To make a wooden tissue box cover with a sleek design, follow this detailed guide. The process involves using basic woodworking tools and materials, but with careful attention to detail, you can achieve a minimalist and modern finish.
Materials and Tools Required
- Wooden board: Choose a wood type like pine, oak, or plywood based on your preference and the finish you want to achieve.
- Tissue box (standard size): This will serve as the template for the measurements.
- Measuring tape or ruler: For accurate measurements.
- Pencil: To mark the measurements.
- Table saw or handsaw: For cutting the wood to size.
- Miter saw or coping saw: To make precise corner cuts.
- Wood glue: To bond the pieces together.
- Clamps: To hold the pieces while they dry.
- Sandpaper: To smooth out the edges and surface.
- Wood stain or paint: For finishing the wood (optional).
- Brush: To apply stain or paint.
- Drill with hole saw: For the tissue hole.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Measure and Plan the Design
- Start by measuring the dimensions of your tissue box. A standard tissue box is usually around 9.5 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 3.5 inches high.
- Plan the cover to fit over the box snugly. Your cover will need four sides, a top, and a hole for the tissues to come through.
2. Cut the Wood Panels
- Using a table saw or handsaw, cut four panels for the sides of the tissue box cover:
- Two side panels (height equal to the height of the box, and width equal to the depth of the box).
- One front and one back panel (both should be equal to the length of the tissue box and the height of the box).
- Cut the top piece, which should match the length and width of the tissue box.
3. Cut the Hole for the Tissues
- On the top panel, mark the center where the tissue hole should be. Use a pencil and ruler to make sure it’s centered.
- Use a drill with a hole saw to create the hole, or if you don’t have a hole saw, carefully cut out the shape using a coping saw or jigsaw. Sand the edges of the hole smooth.
4. Assembly of the Box Cover
- Begin assembling the sides. Apply wood glue to the edges of the side panels and attach them to the front and back panels.
- Use clamps to hold the pieces in place while the glue dries. Ensure the corners are square using a right-angle tool or framing square.
- After the sides are glued together, attach the top panel using wood glue. Make sure it fits tightly around the tissue box.
5. Sanding and Smoothing
- Once the glue has fully dried, take sandpaper and smooth the edges and the surface of the box. This will help achieve a sleek, polished look. Start with a coarser grit (e.g., 120) and finish with a finer grit (e.g., 220) to achieve a smooth, smooth finish.
6. Finishing the Box
- At this point, you can choose to either stain or paint the box. Staining will highlight the natural wood grain, while paint can give it a sleek, modern look.
- Apply the finish evenly using a brush, and let it dry completely before moving on.
7. Final Assembly and Touches
- Once the finish is completely dry, insert your tissue box into the cover. The sleek design should allow the tissues to come out through the hole you created, and the cover should sit snugly around the box.
8. Optional Customization
- To give the tissue box cover a more customized or professional look, you can add decorative elements such as trim around the edges, inlays, or even carved patterns for an added touch of style.
Tips for a Sleek Design
- Minimalism: Keep the edges sharp and straight for a clean, modern look.
- Stain or Finish: For a more refined appearance, use a matte or satin finish to keep the wood looking natural without gloss.
- Simple Shapes: Avoid ornate designs and opt for smooth, clean lines that emphasize simplicity and functionality.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a beautiful and sleek wooden tissue box cover that adds both elegance and practicality to any room.
For further woodworking projects and ideas, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here: Teds Woodworking Course.