Budget living

Do-it-yourself: Toy chest

Monday, October 3, 2011
Do-it-yourself: Toy chest

A must-have item in every child’s room. The different-coloured drawers make it easier to sort and store the various types of toys.

Size: Completed chest 1 444x450x487mm and drawers450 x 450 x 441mm each.

You will need:

For the chest
16mm Supawood
One 1 412 x 450mm piece (bottom)
One 1 444x450mm piece (top)
Two 471 x 450mm pieces (sides)
Two 455 x 441mm pieces (partitions)
9mm Supawood
One 1 412 x 455mm piece (back)
For each drawer:
16mm Supawood
Two 432 pieces (front and back, each with a handle cutout)
One 409 x 432 mm piece (base)
9mm Supawood
Two 450 x 441 mm pieces (sides)

For the paint:
Universal undercoat
Paint in the colours of your choice
Paintbrushes and sponge rollers
Paint trays
Drop sheets
Extra materials:
6 x 40mm chipboard screws (about 102)
Drill and drill bits
Wood glue
Wood filler
80-grit sandpaper

NOTE: Drill a 3mm pilot hole every time before inserting a screw, to prevent the wood from cracking when you turn the screw to secure.

How to make the chest:

  1. Get someone to help you glue and screw the two side panels on either side of the bottom panel.
  2. Glue and screw the top panel onto the side panels.
  3. Slide the back panel into place. Secure with screws right round.
  4. Side the two partitions into place, 460mm from either side, and insert screws from the top and bottom to secure.
  5. Drill two 25mm holes in the top two corners on the back panel, 20mm from the top edge and 50mm from each side, to fit the loops of the cushion through.
  6. Fill each screw hole with wood filler and leave to dry.

How to make the drawers:

  1. Position the 9mm side panels against the 16mm panels for the front and back, then glue and screw into place.
  2. Insert the base panel and secure with screws right around.
  3. Fill each screw hole with wood filler and leave to dry.

How to paint the chest:

  1. Sand the places where you used wood filler to a smooth finish.
  2. Sand the chest and drawers to get rid of sharp edges.
  3. Paint the chest and drawers with a universal undercoat and leave to dry overnight.
  4. Paint the chest and drawers in colours of your choice. We used Dulux Wash and Wear 101 in semi-gloss. China White for the chest, Pink Rose (pink), Pastel Pea (green) and Whimsy quarter strength (blue) for the drawers. Apply two to three coats of paint and leave teach to dry before painting the next, then leave to stand for at least 24 hours to dry completely before sliding in place.
See how to make the toy chest cushion here.


Related video: More craft ideas.
Woman’s Day magazine cover

Subscribe to 26 issues of Woman's Day for only $89!
User comments

Write a comment
Email: *
Your email will not be shared with any third parties or published with your comment.
Nickname: *
Location: *

Subject:
*
Comment:
*
Maximum characters 1000

Comment guidelines
Avoid using:
  • Personal attacks
  • Irrelevant comments
  • HTML tags
  • Personal information
  • Offensive language
  • Text in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
See full comment guidelines
Comment guidelines X
Thank you for sharing your opinions with other users of NineMSN. People will find your comments more helpful if you include relevant information and avoid some common pitfalls.
Please note: All reviews and comments submitted are subject to moderation, NineMSN reserves the right to alter and / or remove any content that does not comply with usage guidelines.
What to include in your comment:
  • A title that briefly summarizes the opinion expressed in the comment.
  • Additional comments adding more detail.
  • Comparisons to other similar products, if this is relevant.
  • To create a new paragraph, press the Enter key twice.
What not to include:
  • Information that will quickly go out of date.
  • Comments on other comments or commenters.
  • Language that other users may find offensive.
  • comments of one sentence or less. Provide information to support your opinion.
  • Personal information like your email address or telephone number.
  • HTML coding. Tags like <b> or <i> will not be recognized.
advertisement
advertisement

VIDEOS

PHOTOS

ARTICLES

Kim Kardashian is a Bikini Babe in MexicoKim Kardashian is a Bikini Babe in Mexico Weird Anna Nicole Smith nude photos released (video NSFW!)Weird Anna Nicole Smith nude photos released (video NSFW!) Celeb Says What: Siva KaneswaranCeleb Says What: Siva Kaneswaran

Today's top 5

The top 10 reasons that people cheatThe top 10 reasons that people cheatAround 50 percent of relationships are damaged by a cheating partner. Often it doesn’t matter how honest, committed or in love you think you are - when temptation comes knocking morals can weaken, just look at Arnold Swarchenegger or Tiger Woods. What are Jen and Justin hiding?What are Jen and Justin hiding?A baby bump? Facial rejuvenation? Or a rocky patch? You decide… Key tips for revamping your winter wardrobeKey tips for revamping your winter wardrobeThe weather is getting colder and once again, we have nothing to wear – but this year looking great doesn't have to cost a fortune. Nicole Kidman's new role: 'I'm just Keith's wife'Nicole Kidman's new role: 'I'm just Keith's wife'The Oscar-winning actress is more than happy to let her man steal the spotlight. Kelly Preston: 'We'll get through this'Kelly Preston: 'We'll get through this'John’s wife won’t let the latest shocking scandal shatter her family.
Beyoncé Knowles
Cameron Diaz
Best dressed at the Met Gala 2012
There were some stunning dresses at this year's Met Gala, but which celebrity was best dressed? You decide!