BBQ Must-Have: DIY Silverware Caddy Holder

We love how this caddy holder looks like an old wooden toolbox that your great grandfather would’ve carted around. This caddy is not only interesting to look at, but also useful too, especially when you add a bottle opener on the side. It’s got everything you need for an amazing BBQ.

See how we did it and then scroll down for everything you need to build it yourself.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED

Materials:

(1) 1/2" x 24" x 48" Plywood*
(1) 1"x10" Wooden Dowel
#8x1" Flat Head Phillips Wood Screws
Sand Paper**: 150g, 220g & 320g

*Board Dimensions are "nominal". Actual dimensions are smaller due to lumber industry standards. Cuts are actual length.

**Starting grit will depend on board surface condition, a rough surface will require starting with a coarse grit first.

Tools:

Circular Saw, Jigsaw, Drill/Driver, Screwdriver, Orbital Sander, 20V 1.5Ah Battery, 20V 4.0Ah Battery, Charger, Tape Measure, Safety Glasses & Countersink Bit. Also Need: Clamps

DOWNLOAD PLANS

LUMBER CUT LIST & LAYOUT GUIDE

(2) 1/2" x 14" x 10" Front & Back Panels
(1) 1/2" x 10" x 14" Base
(2) 1/2" x 10" x 3-1/2" Partitions
(2) 1/2" x 11" x 5" Side Panels
(1) 1/2" x 9-15/16"x 3" Divider C
(2) 1/2" x 6-7/16"x 3" Dividers A & B
(1) 1"x 10" Dowel Handle

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1

Start by cutting out all panels. Cut 1- 1/2" x 1/2" slots in dividers with jigsaw.

We recommend wearing safety glasses when operating power tools.

Step 2

Mark drill points using diagram below. Pre-drill all screw holes with the Countersink Drill Bit (dimensions are symmetrical).

Step 3

Attach front panel to base. Use #8 x 1" wood screws at all attachment points for this project.

Step 4

Attach back panel to base.

Step 5

Attach partition panels to inner part of assembly.

Step 6

Attach side panels to outer edge of assembly.

PRO-TIP: Wrap masking tape to set the depth of the hole. When the tape meets the wood, stop drilling.

Step 7

Attach 1" dowel for handle.

Step 8

Glue and join slotted dividers together.

Step 9

Place dividers into center of silverware holder.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Sand and finish to your desire.

Rougher finish: Use 60-80 grit sandpaper to hand sand with the grain of the wood
Smoother finish: Use 60-80 grit sandpaper to remove scratches and imperfections, followed by 120-220 grit to smooth
Finish sanding: Use 320-400 grit sandpaper
Super fine sanding: Use 600+ grit sandpaper

We chose to stain the wood gray, but you can also use spray paint. To stain, simply dip a cloth rag into the canister while wearing protective gloves and rub into the wood. Let stain soak in for about four hours.

PRO-TIP: It’s better to work on smaller areas and wipe as you go. Be sure to wipe carefully in corners. You may need a brush to get stain into those hard-to-reach areas. Always remember to wipe all excess stain to avoid blotchy spots.

For the final touch, attach a vintage bottle opener to the side. You can purchase one from Walmart here.