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How to make a plinth for your home
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Overview
Discover how to make a plinth using off-the-shelf plywood and give it a metallic finish with copper-effect spray paint for a hallway display with drama. Use it as a plant stand or to display decorative items. It’s a great project to add a touch of glam to your home when welcoming guests for Matariki celebrations.
Steps
The cutting list
From 18mm plywood:
- Side panels: 922mm × 300mm (x2)
- End panels: 922mm × 264mm (x2)
- Top panel: 300mm × 300mm
Cut the wood
On the 18mm plywood, follow the cutting list to measure and mark the side, end and top panels. Clamp plywood to a workbench and cut using a jigsaw with a guide. Sand the cut edges; wipe away dust with a cloth.
Mark the lines
On the long edges of the side panels, use a combination square to measure and mark lines 9mm in. Mark screw holes along the line, 100mm in from the ends and 200mm apart. Predrill holes with a countersinking bit.
Join the panels
Butt a side panel against an end panel flat on the workbench, edges flush. Apply woodworking adhesive and secure through the holes with screws. Position the remaining end panel against the side; secure with adhesive and screws. Flip the assembly to apply adhesive, position the remaining side panel and secure with screws.
Secure the edges
On the top panel, use a combination square to measure and mark lines 9mm in from the edges. Mark screw holes along the lines, 50mm in from the corners and in the centre. Predrill holes with a countersinking bit. Apply adhesive around the top edges, position the top, checking for square, and secure with screws. Leave to set.
Sand the plinth
Use 120-grit abrasive paper to sand over the holes, then apply filler with a scraper; leave to dry. Sand all over, removing excess filler and rounding over the edges slightly to remove any splinters. Wipe away dust with a cloth.
Paint the plinth
Working on a drop sheet, apply a light coat of primer and leave to dry. Apply three light coats of spray paint, holding the can about 300mm from the surface and using a side-to-side motion; leave to dry after each coat.
Keep in mind...
- When using power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and mask are also recommended), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
- For sanding or spray painting, wear the recommended safety gear (such as gloves, mask, and eye and ear protection) and work in a well-ventilated area, covering surrounding areas with a drop sheet to avoid overspray.
- Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets. Paint colours may vary on application.
Looking for more home decor projects?
Discover how to make a D.I.Y. picture frame.
Photo credit: Jonny Valiant, Jane Wrigglesworth.
*Timbers vary by region; contact your local store for further information.
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.