Creating a wooden storage case for board games is a fun and rewarding DIY project! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make a basic wooden case for your board game pieces, boards, and cards. You can customize the size and design based on the specific games you’re storing.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wooden panels (plywood or solid wood depending on your preference)
- Wood glue
- Nails or screws (depending on your construction method)
- Wooden dowels (optional, for reinforcement)
- Hinges (for a lid)
- Sandpaper or an electric sander
- Wood stain or paint (for finishing)
- Measuring tape
- Saw (for cutting the wood to size)
- Drill (for screwing in hinges or creating dowel holes)
- Clamps (to hold pieces together while drying)
Steps to Make the Storage Case:
1. Plan Your Design
- Measure the dimensions of your board game components: boards, cards, pieces, and rulebooks.
- Decide whether you want a single compartment or individual sections for different components (like card holders, piece trays, etc.).
- Draw a rough design of the case (it could be a simple rectangular box with a hinged lid).
2. Cut the Wood Pieces
- Using your measurements, cut the pieces for the case:
- Bottom panel: The size of the bottom of the case.
- Side panels: The height and width of the box (two for the sides).
- End panels: The two shorter sides of the box.
- Lid: The top cover piece.
- If you want internal dividers, measure and cut those as well.
3. Assemble the Case
- Begin by gluing the sides to the bottom panel, then attach the end panels.
- Reinforce the joints with screws or nails.
- If you’re using dowels, drill small holes where the sides meet, insert the dowels with glue, and clamp until dry.
- Sand all rough edges after the glue has dried.
4. Add Dividers (Optional)
- If you want to store smaller items separately, divide the interior of the box using wood dividers.
- Cut the dividers to the appropriate length and glue them in place.
5. Attach the Lid
- For a hinged lid, attach the hinges to the back of the case and to the lid.
- You can also add a small latch if you want to secure the lid when closed.
6. Finishing Touches
- Sand the whole box to smooth out any rough edges and ensure the finish looks polished.
- Stain or paint the wood as desired. Apply a protective finish (like polyurethane) to make the box more durable.
7. Optional Customizations
- You could add small felt pads to the interior to prevent damage to your game pieces.
- If you like, decorate the exterior with designs, stencils, or even a logo.
Tips:
- Precision is key: Measure everything carefully to ensure a snug fit, especially if you’re making dividers.
- Varnish or wax the interior to make it more resistant to wear and tear.
- If you plan on making the case for multiple games, make the box modular or have removable dividers to adjust for different game sizes.
Once you’re done, you’ll have a beautiful, personalized wooden storage case to keep your games organized and in good condition!