Modern PureBond Toy Box

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.

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.

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

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.