smart storage

From habitat highlights - issue 42, MasterStroke DIY

Artist and DIYer Jae Frew builds an outdoor storage box from plywood.

Outdoor storage box

A custom storage box is a simple solution to help keep your outdoor areas tidy and organised. Artist and keen DIYer Jae Frew has used plywood and protective coats of Resene Lustacryl in Resene Bokara Grey to create a storage solution perfect for tools, toys, cushions and towels to keep them organised and protected from the elements. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to sit on! Add castors to the base so the box is easy to move around and add gas struts to the lid for safe opening and closing.

top tip

When you’re painting, tip a small amount of paint into a Resene Paint Pot to prevent contaminating the whole tin.

Measure the ply sheets for the sides, top and frame Step 1
Carefully measure and cut your ply sheets to make the sides, top and frame of the box.

Use a router to give a tongue and groove appearance Step 2
Use a router against a clamped straight edge to add grooves to the side and top pieces, to give the appearance of a tongue and groove finish.

Fill holes with Resene EzyFill and sand Step 3
Fill any nail holes with Resene EzyFill, then sand and thoroughly wipe down before painting.

Prime and Paint Step 4
Prime your box with Resene Quick Dry, then add your topcoat. We used two coats of Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss waterborne enamel in Resene Bokara Grey.

Finished project
A close-up of the finished outdoor storage box - perfect for tools, toys, cushions and towels to keep them organised and protected from the elements.

Jae Few
Artist and keen DIYer Jae Frew. For full step-by-step instructions on making Jae's outdoor storage box view MasterStroke.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Resene Lustacryl

Resene Quick Dry

▸ Download a PDF of this article

autumn/winter 2025, issue 42

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