Replies

1. 
   Ricky_Yu | Nov 06, 2002 11:48am | #1

   Given a proper finish, pine should hold up fairly well. Of course the piece will suffer the inevitable scratches and dents, but what piece of furniture seeing daily contact from kids won't? My belief is that because toyboxes are a popular beginner's project, the low cost and wide availability of pine makes it a logical choice. However, there is no reason you can't do it in hardwood. In my opinion, it looks nicer and will be a little more durable.

2. 
   fredsmart48 | Nov 06, 2002 08:29pm | #2

   poplar, aspen, that would work.

   Are you going to lid on it, how old is the kid? Could the lid fall and smack the kid in the head or get the fingers. Is it going to be large enough that the kid can crawl in side and close the lid? It don’t have to air tight to cause problems. Are you going to put wheels on it? So the kid can turn it in to a door frame ramming toy.

3. 
   billyg83440 | Nov 06, 2002 09:17pm | #3

   Pine would work fine, particularly if you plan to paint it. Hardwood will hold up much better. For a quality well built piece definately worth the extra expense. For a simple box that the kids will abuse by putting their toys away with a bank shot from 15', probably not.

   Make sure any hinged lid has a easy down spring setup. Any woodworking supply house carries them. Makes it so you have to push the lid down, vs. gravity doing it. Gravity will always get fingers eventually. Plus the loud bang, when the lid is dropped, can be annoying, wake babies, startle pets, frazzle the wifes nerves, etc..

   I've found any pull-out, pull-down features are big hits w/ kids. Drawers, hidden compartments etc.. Usually worth the extra effort.

4. 
   RW | Nov 07, 2002 01:09am | #4

   Ditto. Go for it. I did one for my kid out of pine and covered it with a pumpkin colored milk paint. That's held up quite well thus far, if you're interested in other ideas. Gotta agree with the slow close lid hardware. They'll TRY to smash the lid down, not realising their other hand is in there. Cutouts for hands under the lid also beneficial.