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Storage & Shelving

DIY Cube Storage – Custom Cube Organizer

Step-by-step build — 8 steps. Also available as a print sheet.

  1. 1Cut Wood To Size

    Follow the cut list to get all pieces to size using a miter saw, then sand any rough edges. An optional (and slightly cheaper but more difficult) alternative to 1"x10"x8' boards is to cut pieces from a 3/4"x4'x8' sheet.

    DIY Cube Storage – Custom Cube Organizer — step photo 1
  2. 2Drill Pocket Holes & Mark Lines

    • Drill three pocket holes into either end of the Middle Shelf (1"x10"71-1/4"), and the two Short Side boards (1"x10"x17-1/4"). Draw lines where the shelves will be placed at the intervals pictured (equates to 8-1/4" intervals with 3/4" between).
    • Place lines on the back and front of the middle shelf, and one side of each short side board.
    DIY Cube Storage – Custom Cube Organizer — step photo 2
  3. 3Drill Pocket Holes in Shelves

    Next drill three pocket holes into either end of each 1"x10"x8-1/4" shelf. 7 shelves should have consistent pocket holes in the center and edges, the next 7 shelves should be staggered so that the holes are just off center from the first set of 7 pocket holes. This is so screws don't overlap and hit each other.

    DIY Cube Storage – Custom Cube Organizer — step photo 3
  4. 4Attach the first 7 Shelves

    Attach the first seven 8-1/4" shelves to the 71-1/4" middle shelf. Use the guide lines you drew.

    DIY Cube Storage – Custom Cube Organizer — step photo 4
  5. 5Attach the Next 7 Shelves

    • Flip over the middle shelf piece you just worked on.
    • Attach the next seven 8-1/4" shelves (the ones with off-set pocket holes) to the opposite side of the 71-1/4" middle shelf, using the guide lines you drew. Use the longer 1-1/4" Kreg screws for this step...this is why it is important that the pocket holes don't line up, you don't want screws running into each other.
    DIY Cube Storage – Custom Cube Organizer — step photo 5
  6. 6Attach Short Sides

    Attach the two short sides (1"x10"x17-1/4")to either end of the unit you have been building. Use the guide lines to center the pieces.

    DIY Cube Storage – Custom Cube Organizer — step photo 6
  7. 7Attach Long Side

    In order to attach the long sides (1"x10"72-3/4") place it on a flat work surface and place the unit you just assembled on top. Using a right angle screw driver attach both outside ends first, then use a square to ensure each 8-14" shelf is straight and attach those to the long side board below.

    DIY Cube Storage – Custom Cube Organizer — step photo 7
  8. 8Attach Final Long Side

    • Place the final long side on a flat work surface, and just as before place the unit atop.
    • Attach via either end first, then the 8-14" shelves. Optionally fill holes and paint or stain.
    DIY Cube Storage – Custom Cube Organizer — step photo 8