What you’ll need
Tools
- Circular sawSKIL PWR CORE 20 Brushless 20V 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Kit with 2.0Ah Battery and Charger (CR6413B-11)View on Amazon
- Drill/driverDEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo KitView on Amazon
- Drill bit for pilot holes
- ClampsJorgensen 24" Medium-Duty Steel Bar Clamp Set, 600 lbs Load Limit, 2-PackView on Amazon
- Tape measureSTANLEY FATMAX Tape Measure, 25-FootView on Amazon
- SquareSWANSON 7" Speed SquareView on Amazon
- Pencil
- Eye protectionDEWALT Dominator Safety Glasses, ANSI Z87.1+, Clear Lens, Black FrameView on Amazon
Materials and supplies
- 3/4 plywood, sanded indoor grade for 2 parts
- 1x10 pine, untreated for 6 parts
- 22 × #8 × 1 1/2" flat-head wood screwsHillman 41688 Flat Head Square Drive Wood Screw, 8 x 1-1/2-Inch, 50-PackView on Amazon
- 4 × #8 × 1 1/4" flat-head wood screwsThe Hillman Group 35054 Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw, 8 x 1 1/4-Inch, 100-PackView on Amazon
- 2 fl oz Interior wood glueTitebond Original Wood Glue 5063, 8 ozView on Amazon
- 3 × 120-grit abrasive sheets3M Pro Grade No-Slip Grip Advanced Sandpaper, 120 Grit, 9" x 11" Sheets - 20-Pack for Wood, Metal, and Paint SurfacesView on Amazon
- 32 fl oz Black water-based interior paintMinwax 63333444 Polycrylic Protective Finish, Satin, Clear, 1 QuartView on Amazon
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Cut list
| Part | Qty | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Back | 1 | 26" × 66" × 3/4" |
| Wall 1 | 1 | 9 1/4" × 14" × 3/4" |
| Wall | 2 | 9 1/4" × 48 3/8" × 3/4" |
| Wall | 2 | 9 1/4" × 18 7/16" × 3/4" |
| Wall 4 | 1 | 9 1/4" × 18" × 3/4" |
| Display base | 1 | 36" × 32" × 3/4" |
Step by step
Shape the coffin outline
Shape the back and matching side miters before assembling the coffin.
- Mark the back corners using the 26" × 66" outline in the cut diagram.
- Support each blank flat on a sacrificial work surface.
- Clamp a straightedge guide beside each marked cut.
- Saw the four sloping back edges with a circular saw.
- Bevel the side ends to the matching angles in the cut diagram.
Smooth and test the fit
Sand exposed edges and dry-fit the six sides against the shaped back.
- Sand all exposed edges with 120-grit abrasive.
- Arrange the six sides around the back without glue.
- Clamp the sides lightly with a band clamp.
- Check every miter against the back outline.
Assemble the coffin shell
Glue the side miters and screw the back to all six sides on a supported work surface.
- Apply wood glue to the six mating miter faces.
- Clamp the sides around the back with their rear edges flush.
- Support the shell with its open face downward on padded blocks.
- Mark the screw rows 3/8" inside each outside edge of the back.
- Drill pilot holes at the screw locations, 2" from each row end.
- Drive the 1 1/2" screws flush through the back into the sides.
Attach the display base
Attach the broad base to the cured coffin bottom before standing the display upright.
- Support the cured shell on its back across padded work supports.
- Clamp the base against the outside face of the bottom board.
- Center the 26" coffin width across the 32" base.
- Position the rear face of the back 13" from the base rear edge.
- Drill the four underside pilot holes at the diagram marks.
- Drive four 1 1/4" screws upward into the bottom board.
Paint the coffin
Apply a dark indoor finish after the glue has fully cured.
- Remove sanding dust with a clean cloth.
- Apply a thin coat of black water-based paint.
- Dry the coating for the time on the label.
- Apply a second thin coat where coverage requires it.
Place the skeleton display
Stand the coffin on a level indoor floor and arrange the lightweight skeleton inside.
- Stand the display upright with a helper.
- Position the base on a firm, level indoor floor.
- Check the 5' skeleton against the clear interior.
- Arrange the skeleton with its weight supported at the bottom.
- Keep the display away from traffic and climbing children.
Questions
How many steps does it take to build an Open Halloween coffin for a 5' skeleton?
The plan has 6 steps and 8 parts. How long it takes depends on your tools and experience.
What tools do I need?
Circular saw, drill/driver, drill bit for pilot holes, clamps, tape measure, square, pencil and eye protection.
What materials do I need?
3/4 plywood, sanded indoor grade, 1x10 pine, untreated, #8 × 1 1/2" flat-head wood screws, #8 × 1 1/4" flat-head wood screws, Interior wood glue, 120-grit abrasive sheets and Black water-based interior paint.
How big is it?
As designed: width 32", height 66 3/4" and length 36".
Can I change the dimensions?
Yes. Tap “Make one for my space” to open this design in Fixie, and Fixie designs a version for your space, tools and needs, with its own cut list, materials and steps. Your first design is free.
This design was generated with AI and has not been checked by a person. Review measurements, materials and instructions before building, and follow the safety guidance for your tools.