DIY Wood Trunk with Storage - Free Woodworking Plan

Difficulty

Intermediate

Do you need a bench with maximum storage? A wood chest or trunk can provide tons of storage and act as occasional seating or even tabletop surface.

Save hundreds of dollars by building your own wood trunk or chest. This is a free project plan with step by step diagrams, video tutorial, shopping and cut lists - everything you need to be successful at building your own wood trunk!

Why I Built this Wood Trunk

I have been storing our gift wrapping supplies in the guest room - it just makes sense to be able to wrap presents in the guest room with the door closed. So I wanted to create a storage solution that guests would not use, but was still easily accessible.

An end of bed chest was the answer. Guests can use the bench top for setting suitcases and bags, or even seating, but all the storage inside would still be super easy to get to.

Photos of Gift Wrap Inside Wood Chest

Other Uses for This Wood Trunk

While I use my wood trunk as a gift wrapping station in my guest room, there's lot more uses throughout the home!

Entryway bench with gear and shoe storage inside
End of bed bench for queen or king sized beds
Living room bench
Dining room bench banquette seating
Kids room as toybox

The Inspiration Behind this Wood Trunk

The wood trunk is inspired by Pottery Barn Parkview Wood Trunk. Costing $1200, and not shipping to my home, this wood trunk was out of reach for me. So I decided to build my own using locally sourced wood, right in my own garage.

Video Tutorial - How I Build this Wood Trunk

This wood trunk was actually pretty straight forward to build. Watch this quick build video to see how this project goes together.

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Dimensions

wood trunk diy plans pottery barn parkview

Very large size, suitable for end of bed, entryway, dining banquette

Preparation

Shopping List

13 - 1x6 @ 5 feet long (can also buy 10 foot 1x6 and cut in half)
1 - 1x8 @ 5 feet long
3 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
100 - 1-1/4" pocket hole screws
1-1/4" brad nails
wood glue
piano hinge or 3" butt hinges (three)
toy box lid supports

Cut List

3 - 1x6 @ 58-1/2" - bottom
6 - 1x6 @ about 16-1/2" - measure and cut to fit - sides
8 - 1x6 @ 60" - front/back/top
2 - 2x2 @ 58-1/2" - bottom frame
2 - 2x2 @ about 15" - measure and cut to fit - bottom frame sides
3 - 2x2 @ about 14" - measure and cut to fit - under lid supports

Tools

General Instructions

For long term durability and more professional results, I recommend using a pocket hole joinery system for wood joints. Here is a video with tips for using a pocket hole jig:

Instructions

Step 1

Build the Bottom

Cut the top pieces and join together with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.

Step 2

Build the Sides and Attach

The sides need to match the width of the bottom. Measure the bottom width, then cut the side boards to match.

Build the two side panels and attach to the base.

Step 3

Front and Back

Build the two front and back panels and attach to the bottom and sides.

Step 4

Base

As shown in the video, drill half way through the base pieces with the Kreg Jig bit. Then attach the base pieces to the bottom with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.

Step 5

Lid Supports

Attach 2x2 lids supports to the underside of the top.

Step 6

Attach the top to the base with the hinges on the back.

Add the toy box lid supports and adjust as necessary.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

I sanded the entire project well with 120 grit sandpaper, working in the direction of the wood grain.

Finish Used

I applied a wood stain in golden oak.
The next day, I whitewashed with a paint and water mixture.
I then sanded lightly with 220 grit sandpaper.
The top applied a light coat of water based polyurethane.

Project Type

Living Room Tables and Accent Table Plans