How to Build Cube Shelves

Cube shelves are among the easiest and most functional types of shelving systems you can opt to build. These shelves are basically composed of a series of cube-shaped compartments incorporated into a unit.

Cube shelves commonly include box-shaped compartments of the same size, although their dimensions can also vary. The size all depends on the items one wishes to store in them.

They are straightforward to build, and anyone with some basic woodworking skills can build them on his or her own. Here are the basic steps involved in accomplishing this task.

Step 1 - Plan

Decide where you would like to place your cube shelves. Ascertain what you need to store in them. You can plan the dimensions accordingly when building the cubes.

Step 2 - Cut the Wood

Cut the wood in the dimensions you determined. Make sure to exercise caution while cutting and wear gloves and safety glasses as precautionary measures.

Step 3 - Sand

Once all the wood planks have been cut, it is important to sand them so as to remove the chippings and rough parts, especially on the sides where the saw was used. After sanding, wipe them with a damp cloth to get rid of the dust particles. This is especially important if you intend to paint them. Otherwise, the coating of the paint will not be neat and smooth.

Step 4 - Paint

If you wish to paint your cube shelves, it is best to do so before the assembling stage. It will allow you to better reach all the parts and apply a much neater coating of paint.

Use paint in a tone that complements the color scheme of the room where the shelves will be placed. You may need to apply more than one coat for a better finish. When ready, allow it to dry well.

Step 5 - Assemble the Cubes

Start mounting the side panels of each cube shelf onto the common base. You may find it helpful to have somebody hold them for you. You can either glue them with wood glue and secure them with screws, or else fix brackets at each corner. The latter scenario is especially suitable for cases where each storage cube is of a substantial size, and if the weight of the items you intend to store in it is relatively large.

The most important part of the process is to move slowly and achieve a right angle at each part, so as to achieve a neat result. If you are going to retain the cube shelves individually, you have to attach the upper part, and then the back panel.

If you are going to mount all the cube shelves in one unit, you can mount the top panel for each individual cube, but then skip the step of attaching the back panel. Once all the cubes have been assembled in terms of sides, base and top, you can attach them together to incorporate them in a single unit, and then fix the back panel that will encompass all the cubes' backs.

Step 6 - Finish up

You may wish to apply wood putty where the screws were inserted. If you painted the cubes, apply paint in these areas to make them neater and less noticeable.