Build a Paneled Trunk

Free DIY Woodworking Plans to Build a Paneled Trunk

I really want to build this storage piece. I love the simplicity and especially the fact that it would be a fast build! The plans to build a paneled trunk would be great with striped panels, either painted or with stain, but of course, any other medium could be used such as fabric, scrapbooking paper, photocopied photographs, art posters, etc! There are so many great uses for this DIY storage trunk, too!

 

Materials:

• 1″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
• 2-1/2″ screws
• Continuous hinge

Lumber:

• 3 – 1×2 at 8′
• 4 – 1×3 at 8′
• Half sheet of 1/2″ plywood
• Half sheet of 3/4″ plywood (PureBond Plywood would be perfect for this project!)
• Scraps of 3×3 posts or scraps of 2×4 glued together and ripped to size on the table saw

Cut List:

• 4 – 1×2 at 24″ – Base & Top Ends
• 4 – 1×2 at 46″ – Base & Top Sides
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 24″ x 43″ – Base & Top Panels
• 4 – 3×3 posts at 3″ – Legs
• 4 – 1×3 (ripped to 1-3/4″ wide) at 8-1/2″ – End Panel Sides
• 4 – 1×3 at 24-1/2″ – End Panel Top & Bottom
• 2 – 1/2″ plywood at 8-1/2″ x 21″ – SidePanels
• 6 – 1×3 at 8-1/2″ – Side Panel Sides & Center
• 4 – 1×3 at 45″ – Side Panel Top & Bottom
• 4 – 1/2″ plywood at 8-1/2″ x 18-3/4″ – Side Panels

 

Step One

Cut the pieces for the base and the legs. Drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter frame pieces as well as all four edges of the plywood panel. Assemble the base as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Attach the legs to the underside of the base positioning them 1/2″ in from each edge. Secure using glue and countersunk 2-1/2″ screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the end panels. Drill pocket holes in the pieces as shown. Attach the side frame pieces to the panels using glue and 1″ pocket hole screws. The back face of the panel will be flush with the inside face of the frame pieces. Attach the top and bottom pieces using 1″ pocket hole screws through the pocket holes in the panel and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws through the pocket holes in the side frame pieces. Attach to the base locating the entire piece 1/2″ in from the edge it is facing, and 1-1/4″ in from each side. Secure using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the side panels. Drill pocket holes in the pieces as shown, then assemble in the same manner as the end panels. Use 1″ pocket hole screws through the pocket holes in the 1/2″ material and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws through the 3/4″ material. Position the panels on the base locating them 1/2″ from the sides and flush against the end panels. Secure to the base and end panels using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the top. Drill pocket holes and assemble in the same manner as the base. (The base and top are the same size.) Position the top with 1/2″ overlapping on all sides , then install the continuous hinge according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Finish as desired! If the panels will be striped (like I want to do!) they will need to be finished prior to assembly!

This piece would be great at the end of the bed, as a storage trunk coffee table, or as a side table. If constructed out of lumber rated for exterior use, this trunk would be great outdoors! Have questions about the plans to build a Paneled Trunk? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2013-07-24 08:00:14.