Side Table Deck Box

By Jill Approved
deck-box-storage-side-table-16
deck-box-storage-side-table-18
deck-box-storage-side-table-19
deck-box-storage-side-table-20
deck-box-storage-side-table-17
Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

Outdoor toys always cause a storage problem for me so I created this side table with BIG storage to hold soccer balls, chalk, bubbles, jump ropes and don't forget the frisbee! All the storage you need while also providing an extra seat or a side table.

Difficulty moderate

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Square
    Square
  • Table Saw
    Table Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Drill (cordless)
    Drill (cordless)
  • Nail Gun
    Nail Gun

Materials

Wood Products

  • 6 Board , 1x6 , 96"
  • 1 Board , 1x2 , 48"
  • 2 Board , 1x4 , 96"
  • 1 Board , 2x4 , 96"

Hardware & Supplies

  • 12 1 1/2" outdoor pocket screws
  • 150 1 1/4" outdoor pocket screws
  • 50 1 1/4" Brad Nails
  • 2 Hinges
  • 1 Lid Support
  • 8 2 1/2" outdoor pocket screws
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 6 Side A , 1x6x23
  • 6 Side B , 1x6x21.5
  • 2 Cleats , 1x2x21.25
  • 5 Bottom Slats , 1x4x21.5
  • 4 Legs , 1x2x17.5
  • 4 Legs , 1x1.5x17.5
  • 4 Trim , 1x2x20.5
  • 4 Trim , 1x2x20
  • 2 Lid Frame , 2x4x24.5
  • 2 Lid Frame , 2x4x17 5/8
  • 3 Lid Slats , 1x6x17 5/8
deck-box-storage-side-table-21
See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • Right Side Up

    When creating the sides of this deck box, pay attention to the end grain. You want to alternate the direction of the end grain to prevent cupping. Think of it as alternating the direction of the rainbow.

    Step 1

  • Sides

    Begin with your Side A (23" side) and Side B (21 1/2" side) cuts. Drill your pocket holes as shown in the picture with Side A on the left and Side B on the right. Then create each side using wood glue and 1 1/4" outdoor pocket screws. Be sure to clamp each joint before you screw them together.

    Step 2

  • Create Box

    Attach the 21 1/2" Side B to Side A. 90 degree angle clamps will help keep your sides in place while screwing them in. Use wood glue and 1 1/4" pocket screws. Check box for square.

    Step 3

  • Cleats

    Add cleats flush with the bottom of the box on the inside of Side A using 1 1/4" brad nails and wood glue

    Step 4

  • Bottom

    Attach 1x4 slats to the cleats using brad nails. Be sure to space them evenly.

    Step 5

  • Cut Trim and Legs

    To create the trim and leg pieces, you will need to rip a 1x6 into two 2" pieces and one 1.5" piece. Then cut your trim and legs as noted in the cut list.

    Step 6

  • Legs

    Add Side B legs flush with the edge of the side, then add Side A legs flush with Side B legs. The leg should be even at the top and have a 1" foot at the bottom. Use wood glue and brad nails to attach.

    Step 7

  • Legs

    Here you can see an overhead view of the leg placement.Side A is at the top and Side B is on the left.

    Step 8

  • Trim

    Attach top and bottom trim using glue and brad nails.

    Step 9

  • Lid Step 1

    Join 2x4's as shown, to create a frame for the lid of the deck box. The pocket holes will be on the 17 5/8" pieces.

    Step 10

  • Lid Step 2

    Add 3 lid slats using pocket hole screws and wood glue. Use a scrap piece of 1/4" plywood to give a slight inset to the top. Place the center slat first, making sure the slat center lines up with the center of the lid frame. You will be screwing the slats into the 23" piece of the frame. Evenly space the last 2 lid slats and glue and screw them in place. There will be space between the slats to allow rain to rain through and not pool on the lid.

    Step 11

  • Add hardware

    Attach lid with hinges suitable for outdoor use and a lid support is recommended.

    Step 12

  • Finish

    If you are using pressure treated wood you should wait until the wood is fully dried before using a stain or paint. If you chose cedar or other dry wood, finish as desired.

    Step 13