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Show us your DIY Shop Goodies!

Show us your DIY Shop Goodies!
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Build a small wooden caddy to hold your DIY shop goodies using simple tools, safety gear, and decorating materials, with adult supervision.

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Step-by-step guide to build a small wooden caddy

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What you need
Adult supervision required, clamps, measuring tape or ruler, nails, paint or markers and brushes or colouring materials, pencil, safety goggles, sandpaper, small hammer, small wood boards for base and sides, wood glue, work gloves

Step 1

Gather all your materials and bring them to a clear workspace.

Step 2

Put on your safety goggles and work gloves.

Step 3

Measure the lengths for the base and the two side pieces with the ruler.

Step 4

Mark cut lines on the wood for the base and sides using your pencil.

Step 5

Ask an adult to cut the wood pieces along the marked lines with a saw.

Step 6

Sand all cut edges and surfaces until they feel smooth.

Step 7

Arrange the base and side pieces on your table to check how they fit together.

Step 8

Spread wood glue along the side edges that will meet the base.

Step 9

Clamp the side pieces to the base to hold them in place.

Step 10

Wait about 30 minutes for the glue to set a little.

Step 11

With an adult watching, hammer small nails through the sides into the base for extra strength.

Step 12

Decorate your caddy with paint stickers or markers the way you like.

Step 13

Let your decorations dry completely.

Step 14

Share a photo of your finished DIY shop caddy on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

If I can't find clamps or a saw, what can I use instead for the clamping and cutting steps?

For clamping, use heavy books, binder clips, or strong tape to hold the side pieces to the base during the 30-minute glue set, and for cutting ask an adult to use a store's cutting service, a handsaw/jigsaw, or buy pre-cut craft wood or sturdy cardboard for the base and sides.

What should I do if the side pieces don't sit flush on the base after nailing?

Double-check your measurements and pencil mark cut lines, then sand the edges smoother (step 5) and, if nails split the wood, have an adult pre-drill small pilot holes before hammering the small nails for extra strength.

How can I adapt this caddy activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children, have an adult do the measuring, sawing, and hammering while the child sands, spreads wood glue, clamps with help, and decorates, and for older kids let them measure, mark, cut under supervision, pre-drill and use screws instead of nails, and design more complex compartments.

What are some simple ways to enhance or personalize the finished DIY shop caddy?

Add glued dividers before clamping, cut and sand a handle hole in the base or attach a wooden dowel, line compartments with felt, and finish with paint, stickers, or wood stain for a custom look.

Watch videos on how to build a small wooden caddy

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Facts about woodworking for kids

🧰 A caddy is basically a mini-toolbox—keeping tools organized helps them last longer and makes projects faster.

🎨 Decorating a wooden caddy is a creative step: paint, stencils, and varnish each give very different finished looks.

🪚 People have been shaping wood into tools and containers for thousands of years — woodworking is one of the oldest crafts.

🦺 Wearing safety gear—goggles, gloves, and a dust mask—greatly reduces common workshop injuries and keeps projects fun and safe.

🪵 Woods behave differently: softwoods like pine are easier to cut for beginners, while hardwoods like oak are tougher and last longer.

How do I build a small wooden caddy to hold DIY shop goodies?

Start by deciding the caddy size and sketching a simple plan with measurements. Have an adult help cut the base and side panels from thin plywood or softwood. Sand edges smooth, then assemble using wood glue and small nails or screws, or clamps while glue dries. Add a dowel or pre-made handle, reinforce joints, sand again, and finish with paint, stain, or waterproof sealer. Always work with adult supervision when using cutting or drilling tools.

What materials and tools do I need to make a wooden caddy?

You’ll need thin plywood or pine boards for the base and sides, a wooden dowel or handle, wood glue, small nails or screws, sandpaper (80–220 grit), and paint or craft markers for decorating. Basic tools include a pencil and ruler, hand saw or jigsaw (adult use), drill with bits, hammer or screwdriver, and clamps. Safety gear: safety goggles, work gloves, and a dust mask. Optional: sealant, stickers, and foam pads for the bottom.

What ages is building a wooden caddy suitable for?

This activity suits a wide age range with supervision. Kids 6–8 can design, paint, and help hold pieces; adults should handle all cutting and drilling. Ages 9–12 can take on measuring, light sanding, and supervised simple tool use. Teens 13+ can often do most steps with close adult guidance for power tools. For children under 6, stick to pre-cut pieces and decorating to keep them safe.

What safety tips should I follow when making a wooden caddy?

Set up a clean, well-lit workspace and keep a first-aid kit nearby. Always wear goggles and a dust mask when cutting or sanding; adults should operate power tools. Clamp pieces securely before drilling or gluing. Pre-cut small or dangerous parts for younger kids and supervise nail or screw driving. Teach safe tool handling, keep fingers away from blades, and finish by sanding sharp edges and applying non-toxic finishes before children use the caddy.
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