When building something for a kids’ area, think about it might be used by them. You and the recipient will find a lot more enjoyment and use out of something that can resist the transitions from one era to another. This multipurpose wooden seat can be used from childhood through the teen years as a small side table, nightstand, small seat and step stool, and as storage.
Chris Hill
This easy-to build piece measures 18 inches long, 91/4 inches deep and 143/4 inches high. It’s slightly shorter than a classic 18-inch-high seat plus somewhat taller than several step stools.
The bottom storage space measures 14 inches long, 73/4 inches wide and two1/2 inches deep. It can hold a variety of items, such as the books and large jar you see.
The top is large enough to hold a small lamp and other things.
Chris Hill
Tools
You’ll need a handsaw, miter saw or circular saw for cutting the parts, a pair of 18-inch or larger clamps plus a hammer.
When you have only a jigsaw, you can make the reductions for this undertaking, but be certain you’ve obtained a secured straightedge to utilize as a guide when doing so.
Materials 1-by-3-by-4 board 1-by-10-by-6 board 4d finish nails (28)For a painted version, use something such as poplar or alder. For a version that is stained, proceed with something such as walnut.
Pick up a box of 4d finish nails if you don’t have enough in your supplies already. It is possible to use #16 by 11/2-if you just happen to get those 18, inch brads.
You’ll also want some wood glue, primer and paint (or stain and polyurethane). And course paintbrushes and rags.
Chris Hill
Create the bottom (rail assembly). Cut 2 pieces of this 1-by-3 to 14 inches long — all these will be the railings. Cut a piece of this 1-by-10 to 14 inches long — this is the bottom. Apply glue to one edge of the railings and position them as shown at Figure 1 so they are flush with the edges of the bottom. Clamp everything in place and hammer four nails or brads through the ground and right into every railing.
Chris Hill
Attach the floor to the sides. Cut two pieces of 1-by-10 to 14 inches long — all these will be the sides. Apply glue to the ends of the bottom and railings, and position the meeting as shown at Figure 2, making certain the bottom is just 11/2 inches from the ends of the sides. Stir everything collectively and hammer five nails or brads through the sides and to the floor.
Chris Hill
Attach the top. Cut one final bit of this 1-by-10 to 18 inches long — this will be the top. Apply glue to the ends of the sides farthest from the bottom and position the top as shown at Figure 3. Clamp everything together and hammer five nails or brads through the top and right into every side.
Chris Hill
Add the finishing touches. Sand the entire piece, particularly any demanding corners and borders. If you are planning to paint it, then apply two coats of primer. Sand between coats after the primer has dried. Apply two coats of paint.
If you’ll be staining the bit rather, apply blot for the desired time, wipe off the excess and allow the piece to dry prior to applying a top coat of polyurethane. You can even mimic a blot with a DIY colour wash.
Gently rub on the very first dry coating of foam with fine-grit sandpaper (220) or steel wool, and wipe off any residue prior to applying any succeeding coats.
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