How to Build a Cedar Chest Plans with Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Building a cedar chest is a rewarding DIY project that can add a touch of elegance to any room. Start by selecting the right cedar wood, which is durable and resistant to rot and insects.

You'll need to gather the necessary tools and materials, including a table saw, drill press, and 1/4 inch thick cedar wood. The project requires a total of 12 pieces of wood, including the top, shelves, and sides.

To begin, cut the top and shelves from the cedar wood using a table saw, following the plans for precise measurements. Make sure to cut the wood in a well-ventilated area and use a dust mask to avoid inhaling cedar dust.

Building a cedar chest can be a fun and rewarding project. Josh from Amish Handcrafted has broken down the process into 10 easy-to-follow steps.

The first step is to select the right type of cedar wood for your project. You'll want to choose a wood that's durable and resistant to rot and insects.

You'll need to cut the wood to the right size for your project. This may involve using a table saw or a miter saw, depending on the specific cuts required.

The next step is to assemble the frame of your cedar chest. This typically involves using screws or nails to attach the sides and back of the chest.

You'll need to add the top and bottom panels to the frame. These panels will provide the finishing touch to your cedar chest.

The process of building a cedar chest is quite visual, and watching the process in action can be really helpful. Josh's 10-step video guide is a great resource for anyone looking to build a cedar chest.

The final step is to add any finishing touches to your cedar chest, such as a coat of finish or some decorative trim.

To build a cedar chest, start by watching the 10-step process video, where Josh from Amish Handcrafted walks you through each step of construction.

The dimensions of the cedar chest are based on the width of cedar planks, with the length determined by measuring nine 18" planks side-by-side.

Measure the width of five 18" cedar planks positioned side-by-side to get the width of the cedar chest.

The 18" planks are held together by mitered planks nailed on the top and the bottom, creating a sturdy design.

The length of the cedar chest is 31 1/2", based on the width of nine 18" planks.

The width of the cedar chest is 17 1/2", based on the width of five 18" planks.

To start building a cedar chest, you'll want to prepare the necessary materials and tools. This includes a table saw, miter saw, drill press, and sandpaper.

Measure twice, cut once is a mantra you should live by when working with wood. This means double-checking your measurements to avoid costly mistakes.

Gather a total of 12 pieces of 3/4" thick cedar for the project, including the top, bottom, and shelves. You'll also need 1/4" thick cedar for the back panel.

Make sure you have a clean and dust-free workspace to avoid any issues with your project. This will also help prevent any potential health problems.

Cutting down a cedar tree can be a big job, but it's not necessary for this project. Instead, you can purchase pre-milled cedar lumber from a local hardware store.

To assemble the sides of the cedar chest, cut 18" planks to build both sides, and cut the top and bottom mitered trim pieces @ 33".

Use a framing square to ensure the planks are square, and attach the mitered trim pieces to the planks using 1 1/4" galvanized nails or screws.

Cut enough 18" planks to build both ends, and cut the top and bottom mitered trim pieces.

Lay 5 of the 18" planks side-by-side on a flat surface, and use a framing square to ensure they are square.

The short points of the mitered trim cuts should measure 3/4" from the edges of the 18" planks and be flush on the top and bottom.

Attach the mitered trim pieces to the planks using 1 1/4" galvanized nails or screws.

The dimensions of the cedar chest assume you are working with cedar planks that are 3 1/2" x 3/4".

Cut five of the cedar planks 30" long for the bottom, and rip one of the planks 1 1/2" wide.

Cut the ripped plank into three pieces 17 1/2" long, and lay the five 30" planks side-by-side and square them.

Attach the 30" long planks to the 17 1/2" rips using 1 1/4" galvanized nails or screws.

Cut six of the cedar planks 31 1/2" long for the top, and rip two of the planks 2 1/2" wide.

Lay out the planks with the narrowest ones on each end, and square them with a framing square.

Cut three planks 19" long and slip them underneath the top boards and nail/screw them together.

Cut two of the cedar planks ripped down to 2" 33" (long-point to long-point) and two of them 20 1/2" inches (long-point to long-point), and secure them to the top assembly.

If you're looking to build a cedar chest, you'll need a solid plan to guide you through the process. The good news is that you can watch the 10-step process of how to build a cedar chest, which is a great resource for visual learners.

Josh from Amish Handcrafted walks viewers through each step of the process, making it easier to understand and follow along. The video is a valuable learning tool that can help you build a cedar chest with confidence.

You can also appreciate the attention to detail that goes into each step of the process, from selecting the right cedar wood to assembling the final product.