Layout parts as shown:

• There are (2) sides for the bottom section of the chest. With holes pre drilled.
• (2) domed side pieces for the top section.
• (1) large bottom piece with the holes pre drilled.

• (1) set of rails each, for the lower and upper
  sections of the chest.
  The upper rails will have a bevel along the upper edge. This bevel will be used to even out the wooden slats of the top of the chest.
• Trim pieces (3/4") for the bottom and top sections with brass tacks.
• (4) feet
• (2) handles with (4) screws
• (8) slats for the lower section with (32) small nails
• (5) slats for the upper section with (20) small nails
• (1) length of chain to act as the lid holder with (2) screws
• (2) hinges with (8) screws
• 

Step Two

Installing the feet

• Locate bottom piece with pre drilled holes.
• Apply small amount of wood glue to the peg and bottom of foot.

Press peg into hole and tap with hammer until set.
Let dry.

 

 

Step Three

Installing the handles

• Find side piece with pre drilled holes.
• Install handles with screw head in countersunk side of board.

Tighten screw just enough to hold without breaking the handle.

 

 

Step Four

Installing the Bottom section rail

• Locate the rail for chest bottom
• Rail will have a piece cut out of the end and will fit over the side piece.
  Note: the rail for the chest top will have a bevel along the top edge.
• Using the small nails, attach the rails to both edges of the Side piece. (2) in each corner of the rail.

It will not be necessary to countersink the nail heads since the trim piece will cover the nails in a later step.

 

Step Five

 

This is what the chest should look like so far.
It is easier to attach the rail with the side piece turned like shown in the previous picture.

Step Six

Installing the bottom

• With the assembly in the position as shown, slide the bottom section, with feet attached, in between the two side sections.
• Pre drill the holes if desired.
• Attach the bottom with (4) small nails on each side
  Countersink the nails if desired.

 

Step Seven

Installing the bottom slat pieces

• With the chest in the position shown, lay (4) bottom slats along the side of the chest extending down to the feet.
• Using (2) small nails in each corner, attach the slats to the bottom assembly.
• Repeat for the other side of the bottom.

 

Step Eight

Installing the bottom trim pieces

• Locate a bottom trim piece.
• Cut trim piece with scissors to the correct length.
• Pre drill the trim piece to prevent splitting.
• Attach the trim pieces on each side with the brass tacks.
• Sand and finish as desired.

 

 

Step Nine

Installing the top rail

• With the sides of the top section in the position shown, attach the top rails with (2) small nails in each corner. Pre drill if desired.

The top rail will have a bevel along the top.

Make sure this bevel is up

 

Step Ten

 

The completed top assembly should look like this.

Step Eleven

Installing the top slat pieces

• Locate the top section slats and attach with (2) small nails in each corner of the slat.
• Use a small piece of wood to align the slats to assure that they are straight when you attach your first piece.
• Hold the small piece of wood against the rail, at the point where you will put your first nail.
• Make sure that the slat is flush against the small piece of wood.
• Nail and repeat on the other end.

 

Step Twelve

Completing the top slats

• After you are satisfied with the alignment of the first slat, begin attaching the other slats across the top.
• Use the larger 2” slat in the middle of the top.
• Sand flush with all edges.

 

Step Thirteen

Installing the top trim pieces

• Locate the top trim pieces.
• Cut (4) small pieces of trim to attach to the top, leaving a small portion sticking above the top, as shown in Step Fourteen. This small piece will serve to hide the engs of the longer piece of trim that will put on the top.
• Attach the trim pieces with brass tacks as shown (pre drill to prevent splitting).

 

Step Fourteen

Top trim detail

• Make sure the trim piece is cut just a little longer (approx 1/8") than the height of the top.

This can be sanded flush later.

 

 

Step Fifteen

Completing the top trim pieces

 

• Cut the remaining trim pieces to fit across the top of the chest.
• The trim pieces will flex as you push them against the top for sizing.
• Cut the pieces so that they will fit in between the other pieces you attached in the previous picture.
• Using a brass tack (pre-drill to prevent spitting), fasten one end of the trim to the top.
• Go to the other end of the strip and align it to the top of the chest and attach with a brass tack.
• Finish the remaining trim pieces in the same manner.
• Round all edges to prevent snagging.
• Sand and finish as desired.

 

Step Sixteen

Installing the hinges and chain

 

• When the chest is completely assembled, stained and finished as desired, attach the hinges and lid chain as shown with (2) screws.
• Attach the top section to the lower with the enclosed hinges and brass screws.
• When attaching the hinges, it is easier to attach the hinge to the lower section of the chest first.
• Then align the top and drill the holes for the top part of the hinge.

 

Suggestions for finishing and decorating

• Use a Cherry finish by MinWax to get the same look that we show in the picture above. Black Walnut is also very attractive.
• You can also cut a piece of gray cardboard (1/16" thick) or poster board to the size of the treasure chest top (approx 9-1/4" x 13- 1/2") and glue an attractive picture to it. Contact cement works best. Then press the cardboard into the curve of the top. It will usually stay in that position without glue, until you pry it loose. Something like the picture below:

 

 

 

Or you could use something like this: