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An open-cubby hutch that mounts above a storage-bed headboard — one shallow box, sized to twin or full, no drawers to fuss with.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top and bottom (twin) Use these lengths for a twin headboard; see full-size lengths below. | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 39 1/4" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Top and bottom (full) | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 54 3/4" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Cubby dividers (twin) | 5 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 10 1/2" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Cubby dividers (full) | 7 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 10 1/2" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Plywood back (twin) | 1 | 1/4" × 12" × 39 1/4" | 1/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Plywood back (full) | 1 | 1/4" × 12" × 54 3/4" | 1/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Front top/bottom trim (twin) | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 39 1/4" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Front top/bottom trim (full) | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 54 3/4" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Side trim | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 9 3/4" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Bottom face trim (twin) | 1 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 54 3/4" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Bottom face trim (full) | 1 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 54 3/4" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 1x12 board, 8 ft (Pine) Top, bottom, and the seven cubby dividers. | 2 each | ☐ |
| 1/4" plywood, hardboard, or beadboard, 4x8 sheet Back panel — any of the three works; beadboard reads more finished. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1x2 board, 8 ft (Pine) | 2 each | ☐ |
| 1x3 board, 8 ft (Pine) | 1 each | ☐ |
| Finish nails, 1-1/4" | 60 each | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 4 oz | ☐ |
| Wood screws, 2" Optional, for anyone building this without a nailer. | 20 each | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Drill Bit Set, Speed Square, Tape Measure. Materials: 1x12 board, 8 ft, Finish nails, 1-1/4", Wood glue
Cut the top, bottom, and dividers to length for whichever size (twin or full) matches your headboard, then assemble into a simple box: dividers sandwiched between the top and bottom boards, evenly spaced to create equal cubby openings.
Glue every joint and, if you have a nailer, tack it together with 1-1/4" finish nails while the glue sets — otherwise pilot-drill and drive 2" screws. Check the box for square with a diagonal measurement before you move on; there's no frame to hide a racked box behind here.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1/4" plywood, hardboard, or beadboard, 4x8 sheet, Wood glue
Cut the 1/4" back panel to match the outside dimensions of the box and nail it on with 1-1/4" finish nails and glue, keeping edges flush. The back is what keeps the whole thing square long-term, so make sure it's actually cut square before you tack it down.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1x2 board, 8 ft, 1x3 board, 8 ft, Wood glue
Attach the 1x2 top and bottom trim across the front face, then the 1x3 along the very bottom edge, all with 1-1/4" finish nails and glue. This covers the raw edges of the top/bottom boards and gives the front a finished face-frame look.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1x2 board, 8 ft, Wood glue
Add the two side trim pieces the same way, flush to the top and bottom of the box.
Tools: Drill Bit Set, Level, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: Wood screws, 2"
Sand every edge, especially the cubby openings — hands and books go in and out of these constantly. Set the hutch on top of your headboard, check it's level side to side, and screw down through the bottom into the headboard framing.
Measure your actual headboard width before you cut anything: this is a tight, matched fit by design, not a generic shelf.