Free step by step plans to build a Land of Nod inspired toybox with hinged lid from Ana-White.com

Preparation
- 1 - 4x4 foot sheet of 1/2” thick hardwood plywood
- 1 - 3/4” thick project panel 36” x 16”
- 2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long (need 1 more for optional top)
- 1 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
- 1” and 1 1/4” pocket hole screws
- Hinges and felt pads, possibly a hinge support to keep the lid from slamming shut or falling backwards
- 2 - 1/2” plywood 12” x 12”
- 2 - 1x3 @ 12”
- 2 - 1x2 @ 12”
- 2 - 1/2” plywood @ 12” x 32”
- 2 - 1x3 @ 32”
- 2 - 1x2 @ 32”
- 4 - 2x2 @ 18 1/2”
- 3 - 1x3 @ 13”
- 1/2” plywood 33” x 13”
- 1 - 3/4” thick project panel 36” x 16”
Optional top
- 1 - 1x2 @ 33 1/2”
- 2 - 1x2 @ 14”
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1

TIP: Drill all 1/2” pocket holes first (basically, just drill 1/2” pocket holes around all sides of 1/2” plywood pieces) and then drill the 3/4” pocket holes so you don’t have to reset your jig multiple times.
I designed this toy box a little different - more like how I build doors - to conserve space inside, and keep it light, and also because 1/2" plywood (used for the panels) is so much easier to work with than 3/4". This means you'll need to use 1/2" pocket holes for attaching the 1/2" plywood (with 1" pocket hole screws), and then 3/4" pocket holes for attaching the 1x boards (1 1/4" pocket hole screws).
This type of construction requires very straight plywood cuts. Make sure you use a straight edge to guide your cuts or a Rip Cut is what I use.
It's a miracle tool.
Start by building your side panels. Make sure the side panel edges are flush and the two panels match. If not, you may need to trim the whole side panel edge down.
Step 2

Then build the two front and back panels.
Step 3

Attach side panels to legs.
TIP: Fill any pocket holes that you can now instead of later when it's tough to reach inside.
Step 4

And then the front and back panels to the side panels.
Step 5

Step 6

Then the bottom can rest inside. For even more support and to help square things up, I recommend attaching the plywood to the sides with 1/2" pocket holes and 1" pocket hole screws.
Step 7

Now cut the front edge out with a jigsaw. Sand the cut edge until smooth.
Step 8

Attach top - Jaime has more details on what type of hardware she used here. Remember, you'll want to take steps to prevent little fingers from getting pinched from the toy box top.
Step 9

If you want to add a top lip, you can do that too - for example, to place a top cushion on. Here's what I recommend but this is optional of course.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.
Comments
momofour09
Tue, 09/17/2013 - 12:53
Plywood sheet
Are the plywood sheets the 2x4 foot?
In reply to Plywood sheet by momofour09
Ana White
Tue, 09/17/2013 - 12:59
Hi - you'll want the 4x4
Hi - you'll want the 4x4 sheet.
spiceylg
Tue, 09/17/2013 - 17:22
Collaboration
Awesome job you two and love the monogram!
ncampbell
Wed, 10/02/2013 - 15:51
cost?
aprox. cost??
mariog2912
Sun, 10/27/2013 - 07:30
First Intermediate Project
I fell in love with this project as soon as I saw it. I've built a sectional headboard that went together in my bedroom because set I bought would not fit up my stairwell, and I have also built an end table with circular saw dadoes (I saw it online and had to try it). That is the length of my woodworking prowess. If I can pull this off for my grandchild, it will be epic. I'm slowly getting materials together for project and I have two questions. 1. How long did you let wood acclimate to your home before starting construction? I'm thinking about purchasing pine because it seems to be the straightest wood at Lowes, just way more expensive. 2. Did you apply any finish to the inside of toy box? Thanks again for great design. I will post pics when done.
In reply to First Intermediate Project by mariog2912
jaimecostiglio
Wed, 10/30/2013 - 03:09
wood acclimate and finish
Mariog - I build outside in my garage so the wood doesn't acclimate at all. I don't think it's necessary since you're not securing it down (like a wood floor). Just purchase your lumber and start building :) And I used 1/2" plywood and #2 pine boards.
Yes the inside is finished. See my post here for more pics of the interior and how I plugged up all the pocket holes:
http://thatsmyletter.blogspot.com/2013/09/s-is-for-simple-toy-box-with-…
Good luck!
In reply to wood acclimate and finish by jaimecostiglio
mariog2912
Thu, 04/17/2014 - 05:47
Inspiration
Jaime,
I wanted to reach out and thank you for your help on this project. It turned out more fabulous than I ever could have expected. It also inspired me to do other projects with the skills I learned. I submitted some pics on brag post (#toybox). Thanks, again.
In reply to Inspiration by mariog2912
jaimecostiglio
Fri, 04/18/2014 - 04:31
You're welcome
So nice to hear of your success and thank for the note. Glad your toy box came out fabulous, it makes all the hard work worth it. Here's to more building!
gsumarcinko
Wed, 11/13/2013 - 10:30
2x2 lumber for this project
To Jaime or anyone else following these comments, where are you finding straight 2x2 lumber? If I can't find it in my area do you think gluing and clamping 2 pieces of 1x2 from my local lumber store would work as a replacement?
The only 2x2 stuff I can find is a mess at the big box stores.
Thanks and love this project can't wait to build it.
-Jeff
In reply to 2x2 lumber for this project by gsumarcinko
jaimecostiglio
Fri, 04/18/2014 - 04:33
straight 2x2 s
Jeff my local Home Depot carries 2x2 SELECT PINE boards but only recently (last Fall?) did they appear on the shelves. They run about $9 each but so worth it compared to the furring sticks.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-2-in-x-2-in-x-8-ft-Select-Pine-Boa…
Good luck with your project.