Cedar chests are a great way to store your belongings. Not only do they look great in any room of your house, but they also help protect your items from pests and keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. However, before making your own cedar chest, you need to know a few things.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make cedar chest and will go over the materials needed, the steps involved in making it, and how to finish it. So if you’re ready to start this woodworking project, keep reading!
Summary: Making a cedar chest is a fun and easy project that can be completed in a short period of time. First, purchase a cedar chest from a local store or online. Once you have your cedar chest, gather the following supplies: -Cedar Wood -Tape Measure -Level -Paint -Stiles -Ruler or Square -Circular Saw -Jigsaw -Sandpaper -Paintbrush -Latch -Knob or Handle -Screws -Nails -Hammer -Chisel -Tiny Nails -Fine Sandpaper -Oil Once you have gathered all of the supplies, begin by measuring and cutting the cedar wood to the desired length and width. Be sure to measure twice and cut once to ensure a perfect fit.
What is a Cedar Chest?
A cedar chest is a type of storage furniture typically made from cedar wood. Cedar is naturally pest-resistant and rot-resistant, making it ideal for storing items you want to keep in good condition. Cedar chests are often used to store blankets, clothing, or other household items.
Why Would You Want to Make Your Cedar Chest?
There are a few reasons why you might want to make your cedar chest. Maybe you want to save money by not buying one from a store, or you just prefer the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself. Making a Cedar chest yourself is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little bit of time and effort, you can have a beautiful piece of furniture that will last for many years.
If you want to save money on furniture, making your own cedar chest is a great option. Cedar chests can be quite expensive, depending on the size and style that you choose. By making your own, you can get the same high-quality piece of furniture for a fraction of the cost. This is a great option for anyone on a budget.
What Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
- Cedar lumber
- Miter saw or handsaw
- Drill
- Kreg Jig (optional)
- Square
- Clamps
- Sandpaper (coarse, medium, and fine grits)
- Polyurethane
Step by Step Guide: How to Make Cedar Chest
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area.
Clear off a large flat surface in your workspace. You’ll need enough room to lay out all of your lumber and tools. Then, gather all of your materials and supplies. Make sure you have everything you need before getting started.
Step 2: Choose Your Cedar Boards.
Cedar is a beautiful and durable wood that is perfect for building chests. It’s important to choose boards that are straight and free of knots. You’ll also want to make sure the boards are the same thickness. If you’re using a Kreg Jig, you’ll need 1×4 boards. If not, you can use 2×4 boards.
Step 3: Cut the Boards to Size.
Cut the boards to the desired size using a miter saw or handsaw. If you’re using a Kreg Jig, you’ll need to cut two pieces for the top and bottom of the cedar chest, as well as two long side pieces and two short side pieces. If you’re not using a Kreg Jig, you’ll need to cut four boards for the top and bottom and four side pieces.
Step 4: Remove Any Imperfections.
Once all of your boards are cut to size, look at each one and remove any imperfections. This might include sanding down rough edges or using a wood filler to fill in any holes or cracks. The main goal is to ensure that each board is as smooth as possible before starting assembly. Be sure you’ve given yourself enough time to complete this step, as it can be tedious.
Step 5: Drill Holes for the Kreg Jig.
If you’re using a Kreg Jig, you’ll need to drill pilot holes in the boards. This will make it easier to attach the boards together later on. To do this, set the Kreg Jig to the appropriate setting for your boards. (For 1×4 boards, set it to 3/8 inch). Then, drill a hole in each board where you’ll be attaching it to another board.
Step 6: Assemble the Frame.
Now it’s time to start assembly! Begin by attaching the two side panels to the bottom panel using wood glue and clamps. Then, attach the back panel in the same way. Once all of the panels are attached, use a drill to screw the frame together. Be sure to use screws that are long enough to go through all of the layers of wood.
Step 7: Attach the Boards Together.
Now it’s time to start attaching the boards! If you’re using wood glue, apply it to the edges of the boards that will be touching. Then, use clamps to hold the boards in place while the glue dries. Once the glue is dry, you can remove the clamps. If you’re not using wood glue, you can use the Kreg Jig to attach the boards together. Simply line up the holes you drilled earlier and screw the boards together.
Step 8: Attach the Top & Bottom Panel.
Once you’ve cut your top panel to size, use a countersink bit to drill four pilot holes in each corner. Next, attach the panel to the frame using 1-1/4″ screws and wood glue. Make sure the panel is flush with the top of the frame. Repeat this process for the bottom panel. Remember to drill your pilot holes and use 1-1/4″ screws and wood glue.
Step 9: Sand the Cedar Chest.
Once the chest is assembled, it’s time to sand it down. Start with coarse grit sandpaper and work your way up to fine grit. Be sure to sand in the grain direction to avoid damaging the wood. Once you’re finished sanding, wipe down the chest with a damp cloth to remove any dust. If the chest is painted or stained, now is the time to do it. Once the paint or stain is dry, you can apply a clear coat to protect the finish.
Step 10: Add Hardware.
If you want, you can add hardware to the cedar chest. This includes handles, hinges, and locks. You can purchase these items at your local hardware store or online. Be sure to measure the chest before purchasing any hardware to get the right size. Once you have all the hardware, follow the instructions on installing it.
And that’s it! You’ve now learned how to make a cedar chest. This project is perfect for beginners and can be completed in just a few hours. Be sure to sand the chest down before you begin assembly, and don’t forget to add hardware if you want. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to build any type of furniture you want!
Additional Tips and Advice
Here we have given tips on how to make cedar chest.
- 1. You can use any wood for this project, but cedar is a good choice because it’s naturally rot-resistant.
- If you’re using new lumber, sand it smooth before beginning.
- It’s important to make sure the boards are flush at the corners so the chest will close properly. Use a chisel to trim any excess wood.
- You can finish the chest with a clear varnish or stain it to match your decor.
- Cedar chests make great storage units for clothing, linens, and other household items. They also make wonderful gifts!
- When building the lid, be sure to leave at least 1/2″ of clearance so it will open and close properly.
- You can glue and nail the boards together for added strength.
- If you’re not using cedar, you’ll need to treat the wood with a preservative to prevent it from rotting.
What Are the Benefits of Using Cedar Chest?
There are many benefits of using cedar chest for your storage needs. The cedar chest is perfect for storing clothing, linens, and other household items. They also make wonderful gifts! Here are some additional benefits of using a cedar chest:
- Cedar chest is a beautiful and classic piece of furniture that will add elegance to any room.
- Cedar chest is very durable and will last for many years.
- Cedar chest is resistant to mold and mildew, making them perfect for storing items susceptible to these problems.
- Cedar chest repels insects, making them ideal for storing items susceptible to insect damage.
- Cedar chest has a natural fragrance that will make your storage area smell wonderful!
- Cedar chest is an environmentally friendly option for storage because it is a renewable resource.
- Cedar chest is an excellent choice for those looking for an alternative to plastic storage containers.
What Wood is Used for Cedar Chests?
Cedar chests are a type of furniture often used for storing blankets and other linens. The material most commonly used for cedar chests is cedar wood, a type of softwood from various species of trees in the cypress family.
Cedar wood is renowned for its natural ability to repel insects, making it an excellent choice for long-term storage pieces that must remain free of pests and mold. Its natural oils also emit a pleasant scent when heated, albeit in subtle amounts.
Unlike hardwoods, cedar wood is relatively soft and can be easily scratched or dented by heavy objects placed on top of it. As such, care should be taken when choosing items to store in a cedar chest to avoid damage to the wood itself over time.
Are Cedar Chest Worth Anything?
Cedar chests, also known as hope chests, were popular in the early 20th century. They were used to store linens, blankets, and other cherished items. Made from a type of wood called Eastern Red Cedar, these chests were often given as gifts to young couples to store their wedding linens and other important possessions.
In terms of monetary value, cedar chests can vary greatly depending on a few factors. Additionally, chests in excellent condition with no signs of wear or damage can fetch a higher price than those with visible marks or defects. Finally, cedar chests are made by well-known brands such as Lane or Thos. Moser is often worth more than chests made by lesser-known manufacturers.
What Wood is Used for Cedar Chests?
Cedar chests are elegant and beautiful pieces of furniture that are perfect for storing clothes, linens, and other delicate items. The type of wood that is typically used in the construction of cedar chests is, unsurprisingly, cedar. However, not all cedar is created equal when it comes to furniture construction.
The most commonly used cedar for cedar chests is Eastern Red Cedar. This type of cedar is highly prized for its natural oils, which give it a pleasant aroma and make it resistant to insects and decay. Because of these qualities, Eastern Red Cedar is the ideal choice for cedar chests, as it helps to protect the items stored inside.
The wood used in cedar chests is typically highly figured, with beautiful patterns and contrasting colors. This makes cedar chests not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing. The wood can be left natural or stained, depending on the desired aesthetic.
Overall, the type of wood used in cedar chests is an important consideration for both functionality and appearance. Eastern Red Cedar is the preferred choice due to its natural properties and beautiful appearance, making it a popular choice for furniture makers and consumers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can You Make Out of a Cedar Chest?
Many things can be made out of a cedar chest. Some people use them for storage, others use them as coffee tables, and still others use them as hope chests. Whatever you decide to use your cedar chest for, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when you are making it. The first thing that you need to do is decide what size cedar chest you want to make.
This will depend on the amount of space you have available and the purpose for which you will use the chest. If you are going to use it for storage, you will want to make sure that it is large enough to hold all the things you want to store in it. If you use it as a coffee table, you will want to make sure that it is the right size for your living room.
If you want to use it as a hope chest, then you will want to make sure that it is large enough to hold all of the things that you want to put in it. Once you have decided on the size of the cedar chest, you need to decide on the style. There are many different styles of cedar chests, so you will want to take your time and look through all of the different options.
Do You Need to Line a Cedar Chest?
As lovely as cedar’s aroma, many people are allergic to it. If you are one of those people or do not like the smell, you may want to line your cedar chest. You can use materials to line a chest, including fabric, paper or even plastic. The key is to ensure that the liner is not too thick or will not close properly.
The liner of a cedar chest needs to be absorbent to work properly. A liner also needs to be able to breathe so that the cedar can do its job of repelling insects. Fabric is usually the best liner, but it should be a natural fiber such as cotton or linen. You can find fabric designed explicitly for lining chests at many fabric stores.
Final Words
Cedar chests are a popular furniture choice for their natural beauty and durability. But, if you’re looking to make your cedar chest, there are a few things you’ll need to know. In this blog post, we’ve walked you through the process of making a cedar chest and provided tips on doing it right. The first step is to select the wood used for the project. Cedar is a good choice because it’s strong and weather resistant, but other wood types can also be used.
Once you have the wood, the next step is to cut it to size. The dimensions of your chest will depend on what you want it to look like and how much storage space you need. Cedar chests usually have six panels, but you can use more or fewer depending on your design. We hope this guide on how to make cedar chest has been helpful. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us; we’ll be happy to help.
