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Modern PureBond Toy Box

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modern toy box
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Build a modern style toy box with free step by step plans from Ana-White.com

Did you know that you can make modern style toy box in just a few hours for less than $100? And the best part? Not only will you be cleaning up your home with this fresh modern toy box - you’ll be cleaning up the air inside your home too! I made this toy box to fit in my daughter’s room under the stairs of her Camp Loft Bed. And I choose to build it with PureBond formaldehyde free plywood to keep our home’s air quality fresh and free of formaldehyde. 

 

I love PureBond because it’s beautiful, it’s formaldehyde free, and it’s made right here in North America! If you haven’t checked it out yet, ask for it at your local Home Depot or find a supplier here . You’ll just need one sheet to make this modern toy box! 

 

I love this toy box design because it has the best of both a toy box and play table! You can still stuff toys in the top, but there’s enough room on top to work as a play table surface or bench (inset the top and put a bench cushion on for extra seating!). 

 

 But the kid’s favorite part? The little cubby on the end. Note that in this plan, I made the cubby bigger because the kids LOVE it so much and we felt it was a little hard to reach all the way in with the smaller cubby. 

 

And nothing beats a toy box that rolls! If you are anything like me and fight a losing toy battle, having somewhere to stuff toys into and roll away is huge for keeping your home tidy. 

 

 I’ll be sharing the details on this finish in a finish post soon - so look for that as well!

Dimensions
modern toy box

Preparation

Shopping List

1 Sheet 3/4” thick PureBond Plywood (shown in Oak) 

4 Caster wheels (and screws to attach) 

1 1/4” Pocket hole screws 

2” finish nails or 2” screws (can be used instead of pocket hole screws)

Edge banding if desired

Cut List
  • 4 - 3/4” PureBond Plywood 15 3/4” x 20 1/2”
  • 2 - 3/4” PureBond Plywood 15 3/4” x 37”
  • 1 - 3/4” PureBond Plywood 22” x 37”
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Brad Nailer
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

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

Don't be intimidated by a big sheet of plywood! You can have it cut down to manageable sizes at your Home Depot. My suggestion is to ask for the plywood to be cut as shown above. Be very specific about the cut sizes and make sure your 15 3/4" cuts are consistent. The best way to do this is to have the track saw set horizontally and the plywood run through three times without moving the saw to get consistent rips.

Once you have your plywood in the four main pieces, you can use a circular saw to cut from there.

Here's how I cut plywood with a circular saw:

NOTE: If you are using edge banding ( I did not) you can add it here or in later steps - it's up to you.

Step 2

Cubby Top
Trust me on this one, you want to attach the cubby top now, and not later  If you are attaching with screws or nails, use 2” fasteners and glue. For pocket hole users, drill 3/4” pocket holes around all sides of the cubby top (one of the 15 3/4” x 20 1/2” pieces). Then drill 3/4” pocket holes on the 15 3/4” sides of the remaining 20 1/2” long pieces. 3 per board side is plenty - one on each end and one in the middle. NOTE: If you inset the top, keep top pocket holes down enough for the inset. Then attach cubby top to sides, keeping all pocket holes to inside.

Step 3

Now attach the front and back through those predrilled pocket holes with 1 1/4” pocket hole screws. You can also screw or nail. Take care to keep the center board lined up and square as you attach.

Step 4

Now add the remaining side board.

Step 5

Step 6

Now the fun part - cutting out the cubby hole! Draw out the opening using the diagram above. Then drill a hole the size of your jigsaw bit in the middle to start your jigsaw bit. Make sure you have the right jigsaw bit in for hardwood plywood and then slowly cut. You’ll want to sand edges when you are done to make sure they are smooth and even.
TIP: I drew out a square, then took a jar and used it to round the corners. The larger the rounding, the easier the jigsawing. As you jigsaw around the arch, make sure your jigsaw blade isn’t beveling.

Step 7

Okay, this is really the fun part - attach the caster wheels to the bottom with screws.
You can apply edge banding to exposed plywood edges if desired.

Special thanks to the folks at PureBond for the awesome plywood and bringing you this post!

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

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.
Project Type
Toy box Plans
Room
Kids and Toys
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Kev (not verified)

Sat, 12/01/2012 - 23:14

I think you have got the wrong video should be cutting plywood. With the Kreg I would use a T-Bar handled allen key far easier on the hands. More so us older woodworkers.

Sara L. (not verified)

Thu, 12/13/2012 - 17:16

I've never commented before, but this is lovely! I always thought your plans were nice, but just not quite my style. This is perfect, and looks simple enough that I might even give it a try. Thanks for all that you do!