Creating a wooden board game storage box is a rewarding project that combines practical functionality with a touch of craftsmanship. This guide will walk you through the steps to make a customized wooden storage box for your board games. Whether you’re looking to store game pieces, cards, or the whole game, this box will keep everything organized and easily accessible. Here’s how to make a simple wooden board game storage box:
Materials and Tools You Will Need:
- Wood: 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch plywood (for the main body of the box)
- Wood glue: For bonding pieces together
- Screws or nails: To reinforce the structure
- Wood finish or paint: To protect the wood and give it a nice look
- Hinges: If you want a lid that opens and closes
- Handles: Optional, for easy transport
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pencil: For marking measurements
- Saw: To cut the wood to size
- Drill: To make holes for screws or nails
- Sandpaper: To smooth edges
- Wood clamps: To hold pieces while gluing
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Design Your Storage Box
Before you begin, decide on the dimensions of your storage box. Consider the size of your board game and how many pieces you need to store. Measure the width, height, and depth of the game, and then add some extra space to accommodate the cards, pieces, and other elements.
For a typical box:
- Length: 18-24 inches
- Width: 12-18 inches
- Height: 4-6 inches
Feel free to adjust the size based on your specific game.
2. Cut the Wood Pieces
Using your measurements, cut the plywood into the following pieces:
- 2 side panels (same length and height)
- 1 bottom panel (same length and width as the bottom of the box)
- 2 end panels (same width and height as the sides)
- 1 top panel (optional) if you plan to have a lid
You can cut the pieces with a table saw, circular saw, or handsaw. Be precise to ensure that the panels fit together correctly.
3. Assemble the Box
Begin by attaching the side panels to the bottom panel. Apply wood glue along the edges of the bottom panel and then attach one side panel. Use clamps to hold the side panel in place while the glue sets. Secure the panels with screws or nails to reinforce the joints.
Once the side panels are in place, attach the end panels in the same manner. Ensure the box is square by measuring the diagonals (they should be equal).
4. Install the Lid (Optional)
If you want a lid, attach the top panel with hinges. Mark where the hinges will go on both the lid and the box. Pre-drill holes for the screws to avoid splitting the wood, then attach the hinges to one side of the box and the top panel.
You can also add a latch or magnetic closure to keep the lid securely closed.
5. Sand the Edges
Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges or surfaces. Be sure to smooth out the corners to avoid sharp edges that could catch on the game pieces. Sanding will also prepare the wood for finishing.
6. Finish the Box
Once your box is assembled and sanded, you can finish it to give it a polished look. Apply a wood finish or paint of your choice. A natural wood finish will highlight the grain, while paint will give it a colorful and unique look.
If you’re going for a more rustic look, you can use a wood stain to darken the wood. Allow the finish to dry completely before moving to the next step.
7. Add Handles (Optional)
To make the box easier to carry, add handles. This is optional, but a pair of handles on either side of the box can be very helpful. Choose metal handles, leather straps, or even wooden ones for a more cohesive look.
Drill holes for the handles on both sides of the box, then attach them with screws.
8. Organize the Interior (Optional)
If you’d like to organize the interior of the box, you can add dividers to separate the game pieces, cards, or dice. Use scrap wood or additional plywood to create small compartments inside the box. Measure and cut the dividers to fit, and then glue and screw them into place.
9. Test the Box
After all the finishing touches have dried, place your board game and pieces inside the box to test its fit. Make sure everything fits comfortably and that you have easy access to all components.
Tips for Customization:
- Personalization: Add personalized designs, such as engraving the game name or decorative patterns onto the box.
- Stenciling or Decals: You can use stencils or stickers for additional decoration, making the storage box a fun and creative project.
- Size Variations: If you store multiple games, consider creating separate compartments or boxes for different sets.
Conclusion
With this simple woodworking project, you now have a sturdy, functional, and personalized wooden storage box for your board games. This project is not only a great way to store your games, but it also gives you the opportunity to practice woodworking skills like measuring, cutting, and assembling.
If you’re passionate about woodworking, there’s always more to learn. For a more extensive selection of woodworking plans and detailed instructions on how to make various types of wooden projects, you might want to explore Ted’s Woodworking Course. With thousands of plans and step-by-step guides, it’s a great resource for woodworkers of all skill levels.
For more information, visit: Teds Woodworking Course