D.I.Y. cube storage unit

How to build a D.I.Y. cube storage unit

James, Team member
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Project Overview

You can never have enough storage around the home, especially in your bedroom. This easy-to-build cube storage unit looks great and can be designed to suit your space. We’ll show you how to build it and all the tools and materials you’ll need.

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Man measuring tile on work bench before cutting
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Measure twice, cut once

You can rub out a pencil mark but you can’t undo a cut from your saw. Whether you are working with timber, tiles, glass or any other building material, you should always double check your measurements before you cut.

Step by Step Instructions

1 Cut the plywood to size
2 Make the frame for the unit
3 Lay out the first shelf and dividers
4 Fix the first shelf and dividers to the frame
5 Build the second shelf
6 Fix the second shelf
7 Build the third shelf
8 Attach the third shelf
9 Attach the casters
10 Sand and paint the storage unit
11 Move it into place

  • Step 1. Cut the plywood to size

    After choosing the size of the cube storage unit you’re going to build, have your plywood pre-cut at your local Bunnings. For the frame of the unit, we cut both 600mm x 2250mm sheets in half lengthways to make four pieces that measure 300mm x 2250mm. Then we cut two of these at 1330mm for the sides and two at 1200mm for the top and bottom.

    For the shelves and the dividers, cut the 2400mm x 1200mm x 17mm ply into 300mm pieces along the 2400mm length to give you eight pieces. Cut four of these at 1200mm and cut seven at 400mm.

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    Cut the plywood to size

  • Step 2. Make the frame for the unit

    Take the two 1330mm pieces of ply and lay them down on their edge. Sit the two 1200mm piece of ply in between them to complete the frame. Make sure it’s all squared up, and then pre-drill and countersink holes to connect it together. Join it together using the 50mm screws.

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    Making the frame for the cube unit

  • Step 3. Lay out the first shelf and dividers

    Now the frame is together, it’s time to set out the first shelf. Working from the bottom of the unit up, place one of the 1200mm shelves in the frame. Space three of the dividers evenly along the bottom of the frame. Measure and mark where you want the dividers to go on both the shelf and the frame. 

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    Lay out the first shelf and dividers

  • Step 4. Fix the first shelf and dividers to the frame

    Use a set square to make sure the dividers are straight and square. Then use the drill and 30mm screws to fix the dividers to the base of the frame. Drill the 50mm screws through the sides of the unit to secure the shelf to the frame. 

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    Person screwing the first shelf and dividers to the frame

  • Step 5. Build the second shelf

    A good tip is to build the second shelf outside the unit. This will allow you to hide the screws. With another piece of 1200mm x 300 ply, measure and mark where you want to position the dividers. In the one we made, we only used one divider. Making sure it’s square, use the 30mm screws to fix the divider to the shelf. 
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    Person attaching the third cube shelf

  • Step 6. Fix the second shelf

    Place the second shelf and divider inside the frame on top of the first shelf. This creates a double thickness shelf. Use the 30mm screws to secure the second shelf to the first. Drill the 50mm screws through the sides of the unit to secure the shelf to the frame.

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    Person screwing the second shelf

  • Step 7. Build the third shelf

    Take the last piece of 1200mm x 300mm ply and your last three 400mm dividers. Space them evenly along the 1200mm piece of ply, and then screw them into place using the 30mm screws. 

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    Person screwing together the third shelf

  • Step 8. Attach the third shelf

    Lower the shelf into the frame to create another double thickness shelf. Use the 30mm screws to secure the shelf to the frame. Drill the 50mm screws through the sides of the unit to secure the shelf to the frame.

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    Person attaching the third cube shelf

  • Step 9. Attach the casters

    Fix the four casters to the base of the unit using 30mm screws.

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    Person attaching a caster wheel to the frame

  • Step 10. Sand and paint the storage unit

    Use 120 grit sandpaper to sand back the storage unit. Now it’s time to paint or stain the storage unit which will give it a great finish. You can be as creative as you like and paint all of it or just a few of the cubes. 

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    Sand and paint the storage unity

  • Step 11. Move it into place

    Once the paint is dry, you can move the storage unit into place.
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    cube storage

Tools and Materials

Tools

  • 3mm drill bit
  • Countersink drill bit
  • Combination square
  • Dust mask
  • Ear protection
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Power sander
  • Safety glasses with side shields

Materials

  • 600mm x 2250mm x 30mm plywood x 2
  • 2400mm x 1200mm x 17mm plywood
  • 50mm chipboard screws
  • 30mm chipboard screws
  • 65mm casters x 4
  • 120 grit sandpaper
  • Paint or stain

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