How to create a wooden toy chest with soft-close hinges

Creating a wooden toy chest with soft-close hinges is a great project for those looking to build something both functional and safe for children. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Materials Needed:

• Wooden boards (3/4” plywood or hardwood)
• Soft-close hinges (choose ones rated for the weight of the lid)
• Wood glue
• Screws (1-1/4” or 1-1/2” wood screws)
• Wood finish (optional, but will protect the chest)
• Sandpaper (various grits, typically 80, 120, and 220)
• Measuring tape
• Saw (circular or table saw)
• Drill with bits for screws and hinge mounting
• Clamps (optional but helpful)

Instructions:

Step 1: Plan and Measure

1. Determine the size of your toy chest. A typical toy chest is about 36” wide, 18” tall, and 18” deep, but you can adjust these measurements based on your space.
2. Create a cutting list for the pieces of wood you will need. These will likely include:
   • 2 side panels (height x depth)
   • 1 front panel (width x height)
   • 1 back panel (width x height)
   • 1 bottom panel (width x depth)
   • 1 top panel (width x depth)
   • Optional trim pieces for decorative accents.

Step 2: Cut the Wood

1. Using a saw, cut all the pieces according to your measurements.
2. Sand all edges to smooth out any rough areas and prepare the wood for assembly.

Step 3: Assemble the Toy Chest

1. Assemble the box: Start by attaching the two side panels to the back panel. Use wood glue and screws to secure the corners.
2. Attach the front panel to the sides and back in the same manner.
3. Finally, add the bottom panel by securing it to the sides and front/back.

Step 4: Install Soft-Close Hinges

1. Mark hinge placement: On the back edge of the toy chest’s lid, mark where you will place the soft-close hinges. Typically, two hinges are sufficient for a medium-sized chest. Mark these at least 2” from the edge for stability.
2. Drill pilot holes for the hinge screws, then attach the hinges to the lid.
3. Attach the other side of the hinge to the back of the chest. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the soft-close hinge, as installation can vary slightly depending on the brand.
4. Test the lid’s movement and make sure it closes slowly and softly. Adjust as necessary.

Step 5: Add Decorative Features (Optional)

• You can add a front trim or side accents to give the chest a more decorative look.
• Handles can be added to the front for easy opening and closing. Secure them with screws or decorative hardware.

Step 6: Finish the Chest

1. Sand the entire chest with finer grit sandpaper (220) to smooth the surface.
2. Apply your chosen wood finish or paint to protect the wood and enhance its look. Make sure to let it dry thoroughly between coats.

Step 7: Safety Considerations

• Lid support: If the soft-close hinges aren’t enough to prevent the lid from slamming, consider adding a safety support arm or another mechanism to slow the lid’s fall.
• Avoid pinch points by ensuring that the lid’s movement is smooth, and no fingers can get caught.

With these steps, you’ll have a sturdy, safe, and functional toy chest with soft-close hinges, perfect for keeping your child’s toys organized and safe!

If you’re looking to enhance your woodworking skills further, check out Teds Woodworking Course for more detailed plans and tutorials.