How to Build a Pirate's Chest With Free Wood Plans

Look over your plans thoroughly to make sure you understand the steps. Purchase the lumber and hardware specified in your free plans for the pirate's chest. Often when you purchase lumber you can have it cut to your plan's specifications; otherwise cut the lumber to the specified sizes and shapes in your plans.

Assemble the base of the chest first. Follow the directions for securing the joints of the chest. This may include gluing, hammering in nails or drilling screws through the joints to give a sturdy box for the chest.

Assemble the lid separately. Most pirate chests have a curved lid that is made from two side pieces cut into half circles with thin strips of wood secured over the top then sanded down to form a smooth semicircle lid. Follow the dimensions and measurements given in your plans because they are imperative to achieving the right fit over the curved lid.

Sand your chest pieces before staining them--you can do this whether your plans specify it or not It just adds some finesse to the finished product.

Attach the hinges to the lid and back of the box in the manner specified in your plans. Typically there are two hinges screwed along the back of the box; alternatively you can use a piano hinge along the entire seam. For a special pirate look, purchase decorative brass hinges.

Secure the lid clasp in the position as specified in your plans. For an added bit of decoration screw decorative brass corners onto the chest.