Apply the finish: Using a brush or a cloth, apply the chosen finish in smooth and even strokes, following the grain of the wood. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying additional coats if necessary. Follow the recommended drying time between each coat. When using the jig saw in this step, always err for a smaller hole rather than a larger hole. You can use sandpaper to make your jig saw cuts better match the hole saw cuts in step three. Sand the surfaces: Use sandpaper or a power sander to gently sand all the exposed surfaces of the plywood box. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (around 80 or 100) and gradually move to finer grit (around 150 or 180). Sand along the grain of the wood to avoid scratching the surface. Pay extra attention to the corners and edges to ensure a smooth finish. Wire brads (I used 1/2″ brads to nail through 1/4″ plywood and 1″ brads to nail through 1/2″ plywood.)

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to create a sturdy and functional plywood box that will not only help you declutter your space but also add a touch of personalization and style. I cut 1″ wide strips from these felt blankets and put them on either side of the bottoms of the boxes. They slide super easily now. Sandpaper— 80 and 120, and 320 grit (120 is for sanding after box assembly, when a palm sander is handy. I always use adhesive sandpaper when using my palm sander.) When creating my built-in Billy bookcase unit, I wondered if should put cabinet doors on the lower section to hide away less attractive items, such as office supplies and most of our children’s books. In the end, I decided matching boxes would be a nice look. Plus, boxes would offer portability to the items inside.A standard courier service (DPD, TNT etc.) is usually used to deliver smaller items with a weight limit of 30kg and a maximum length of 1.5m per parcel. A delivery can comprise multiple parcels with no limit on total weight. Sand between coats (if necessary): If you choose to apply multiple coats of stain or varnish, lightly sand the surfaces between coats using a fine-grit sandpaper. This will help create a smooth and even finish. Reinforce with corner braces (optional): If you desire extra stability and reinforcement, you can add corner braces to the inside corners of the box. Secure them using screws, making sure they are flush with the edges.

Remove excess glue: Wipe away any excess wood glue with a damp cloth or sponge before it dries. This will ensure a clean and professional-looking finish.Because I was using IKEA Billy bookcase units with about 14″ width openings, I was restricted to a box size that would fit inside each little cubby. Measure the dimensions: Determine the size of the box you want to build. Consider the height, width, and depth based on your storage needs and available space. Use a measuring tape to accurately measure each dimension.

Make sure width of the bottom of your box is the same as the width of the left/right sides of your box. Allow the glue to dry: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific wood glue you are using to determine the drying time. It’s important to let the glue fully cure before moving on to the next step. Staining your Boxes: After sanding your boxes with 120 grit sandpaper, I recommend sanding one last time with 180 grit sandpaper before staining. You may choose to apply a wood conditioner to your wood before staining, which will help the wood accept the stain more evenly across its grain. Then apply your stain and allow it to rest for the period of time indicated on the label.Priming and Painting the Boxes: When painting your wooden boxes, you should apply a single coat of primer and allow the primer to dry completely. Next, lightly sand down the primer with a high grit sandpaper, such as 320 grit. Measure and mark the reinforcement locations: Use a measuring tape to determine where you will place the reinforcements inside the box. Mark these locations on the interior walls with a pencil.