Today’s project

Thu., Nov. 3, 2005

Don and Dave Runyan U-Bild

Traditionally used to store linens and clothing—because the fragrance of cedar helps to discourage moths—a cedar chest is more than just a handsome piece of furniture to put at the foot of the bed. Solid construction and classic styling also make it a good place to keep china, mementos or collectibles in almost any room of the house.

Unfortunately, as anyone who’s priced cedar chests knows, they can be expensive. The good news is that do-it-yourselfers can build this heirloom-quality chest at a fraction of the cost of buying one.

What you need

Western cedar with a bold grain is the obvious choice in lumber, but wood with a less-defined grain (like pine, oak, cherry, mahogany or walnut) also works well. If you choose another species, simply line the chest with cedar closet lining, available at most home centers and lumber yards.

What you do

Although some edge-joining is required, the project requires mostly straight cuts and the curved cuts are all traced from full-size patterns. Assembly is a simple matter of gluing and nailing the pieces together. To finish, sand the assembled chest and apply a coat of Danish oil.

The finished chest measures 48 inches long by 20 inches high, by about 20 inches deep.

How to order the plan

The Cedar Chest plan, No. 572, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step directions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, construction diagrams, a shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line for project questions.

A package of three blanket chest plans, No. C74, is $21.95, and includes this project plus two others. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2.00. Please include $3 for postage and handling (except catalog-only orders) and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409. To order by credit card, call 1-800-828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild.com.

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