and learn how.

Repeat the attachment steps with the Front panel.
The 12” 1×3 strips will go on the top (as in, close to the lid) of your plywood panels, the 1×2 strips will go on the bottom (as in close to the floor) of your plywood panels. 
The 12” 1×3 strips will go on the top (as in, close to the lid) of your plywood panels, the 1×2 strips will go on the bottom (as in close to the floor) of your plywood panels. 
Finish your box how you want it. 

On your 12”x32” rectangle, determine which side you want facing inward on your toy box.

Your own beautiful DIY modern wooden toy box, which may or may not look like an elephant.
Repeat for the other hinge.


Use a jigsaw to cut them out.
Repeat this exact process for the rectangular panels to create your Front and Back panels.
These holes will attach the top and bottom inset strips onto your side panel. 
Align the panel onto the leg (keeping it 1/2″ in from the edge of the leg post, top flush), and attach with 1-1/4” pocket screws.
Begin by sanding everything. This might feel tedious when you’re excited to get building, but trust me. It’s much faster, easier, and better for the end product to sand now than after the toy box is assembled.
This will not make the back of the lid flush with the back of the toy box; instead, it will be inset a little bit, which evens out the overlap of the front end of the lid on the toy box
Glue along one side of your panel.
Double-checking that the lid is, indeed, centered on your box, attach the hinge to the back panel.

Wooden Toy Box: Conclusion

Your hinge comes with two 1” screws and other 3/4” screws. 

Choose the 3/4″ screws for this job.