Withthe right tools, building a DIY wooden box isn’t difficult.
The steps below will outline how to cut individual pieces of wood and join them to create a box.
Special woods like mahogany or cherry wood can be used to make stunning ornamental boxes.
Rumman Amin / Unsplash
For larger boxes, consider using special woods like zebrawood or for inlays in the lid or sides.
This can create visual interest while keeping the project cost down.
We’ve chosen to forgo the handle for a minimalistic look.
It’s a fairly simple design, but it can be simplified even further.
Your wood’s thickness will then determine the exterior dimensions.
For example, if you plan to build a hat box, 1/4-inch material is plenty strong.
We’re using 1/4-inch plywood.
What Is a Dado?
This simple joint is often utilized for furniture building, such as shelving, cabinetry, and drawer dividers.
This will give you the dimensions of your bottom piece.
It should be a slightly tight squeeze to account for sanding.
Glue the Box Together
Reassemble the box using the tape method.
Before closing it together, apply a thin layer of wood glue to each side of each joint.
Slide the bottom into place without any glue, then shut the sides together.
Tape the fourth corner and check the alignment.
If everything looks good, clamp the box together until the glue dries.
Remove any glue that squeezes out immediately.
Cut the Inset
Cut a rabbet on each side of the lid to create the inset.
you could cut the rabbet with atable sawor a router table fitted with a straight router bit.
What Is a Rabbet?
Cut more material if necessary.
Sand the Lid
Sand the lid with 120-grit paper, increasing to at least 220-grit.
Pay close attention to the rabbet and clean up any splinters or rough areas.
Finish the Wood
Finish the box however you wish.
Stain, paint, clear coat, oil, or leave it bare.
Oak is considered by many to be the best wood for making a wooden box.
It’s strong, easy to work with, dimensionally stable, and accepts stain and oil incredibly well.
That said, you might use many types of wood to make a wooden box.
Then, clean up the remainder with a router and sandpaper.
While a lathe is the preferred tool, you could hollow wood using many different tools.
