Determine your needs. Think about the type of camping you enjoy and how you typically prepare and cook meals. This will give you a good idea of how much room you will require and what items should be included in your kitchen box. With this inventory of items, you can determine the size of box that will fit your needs, as well as identify any special challenges.
Design the kitchen box. Sketch out a simple drawing to help in the planning and assembly process. A typical kitchen box is much like a simple cabinet, with one side fitted with a hinge to use as a door/work surface. Although your needs may dictate a larger size, a good kitchen box size is 3 ft. wide x 1 ft. deep x 1½ ft. tall. This is large enough to accommodate most common cooking utensils, while keeping the size and weight to a manageable level.
Cut the wood pieces to size. Using the details shown in the inventory list, cut the plywood to size and lightly sand the edges to remove splinters and rough areas.
Use wood screws to attach parts (b) and (c) to form a rectangular box. Be sure to line up the corners for a good fit.
Attach the back of the box, part (a), with wood screws to the rectangular box from the previous step. Again, be careful to line up the edges to ensure that the box will be square.
Set the box up, long edge on the bottom, with the open side facing toward you. Attach the piano hinge to the front edge of the box bottom, using the screws provided with the hinge.
Attach the front of the box, part (a), to the piano hinge using the screws provided. This will form the door to your box as well as a work surface at your campsite.
Use the provided screws to attach the handles to each end of the kitchen box.
Use the provided screws to attach the locking clasp to the top of your box and top of the door. This will allow you to securely close and lock the door.
Sand the entire kitchen box and then paint, stain or simply waterproof your kitchen box. Allow to dry completely before use.
