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A standing storage tower with a shaped profile, an open lower bin, and two upper cubbies behind a lipped front apron — no lid, no pinch points, just open-access storage a toddler can use unsupervised.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sides Cut the shaped profile on one, then use it as a pattern for the second. | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 31 1/2" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Bottom | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 33" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Top Overhangs the sides and front by 1/2". | 1 | 3/4" × 7 1/4" × 35 1/2" | 1x8 | ☐ |
| Middle shelf | 1 | 3/4" × 9 1/4" × 33" | 1x10 | ☐ |
| Cubby dividers Trace the side's cut profile onto these before cutting so they match the case's shape. | 2 | 3/4" × 9 1/4" × 12 1/4" | 1x10 | ☐ |
| Back | 1 | 1/4" × 32 1/4" × 34 1/2" | 1/4" plywood | ☐ |
| Front apron | 1 | 3/4" × 9 1/4" × 34 1/2" | 1x10 | ☐ |
| Cubby front lip A 1x6 gives a deeper lip if the cubbies need to contain small loose items rather than books. | 1 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 34 1/2" | 1x4 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 1x12, 8 ft Sides and bottom. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1x10, 8 ft Shelf, cubby dividers, and front apron. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1x8, 3 ft Top. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1x4, 3 ft (or 1x6 for small loose toys) Cubby front lip — size up to 1x6 if the cubbies will hold Legos or cars rather than books. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1/4" plywood or hardboard, half sheet The back — reinforces the whole case. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4", or brad nails, 1-1/4" | 40 each | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 4 oz | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Circular Saw, Pocket Hole Jig, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: 1x12, 8 ft
Take the two side boards, mark the profile carefully, and cut with a circular saw — clamp the boards securely to a work surface and start the cut from the shorter end, which is easier than starting at a steep angle. Use the first cut side as a pattern to trace and cut the second, then sand both cut edges smooth now, while they're easy to reach.
If you're using pocket holes, drill 3/4" pocket holes on the insides of the tops now, before assembly — the two sides mirror each other.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 1x12, 8 ft, Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4", or brad nails, 1-1/4", Wood glue
Attach the bottom to the sides with pocket holes, or nails and glue — the project is reinforced enough by the back and front aprons that either approach holds up fine. Elevating the bottom on scrap 2x2 blocks while you attach the sides gives you a consistent 1-1/2" gap without measuring it fresh at each corner.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 1x8, 3 ft, Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4", or brad nails, 1-1/4", Wood glue
The top overhangs the sides and front by 1/2". Nail it to the sides with glue, or attach with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws if you drilled for them.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Circular Saw. Materials: 1x10, 8 ft, Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4", or brad nails, 1-1/4", Wood glue
Hold each divider next to a side, trace the side's cut profile onto it, and cut to match with a circular saw. Set the dividers back inside the case next to the sides to use as spacers for positioning the middle shelf, then attach the shelf to the sides with pocket holes or nails and ample glue from outside.
Nail the dividers in place with an even spacing between them and the sides.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1x10, 8 ft, 1x4, 3 ft (or 1x6 for small loose toys), Wood glue
Attach the front apron and cubby front lip to the sides and shelves with 1-1/4" nails and glue.
Consider a kid's name cut into or painted on the front apron.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: 1/4" plywood or hardboard, half sheet, Wood glue
Nail the plywood back on with glue, sand the whole piece, and finish.