How to Build a Basic Wooden Box

By attaching sections of 1x6 together with wood glue and a few clamps, you can create a simple box to any shape and size you like.

You'll need to purchase quite a bit of 1x6 for this project. You may find enough scraps, or you may need to buy 2x6 if your wallet is a little thin. You can use just about any material for this project as long as it is 6" wide. The thickness of different pieces gives it character that no other wooden box could ever have.

Using a table saw, rip down materials so that they are all the same length. You can stack a few pieces on top of each other as you pass it through the table saw to shorten work time. Just be careful that you don't bind up the pieces. Use a push stick to hold them in place.

Use a miter box to cut all of the pieces to length according to the blueprints. Once the pieces are cut, stack them into two piles and test fit. Once you're sure the pieces all fit correctly, glue the pieces together with some wood glue. Coat each side and sandwich them between each other. Use two wood clamps and two scrap pieces of lumber to squeeze the pieces together. Repeat the same process with the remaining blocks. Allow each block to dry overnight.

Using a router, remove as much of the inside of the box as possible. Make sure to leave at least ½" in the bottom of the box and at least 1" on each side. Use a wood chisel to remove excess wood and to square up the edges. Sand any rough spots with sand paper.

To create a treasure chest shaped box, use a wood plane to create curves into the lid of the box. Shave sections off the side first and work your way to the center, being careful not to cut through to the underside.

Attach a set of brass hinges to the lid. You can also attach a clamp or other locking device to the lid. Always attach the hardware according to the enclosed directions.

Paint, varnish, or urethane can be applied to the chest. It's best to do this before assembling the lid to the chest or attaching any of the hardware.

You can decorate your chest any way you like. Use a wood chisel to carve designs or inscriptions into the chest. A wood burning kit is also a great way to spice up your new wooden chest.