Outdoor

Side Table Deck Box

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!

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Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 5.3–10 hours
Cost: $$$

About this build

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.

Tools

Essential

Brad Nailer
Drill / Driver
Miter Saw
Pocket Hole Jig
Table Saw

Optional / nice to have

Bar / Pipe Clamps
Combination Square
Tape Measure

Materials

Item	Qty
Board, 1x6 96"	6 board
Board, 1x2 48"	1 board
Board, 1x4 96"	2 board
Board, 2x4 96"	1 board
1 1/2" outdoor pocket screws	12 each
1 1/4" outdoor pocket screws	150 each
1 1/4" Brad Nails	50 each
Hinges	2 each
Lid Support	1 each
2 1/2" outdoor pocket screws	8 each

Overall cost: $$$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L
Side A	6	1" × 6" × 23"
Side B	6	1" × 6" × 21 1/2"
Cleats	2	1" × 2" × 21 1/4"
Bottom Slats	5	1" × 4" × 21 1/2"
Legs	4	1" × 2" × 17 1/2"
Legs	4	1" × 1 1/2" × 17 1/2"
Trim	4	1" × 2" × 20 1/2"
Trim	4	1" × 2" × 20"
Lid Frame	2	2" × 4" × 24 1/2"
Lid Frame	2	2" × 4" × 17"
Lid Slats	3	1" × 6" × 17"

What to buy

Buy 12 boards at 8 ft.

2" × 4"

1 board

24 1/2"24 1/2"17"17"

1" × 6"

4 boards

23"23"23"23"
23"23"21 1/2"21 1/2"
21 1/2"21 1/2"21 1/2"21 1/2"
17"17"17"

1" × 4"

2 boards

21 1/2"21 1/2"21 1/2"21 1/2"
21 1/2"

1" × 2"

4 boards

21 1/4"21 1/4"20 1/2"20 1/2"
20 1/2"20 1/2"20"20"
20"20"17 1/2"17 1/2"17 1/2"
17 1/2"

1" × 1 1/2"

1 board

17 1/2"17 1/2"17 1/2"17 1/2"

Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →

Start building →

Instructions

1Right 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.
2Sides
- 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.
3Create 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.
4Cleats
Add cleats flush with the bottom of the box on the inside of Side A using 1 1/4" brad nails and wood glue
5Bottom
Attach 1x4 slats to the cleats using brad nails. Be sure to space them evenly.
6Cut 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.
7Legs
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.
8Legs
Here you can see an overhead view of the leg placement.Side A is at the top and Side B is on the left.
9Trim
Attach top and bottom trim using glue and brad nails.
10Lid 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.
11Lid 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.
12Add hardware
Attach lid with hinges suitable for outdoor use and a lid support is recommended.
13Finish
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.