Trunk Side Table

Step 1

Start by making your front and back panels. Glue, screw and attach your (5) 1x4 wood planks together. I made pocket holes on all my 1x4's, but you don't have to. You can use wood glue and clamps. Repeat this for your back panel.

Step 2

Build your frame for the front and back parts of your trunk. See below. Take your two 1x2's @ 17 1/2" long (brown) and drill pilot holes into the ends with your Kreg Jig. Next attach your bottom 1x2 @18" (green) by using your 1 1/4" pilot hold screws. Repeat this for your back panel. You will attach your last 1x2 after you add your 5-piece panel of 1 x 4's.

Step 3

Make your side frames. Add your 17" piece of wood to the bottom. Attach it by using glue and nails with your nail gun. You cannot use your 1 1/4" ph screws because they are too long. You could use smaller size pocket hole screws. Do this for the other side too. Remember, you will add your top piece of wood after you insert your 5-layer panel of 1x4's.

Step 4

Add your 5-layer panels of 1x4's to all your frames. I started with my front and back panels first. I added some glue and they fit snugly into the frame. You could use a few nails for extra security by using your nail gun.

Step 5

Step 6

Complete your side panels in the same way you just did for your front and back panels.

Step 7

Attach your now complete base to the 1/4" plywood bottom. You can screw, nail or glue this portion. I used a nail gun and glue to secure both pieces together.

Step 8

Add the legs per manufactorers instructions

Step 9

Make the lid. Use your miter saw to cut the 1x4's at a 45 degree angle. Attach them together using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. Use scrap pieces of wood to make the center portion of the lid. You can be as creative as you want or simply cut out a piece of wood that measures 11x11. You can use a kreg jig to drill holes and attach the pieces with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. **Optional Step** I added a "lip" to my lid. I just took some extra 1x2 pieces of wood I had and drilled a screw through them to secure them to the lid. I layed my 1 x2's flat to the lid (see photo). My lid measured 1" tall (1/2" from the 1x4 from the lid & 1/2" from the side of the 1x2).

Step 10

Decide on whether you want to paint or stain it. I got all my inspiration from Emmerson Changing table. So please visit her site to see the exact way I finished it. I did sand all the wood prior to application. Add your decorative hardware and hinges. I also attached a handful of nail heads to the bottom piece (I attached them to the 1/4" piece of plywood that was visible). hope you enjoy this affordable knockoff as much as I do. Total cost excluding the hardware was $65.00!! What a bargain. Price with hardware put me at $100, but still not bad.

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.