How to Make a Kids' Toy Box With a Bench

A toy box can provide storage for a bedroom, playroom or other living area, and can help your child keep toys organized and your living space free of clutter. A toy box can also double as a bench where your child can sit and play. Although you can purchase a toy box from a variety of retailers, you can also build a toy box bench to meet your space requirements.

2-by-4-inch lumber
Tape measure
Circular saw
Miter saw
4-inch wood screws
Drill
Screwdriver bit
6-inch wood screws
5/8-inch-thick plywood
Table saw
Hinges
Palm sander
Paint
Wood stain

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the dimensions of the toy box bench based on your storage needs and space requirements.
- 2
  Measure four sections of 2-by-4-inch lumber to the width of the toy box bench, and four sections to the depth, using a tape measure. Cut the sections to length with a circular saw. Miter the ends of the lumber sections at 45-degree angles with a miter saw.
- 3
  Assemble two width and two length sections into a rectangle to form the base of the toy box bench. Insert 4-inch wood screws through the corners with a drill equipped with a screwdriver bit. Repeat this process with the remaining length and width sections.
- 4
  Cut four sections of 2-by-4-inch lumber four inches shorter than the height of the toy box; these sections form the posts of the toy box. Turn the frames on their 2-inch edges and place one of the posts at each corner. Insert 4-inch wood screws through the frames into the ends of the posts.
- 5
  Turn the assembled toy box frame upright. Cut two sections of 2-by-4-inch lumber to the height of the bench back. Attach these sections to the back of the toy box on each side.
- 6
  Measure the interior distance between the bench back posts. Cut two sections of 2-by-4-inch lumber to this distance. Place one section flush with the top of the bench back posts and secure it with 6-inch wood screws. Repeat this process with the second section by placing the bottom edge flush with the top of the toy box frame.
- 7
  Cut sections of 5/8-inch-thick plywood to fit the front, bottom and sides of the toy box, and to fit the interior dimensions of the back of the toy box, using a table saw. Attach these sections using 4-inch wood screws.
- 8
  Cut a section of 5/8-inch section of plywood to fit the bench back. Attach the plywood section to the bench back frame with 4-inch wood screws. Cut an additional plywood section to fit the top of the toy box.
- 9
  Set the top section on the toy box. Attach a hinge at each end with the included screws.
- 10
  Sand the plywood surfaces with a palm sander to round the corners and smooth the surfaces. Paint or stain the toy box bench as desired.

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