How to Build Wall Cubbies

By: Chrystle Fiedler

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. One quarter-sheet of ½-inch birch-veneer plywood

2. One quarter-sheet of luaun or ¼-inch plywood

3. 4d finish nails

4. 1-inch box nails

5. 120-grit sandpaper

6. Stainable wood glue

7. Stainable wood putty

8. Clear acrylic finish or latex paint

9. Acrylic artist’s paint

10. ½ yard of fabric

11. ¼-inch staples

12. ¼-inch staples

13. 2-inch screws with corresponding washers and wall anchors

14. Velcro tape

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Tape measure
- Straightedge ruler
- Jigsaw, circular saw, or handsaw
- Safety glasses
- Random-orbit sander or sanding block
- Bar clamps
- Hammer and nailset
- Putty knife
- 2-inch paintbrush
- Artist's brush
- Staple gun
- Drill/driver fitted with 1/16-inch drill bits
- Screwdriver
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Product Gallery
Product selections for this project
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Photo: Wendell T. Webber

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
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1. Lay out and cut the parts

Using a tape measure and straightedge, mark up some birch veneer plywood to make the two 12-by-12-inch top and bottom pieces and the two 11-by-12-inch sides. Also, mark up some lauan to make one piece that’s 12 by 12 inches and one that’s 11 by 11 inches. Clamp the plywood tightly to a worktable. Then, using a jigsaw (a handsaw or circular saw will also work), cut the four sides.

To parents: Here’s a chance to do a stealth math problem with your kids. Ask them why the two sides have to be shorter than the other parts to make a perfect cube.