Corner joints for storage boxes made from thin ply (~1/4)

[thender]

I'd like to make some garage storage boxes from plywood;  ~12" W x 18" d x 18" tall.

1/4"  ply would be perfect as the contents are not heavy and will keep the boxes fairly light.

BUT -- I'm not sure how to make strong corner joints from thin ply.  Any thoughts?

Box  joints are one option but 1/4" material seems too thin for that. 

~1/2" corner blocks would do it...  or perhaps rivet or screw aluminum angle to the corners?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

-Tom in SoCal

Any thoughts/guidance for lightweight boxes in this size range would be appreciated.  They will be used for storage so don't need to be particularly attractive.

 

[leer]

You could go really simple, and put a small square "post" in the corner on the inside, and screw to it, if you don't mind the screws showing.  I've done this and it was very strong.  Or you could make it fancy and rout dadoes/slots in two edges of the corner post, and insert the panels with glue into the slots, and maybe just use brads to reinforce. With contents being light, you could probably just use glue only.  If you want the inside (or outside) corners smooth, use rabbets instead of dadoes so the panels are flush to the corner post (either on the inside or outside).

 

[dltflt]

I think I would make box joints, they look nice and are easy to make.

 

[mwildt]

I've made storage boxes of 1/4 Baltic birch for my MFT. I used box joint and it's plenty strong though boxes are not as big as yours. One challenge with ply, if you're routing the box fingers, is blow out. A backer board should be used. For the size you're considering going up to 1/2 might make sense.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Glue and staples.

 

[wow]

Either finger joints or glue and staples. Can't imagine much else that would work?

 

[nclemmons]

For that size box, I'd suggest 3/8" baltic birch with finger joints.  They would work great and not that much heavier than 1/4". 

I made a back-storage box on my MFT table for all the accessories out of 1/4" baltic birch with 1/4" finger joints and it is strong, but it's only about 6x6x18"

neil

 

[thender]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone -- very much appreciated.