Toy Box for All Ages

A traditional toy box is the best option for toy storage for preschool age kids but not the easiest for toddlers to reach into.  So I designed this toy box tall enough for the big kids to store toys out of toddler reach and short enough for the toddlers to reach in and rifle through the mess! Enjoy the plans!

What you will need for this project

Tools:

Ear Protection

Eye Protection

Table saw

Measuring Tape

Pencil

Jig Saw

(4) 4′ pipe clamps

orbital sander

3/4″ Chisel

Materials:

48 x 48 1/4″ luan or plywood

3/4 x 4′ x 8′ plywood (I used 3/4″ scrapwood.)

1″ brads for brad nailer

Glue

1 quart sherwin williams proclassic paint

220 grit sandpaper

Cut sides, shelf, and dividers. Do not cut front and bottom piece yet. Cut 3/4″ dados and rabbets into sides, shelves, and top as shown above. You can do this but adjusting the fence and making several passes on your table saw or by purchasing a dado blade. Cut angled edge on bottom piece, then cut to width.  Dry fit into bottom dado on shelf.  Front angled edge should be flush with front of shelf, back should fit inside rabbet.  Adjust if needed.

Use a generous amount of glue to put the shelf, bottom, and sides together.  Clamp tight and allow glue to dry.  Glue the dividers into place and add the top.  Clamp and allow to dry.

While top is drying, cut angled edge of front piece.  Double check front height before cutting.  Rabbet inside edges as shown above.  Glue and nail front into place.  Cut back out of 1/4″ plywood and nail into place.  Fill plywood ends with wood filler and sand smooth.  Fill again if needed.  Sand toy box with 220 grit paper.  Use shop vac to remove dust and wipe down with a lint free clothe dampened in mineral spirits.  Prime and Paint.  Allow to dry according to paint manufactures recommendations before filling with toys.