How to make a D.I.Y. portable camp kitchen box

• On five sheets of 1220mm x 610mm x 12mm marine-grade plywood, cut a 600mm x 600mm back, two 600mm x 512mm sides, three 600mm x 500mm shelves for top, base and middle, and a 600mm x 50mm shelf lip. Mark a 624mm x 524mm lid, 624mm x 455mm front and 624mm x 120mm lid lip.
• On the offcuts, mark 500mm width for a 300mm base divider, two 100mm middle shelf dividers and a 294mm short shelf. Cut two 200mm x 50mm packers. Label all pieces with masking tape.
• Cut from large to small using a circular saw with a straightedge. Smooth the cuts with 180-grit abrasive paper to remove breakout.

Cut the plywood according to the cutting list (see above).

Butt the side pieces against the back. Mark a line 6mm in from the rear edges to secure with screws 20mm, 143mm, 255mm and 411mm down from the top. Mark 33mm up from the base to secure the base shelf through the sides.

Centre the short shelf against the base divider and secure, then position in the box, securing through the base and sides. Secure both dividers to the middle shelf from underneath, then position the middle shelf in the box, securing into the base divider and through the sides.

Secure the shelf lip to the top shelf from underneath, position in the box, securing the shelf into the dividers and through the sides. At the back, mark lines to secure all the shelves, spacing the screws evenly. Use a cloth to seal all the plywood with two coats of oil, leaving to dry after each.

On the lid, mark a line 6mm in from the front edge to secure the lid lip. On the inside of the lid, at the back, mark 60mm in from the side edges to pre-drill and secure hinges with 12mm screws. Position the lid on the box, with the hinges outside the back panel, and secure.

On the inside of the front, at the base, mark 60mm in from the side edges to pre-drill and secure hinges with 12mm screws. Position the front against the box, with the hinges underneath the base shelf and secure.

Use pliers to cut two 580mm lengths of chain and open four eye hooks with a 2mm gap. Under the lid and inside the box, 150mm from the front and 30mm from the edges, pre-drill with a 2mm bit, twist in the hooks, loop on the chain and press closed.

On the front, mark 200mm from the edges and 60mm from the top to pre-drill and secure a 224mm cabinet handle, snapping the supplied screws to fit. Position grab handles on the sides of the camp kitchen box, 190mm from the front and 75mm down, pre-drill through the holes, clamp packers inside and secure right through with 25mm screws.

Centre a magnetic catch on the underside of the top shelf, with the strike plate on the front, 45mm down, securing with the supplied screws. Centre a sash fastener on the lid lip, with the catch on the front, pre-drill and install 15mm pan head screws with a screwdriver to avoid stripping.

• Always wear the recommended safety gear to use power tools. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask when using cutting tools and sanding.
• If spray-painting, wear eye protection, a mask and gloves. Work outside or in a well-ventilated area. Cover nearby areas with a drop sheet to avoid overspray.
• For maximum protection from moisture and UV damage, choose marine grade plywood, stainless-steel hardware and exterior finishes.
• Enlist a second pair of hands to lift and move the camping kitchen safely. It is designed for transport and as a storage box only, and is not heat-safe or flameproof.