ADD THE TOE SPACE FRAME

Cut the parts to length from the plywood strips. Drill pilot holes and join the parts with 2-in. screws. Set the frame into place and connect it to the sides and back with 1-1/4-in. screws.

It’s quicker and simpler to paint or finish the plywood parts before you assemble them. If you’re building the contemporary version, you’ll need to cover or fill the raw plywood edges that are exposed. You could apply veneer edge banding to the edges. But if you’re going to paint the pedestal, it’s easier to simply fill the edge grain with Zinsser Ready Patch or a similar product before painting. Use a small flexible putty knife to trowel the filler onto the edge of the plywood. Let the filler dry. If there are still recessed spots or holes, add a second coat. After the second coat dries, sand the filler smooth. Now you’re ready to brush or roll on two coats of paint.

After the paint dries, you can assemble the carcass. Start by screwing the sides to the back

Next, build the toe space frame from the four strips of 2-3/4-in.-wide plywood. The frame is sized to allow a 2-in. toe space at the front of the pedestal (contemporary version). Set the frame between the sides and snug it up to the back Drive 1-1/4in. screws from the inside into the back and sides. Before you install the top and bottom, draw faint pencil lines on the inside faces to indicate the positions of the interior dividers

Since the divider locations are slightly different for the contemporary version, make sure to use the correct dimensions On the outside face of the top and bottom, make faint center lines to

(Photo 2). (Photo 3). (Photo 4). (Figure D).