How to Build a Wooden Storage Bin for a Boat Dock

Tilt a table saw blade to 45 degrees. Using the miter gauge on the table saw, miter two opposite 24-inch edges on each of the 24-by-24-inch pieces. Miter the 24-inch edges on two of the 24-by-36-inch pieces. Run a bead of glue down all of the mitered edges. Stand all four pieces of plywood on a worktable, with the 24-by-24-inch pieces at the ends of the long pieces. Bring the mitered edges together to form a 24-by-24-by-36-inch box frame.

Drop two nylon strap clamps around the frame, evenly spaced, and tighten until glue oozes out of all of the mitered edges. Shoot staples spaced 4 inches apart down each mitered corner using a staple gun. Let the glue dry for one hour.

Remove the clamps. Run a heavy bead of glue along the top edge of the frame. Lay one of the remaining 24-by-36-inch pieces on top of the glued edge and square the corners. This will be the bottom of the bin. Shoot pin nails down through the bottom every 4 inches around the perimeter to secure the bottom to the frame. Flip the bin upright.

Screw the piano hinge to a long side of the other 24-by-36-inch piece of plywood using a cordless screw gun and 1/2-inch screws. This is the lid. Place the lid on the bin. Half of the hinge should be hanging down on the side of the bin. Screw the other half of the hinge to the side to complete the storage bin.