Cheer Boxes
DIY Cheer Boxes - Build 18 Sturdy Platforms in One Day
Need to build cheer boxes for your team? These sturdy plywood platforms are essential for cheerleaders to be seen during games and performances.
After years of refining my process, I've developed an efficient system that went from taking 5 days for 16 boxes to completing 18 boxes in just one day. The secret? Smart plywood layout, assembly-line techniques, and learning from past mistakes.
Perfect for cheer teams, parents, or boosters looking to build quality platforms without breaking the bank or spending a week in the shop.
What You'll Build
Competition-grade cheer boxes featuring:
- Rock-solid construction that handles repeated use
- Efficient cut layout maximizing each 4'x8' plywood sheet
- Integrated handholds for easy carrying
- Smooth, rounded edges for safety
- Professional finish ready for team colors
Build time: 1 day for 18 boxes (cutting and assembly), plus 1 day for finishing
Cost per box: ~$25-30 in materials
Difficulty: Intermediate (table saw and basic carpentry skills required)
Box Specifications
Dimensions: [Coming soon - adding detailed measurements]
- Height: TBD
- Width: TBD
- Depth: TBD
Full cutting diagrams and assembly plans available for download once complete.
The Evolution
Year 1: 16 boxes in 5 days
- Figured out dimensions and joinery
- Learned optimal cutting sequences
- Made all the mistakes so you don't have to
Year 2: 18 boxes in 1 day
- Perfected plywood layout (zero waste)
- Assembly-line construction method
- Volunteer handled painting in parallel
What You'll Need
Materials (per box)
- 3/4" plywood (one 4'x8' sheet makes multiple boxes)
- Wood glue
- 2" deck screws or pocket hole screws
- Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grit)
- Paint or stain (team colors)
Tools Required
- Table saw (most efficient)
- Circular saw with guide can do it all though
- Drill/driver
- Router with roundover bit
- Sander (orbital or random orbital)
Key Build Tips
Efficient Material Use The optimized cutting layout gets maximum boxes from each sheet with minimal waste. Every cut is planned to use offcuts for the next pieces.
Assembly Process
- Cut all pieces first - keep tops and sides organized
- Use assembly jig to position and square each box
- Secure with glue and nail gun for speed
- Install two hurricane ties per vertical corner (inside)
- Cut handle holes with jigsaw or router
- Round over top surface and handle holes with 3/8" roundover bit
- Sand smooth and finish with team colors
💡 Pro Tip: Hurricane ties (metal corner brackets) dramatically increase strength without visible hardware on the outside.
Simpson Strong-Tie Hurricane Ties (H2.5A)
Safety Features
- Rounded edges prevent injuries during stunts
- Integrated handholds make transport safe
- Proper bracing ensures stability under load
Why This Design Works
Cheerleaders put serious stress on these platforms during routines. The design features:
- Reinforced corners handle repeated impacts
- Wide base prevents tipping during stunts
- Smooth top protects hands and feet
- Durable construction lasts multiple seasons
Materials
Per 4'x8' sheet (makes 2-3 boxes depending on size):
- 3/4" plywood
- Wood glue
- 2" deck screws or 18ga nails
- Hurricane ties (2 per box)
- Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grit)
- Paint or stain (team colors)
- Simpson Strong-Tie Hurricane Ties (H2.5A) - Use 2 per vertical corner for reinforcement
Tools Required
- Table saw (most efficient) or circular saw with guide
- Drill/driver
- Nail gun (speeds assembly) or screws work too
- Router with 3/8" roundover bit
- Orbital sander
- Jigsaw (for handle holes)
- Clamps
Want the Plans?
Interested in the optimized plywood layout and detailed build process? I'm considering creating a full instructional video and cut list.
Let me know if you'd like to see:
- Complete cutting diagrams
- Step-by-step assembly guide
- Finishing techniques
- Time-saving jigs and techniques
Contact me if there's enough interest, I'll create the full tutorial!
Perfect For
- Cheer teams building their own equipment
- Parents and boosters looking to save money
- Schools needing budget-friendly platforms
- Woodworkers wanting a quick, rewarding project
This is a repeat project I build each year to support my niece's cheer team. The boxes have held up through countless practices and competitions.