DIY: Build a deck box

DIY: Build a deck box
Emily Hiltz
Special to Sun Media

Blair Taylor, of Copp's Buildall, walks us through building a custom deck box from scratch

Deck Box (photos by Ty Snaden/Special to Sun Media)

Total Cost: $340

Total Time: 4 Hours

Materials List

3 lengths (24') of spruce 2" x 2" x 8'
2 lengths (16') of dry spruce 2" x 4" x 8'
15 lengths (120') of tight knot cedar siding 1" x 6" x 8'

Note: Tongue and groove siding is convenient to use

9 lengths (72') of clear cedar 1" x 4" x 8'
1 lb. 3 1â„4" standard spiral nails
1 lb. 3" green deck screws
1 lb. 1 1â„2" galvanized Ardox finishing nails
1 lb. 1 1â„4" galvanized Ardox finishing nails
2 - 3 x 3 black door hinges
1 black pull handle
li] Package of rubber cabinet protectors

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Instructions

Step 1:

Build the Frame

Take your 2" x 2" spruce lengths and cut 4 pieces to 4' and 4 pieces to 2'

Next, take the 2" x 4" and cut them to 10 pieces at 21"

At this point, all materials are cut.

The next step is to assemble the 4 sides using standard Ardox spiral nails, hammering in 2 on the top and bottom Screw in 3" green deck screws to all 4 sides to make a rectangular box

Step 2:

Hammer on the siding

Take the 1 x 6 knotty cedar siding and hammer around the frame's perimeter, using Ardox spiral finishing nails

Step 3:

Attach the trim

Using 1 1â„2" finishing nails, attach 1 x 4 clear cedar lengths to all four sides of the box

Countersink the finishing nails with a nail set

For the trim on the top of the box, miter the corners on a 45% angle for a finished look

Use 1 1â„2" finishing nails to attach the top trim, then use a nail set to countersink

Step 4:

Build the Lid

Take the 1 x 3 common pine frame and miter the corners at a 45% angle

Nail 1 x 6 cedar siding to the pine frame, using 1 1â„2" finishing nails

Miter the 1 x 2 clear cedar edging on a 45% angle, and then attach it to the perimeter of the lid, using 1 1â„2" finishing nails

Mount hinges 8" in from the outside of the box, drilling in hinge screws

Screw in the handle at the center of the box

Place the rubber protectors on the underside of the lid

Step 5:

Finish with putty and stain

Use a putty that matches the colour of the wood grain used

Squeeze a small amount of putty over nails, filling them using your finger

When dry, give the putty a light sanding

Blair recommends a clear finish to enhance the wood colour and protect the box from the elements

Siikens and Cabot make great stains, or you can use an outdoor paint by Pittsburgh to give your deck box colour

see photos....

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