How to Make a Balsam Wood Box

Building a box out of balsa wood is a simple project that can be used to create a holder for keepsakes, office supplies or other small items. Balsa wood is an ideal craft wood and it is easy for beginning builders to work with. The whole project can be completed in the space of an afternoon, but the balsa wood box can be used for years.

• 1

  Align the 1/4-inch edge of one of the 6-inch long pieces of balsa wood with the face of one of the 5 1/2-inch long pieces to form a right angled L-shape.

• 2

  Attach the two pieces of wood with 1-inch nails. Hammer in one nail every inch along the joint of the balsa wood sheets.

• 3

  Align a third 6-inch long balsa wood sheet with the first two to form a U-shape. Ensure that the U-shape is even and that two of the sheets have their 1/4-inch edge on the same board. Attach the board with 1-inch nails. Hammer in one nail every inch.

• 4

  Place the fourth 4-inch wide balsa sheet at the open end of the U-shape to close it off and form the box shape. Attach the balsa sheet with nails at both ends.

• 5

  Place the 6-by-6-inch sheet over the open portion of the box shape to create a bottom for the box. Attach the sheet with nails. Hammer in one nail every inch along all four sides of the box.