Installing Built-In Toy Boxes
Installing built-in toy boxes makes a permanent addition to a bed or playroom that can enhance not only the overall appearance but also the value of your home. Many families, when seeking to purchase a new home, are attracted to built-in child-friendly features that serve as a room organizer. Many new homes are designed with a nursery or baby room specifically marketed to new parents. Additionally, transforming that extra bedroom into a nursery or child-friendly room is a do-it-yourself project that can bring you great personal satisfaction, as well as enhance your living space. Installing a wall bench toy box is an excellent project providing versatile use.
Preparation
You will need to take measurements in order to acquire the necessary amount of lumber. Use a measuring tape to obtain the length of the wall where you wish to install a built-in toy box. It is alright to install the bench to meet an adjacent wall, but always leave at least 18 inches on any end that adjoins a doorway or window area.
You will need to purchase enough lumber to cover the frame dimensions that would be the wall length X 4 (top and bottom rails for front and back) as well as vertical and depth support boards, one each at the front and back (positioned evenly to create ample load-bearing support as well as compartment size). Building a 10-ft long bench would require vertical support and depth boards approximately every 2.25 feet as well. Use plywood for the seating and drywall for the front and side surface areas. Plywood also can be used to separate toy box compartments.
Nail the Top and Bottom Back Frame Boards
Using a stud finder, nail a back top frame board to the wall at each stud 30” up from the floor at the top of the wood, placing the 2 X 4 with the 4” side flush to the wall. You may wish to break the top frame board into matching lengths, for example, two 5-foot lengths for a 10’ long bench. Repeat the process at the bottom for the back bottom frame board.
Install Depth Boards
Cut enough depth boards to place at appropriate intervals, connecting the front top and bottom support rails (allowing for cuts to complete a 24” depth that includes both front and bottom rails).
Cover the Bench Walls
Once you have the bench frame assembled, cover the two existing walls – the front and side adjoining a doorway or window – with drywall.
The Seats
Cut a 4” hinge attachment strip the entire length of the wall from plywood. Attach this flush to the top of the upper back frame rail by nailing it into the top of each depth board. Cut plywood seats that are 21” in depth. Secure these to the attachment strip with your hinge hardware. The extra inch of depth will create an overhang for the lid.
Remember to thoroughly sand all edges smooth and possibly rounded before installing the lids/bench. Finish with your choice of paint to match the room color.
