Box leg size

Submitted by solomonson on Tue, 09/27/2011 - 12:31

I'm not sure where else to put this. I was initially planning to build the West Elm outdoor storage box, but after some thought, decided that the design didn't do it for me. I was toying with some modifications and realized that I had gotten so far away from the original that they couldn't really be called modifications anymore. Anyway, I plan to keep the original dimensions except for making it about 2 in. taller. My question is - would 2x2 legs provide enough support? the heaviest thing I plan to keep in the box is a container of charcoal. Grill supplies and small gardening tools will also be stored there. I plan on using 1x3s and 1x4s for the rest of it.

claydowling

Tue, 09/27/2011 - 12:55

The most important thing with the legs is attaching them securely. No gaps, no wiggle room. Make sure you drill properly sized pilot holes for all screws, use regular wood screws (not drywall screws), and make sure they are countersunk.

I have built tables with 2x2 legs that I can sit on, stand on, and if I had any rhythm, I'd be comfortable dancing on it. The first pass with that same design, though, tore apart just from dragging it across the floor a couple of feet. The quality of the joint makes all the difference in the world.