How to Build a Trunk Foot Locker

A trunk foot locker has dozens of uses around the house. Use the trunk as a coffee table or end table, store your treasured memories inside or even use the piece as a bench at the foot of your bed. A handmade trunk has more appeal than a store-bought trunk. You can send your college-bound child off to school with the trunk and give him something he can pass down to his own children. Building a trunk foot locker lets you create a family heirloom.

Four 2-by-1-by-36-inch boards
Four 2-by-1-by-24 inch boards
2-inch wood screws
Electric screwdriver
Wood glue
Two plywood boards: 24 inches by 36 inches by ¾ inch
Clamps
20 boards: 1-by-1-by-36 inches
20 boards: 1-by-1-by-24 inches
Two metal hinges
1-inch wood screws

Instructions

- 1
  Make a frame from two pieces of wood approximately 2 inches by 1 inch by 36 inches and two pieces that are 2 inches by 1 inch by 36 inches. The longer pieces make the longer sides, while the shorter pieces make the smaller sides. Screw two 2-inch wood screws through each corner of the trunk, where two pieces of wood meet.
- 2
  Apply a layer of wood glue to the top edges of the frame. Carefully place a plywood board 24 inches by 36 inches by ¾ inch on top of the glue. Clamp the plywood to the frame and let it dry overnight. Repeat steps one and two, making the top of the trunk.
- 3
  Remove the clamps and turn the bottom frame upside down so the plywood sits on the floor. Set a wood board 1 inch by 1 inch by 36 inches on top of one of the longer sides. Screw a 2-inch wood screw through the top of the board and into the frame. Attach 10 boards to each of the longer sides in the same way.
- 4
  Attach 10 boards measuring 1 inch by 1 inch by 24 inches to the shorter sides of the trunk. Place one board on the shorter side and screw 2-inch wood screws through each end. Keep stacking the boards until the side has 10 boards. Repeat this step on the other shorter side.
- 5
  Set the top on the trunk and lay two hinges on top, approximately 2 inches from each end. Screw two 1-inch wood screws through the hinge and into the side of the trunk. Screw two 1-inch wood screws through the hinges and into the top of the trunk.

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