How to Make a Flag Box

Overview

The flag box has always been a way for people to remember family members who served in the military or those who died on the battlefield. The box always holds the flag that drapes a casket and is then presented to a family by members of the military, American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars at the deceased's funeral already folded as a triangle. You can always buy a triangular box for the flag, but you can also build your own.

Step 1

Cut the 4 1/4-by-3/4 inch, 6-foot-long board into three pieces: two 20-inch-long pieces and one 26-inch-long piece. Cut each end of the boards at 45-degree angles so each piece will butt up together during assembly. Use a miter saw to make your cuts.

Step 2

Measure the thickness of the piece of Plexiglas and the hardboard. Cut a groove 1/4 inch from the edge of the 4 1/4-inch board that is thick enough for the Plexiglas to slide into. Make the groove 1/8 inch deep.

Step 3

Use a router along the edge of each of the three boards, and shape it as desired. This step is optional.

Step 4

Line up the two 45-degree-angle ends of the sides, and glue them together. Let the wood glue dry.

Step 5

Cut the Plexiglas to a dimension of 19 5/8 inches on two sides and 25 5/8 inches along the bottom. These dimensions will help compensate for the 3/4 inch that needs to be subtracted for the thickness of the board, but the 1/8 inch that needs to be added for the grooves.

Step 6

Slide the Plexiglas into place, and attach the bottom piece with wood glue, butting up the 45-degree angles.

Step 7

Cut the hardboard backing to 20 inches on two sides and 26 inches along the bottom.

Step 8

Place the folded flag into the box with the stars facing out. Add any military service medals into the box in front of the flag.

Step 9

Squeeze wood glue along the edges of the box. Press down the hardboard backing.