instructables
Reclaimed Wood Storage Chest
by diymontreal
I’ve had a pile of reclaimed wood sitting up on my lumber rack for about a year now waiting for that perfect project.
I wanted to build something with this old tongue and groove barn wood that would keep with the spirit, so I
designed this antique style wooden storage chest.
Picture of Reclaimed Wood Storage Chest
https://youtu.be/YZGWJNjbE2U
Step 1: Lumber Prep & Cut List
Unfortunately the tongues and grooves were mostly broken off during the demo, but the wood was otherwise in
good shape. The first step (and the least fun) was to rough cut the lumber and get rid of the tongue and groove. I
used my table saw to take a little off each side of the board and rip down the boards to 3 inches wide.
I then used my miter saw to cut down all the boards to their final lengths using the cuts list below. The overall
dimensions of the storage trunk is 39” x 21” x 16”.
Reclaimed 3/4 by 3 inch boards
10 @ 37 ½” - front & back walls
10 @ 18” - side walls
8 @ 15” - corners
6 @ 36” - base
7 @ 39” - lid
2 @ 17 ½” - lid supports
2x2s
2 @ 18”
2 @ 33”
1 @ 15”
Reclaimed Wood Storage Chest: Page 1
https://youtu.be/YZGWJNjbE2U
Step 2: Build the Base
I started by assembling the base made up of 2x2s. Lay out the pieces and drill pilots holes into the ends then
assemble with 2-½ screws. Make sure to use a speed square to get your corners square.
It’s also a good idea to pre-drill pilot holes on the inside of the base frame so it will be easier to attach later on.
Step 3: Pre-assemble the Side Panels
I found it easier to first assemble each of the sides workbench, then butted my spacer up to the edge. I
individually. I cut out a spacer strip for this. The then placed a 15 inch corner piece on top, flush with
spacer should be the same as the thickness of your the outside edge, and used some brad nails to attach
reclaimed wood. it to the panels. Repeat for the other side, and the 3
remaining walls.
I laid out the 5 pieces for the front wall flat on my
Reclaimed Wood Storage Chest: Page 2
Step 4: Assemble the Trunk
With the 4 individual walls assembled, building the using your brad nailer.
trunk is a matter of standing them up and making a
box. To make things easier, I first put in a few brad You could use pocket hole screws to join the walls, or
nails from the outside, then screwed the base to the add a piece of wood on the inside corners to fasten
wall from the inside. This was a lot easier with my them together, but I chose to use metal corner
mini palm driver. braces. I first spray painted them black, then screwed
them in from the inside.
With the base secured into place, simply lay the floor
boards into place and attach the boards to the base
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Step 5: Make the Lid
I made pocket holes using my Kreg jig and used pocket screws to assemble the lid.
I hid the pocket screws by adding cross supports on top. I attached the supports with brad nails, as they were
more decorative than anything else.
Step 6: Mount the Hardware
I marked out where I wanted the hinges, and used a old belt and screwed them onto each side of the
chisel to countersink them so they would sit flush. I chest.
learned from this experience that my chiseling skills
could use some practice. I also installed a latch to the lid to accommodate a
padlock, but really I just liked the look.
For the handles, I cut up 2 eight inch strips from an
Reclaimed Wood Storage Chest: Page 4
Step 7: Finishing Touches
I wanted a way to hold the lid when open, so I simply screwed a piece of rope both to the inside of the lid and the
side of the chest.
I finished off by rounding all the edges with my orbital sander, and touching up all the screws with some black
paint.
Be sure to check out the video tutorial if you haven't already done so. If you like what you see, subscribe to my
YouTube channel to get notified when I post new builds.
You'll also find more projects on my website at diymontreal.com projects like:
2x4 modern bench
Build a drill press table
The Ultimate Lumber Storage Cart
Reclaimed Wood Storage Chest: Page 5
I love that you chose to make it in that style and it looks so sturdy! Is it pretty heavy?
Thanks! Yeah it's pretty heavy and bulky, so need 2 people to move it.
Reclaimed Wood Storage Chest: Page 6
