DIY Bookshelf Cubes

Cube bookshelves are simple yet functional.

A cube bookshelf has a simple form, with each of its cubbie holes the exact same cubical size. You can build a cube bookshelf out of eight pieces of 1-by-10 board and a handful of wood screws with only a few tools. Unlike many other designs, this shelf will use solid boards for the shelves instead of cutting them apart to separately form each cube.

Things You'll Need

• 1-by-10 boards
• Saw
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Drill
• 1/16-inch bit
• 1 1/2-inch wood screws
• Screwdriver
• Paint or stain

Instructions

1. Cut four 54-inch pieces of 1-by-10 board with a saw, then cut four 52 1/2-inch pieces.

2. Make a pencil line every 18 inches along two of the 54-inch boards, dividing them into thirds. Do the same every 17 1/2 inches along two of the 52 1/2-inch boards, dividing these into equal thirds as well.

3. Cut two notches into each of these boards at the pencil lines. Each notch should be 3/4-inch wide and extend halfway into the board's width. Both notches should be on the same side of each board.

4. Stand the two 54-inch notched pieces on their sides with the notches facing up, then slide the notches of the other boards down over them. The result is a shape like a tic tac toe grid that is lying on the floor.

5. Assemble the other four boards in a box around the grid. The 54-inch pieces should go on the same sides as the 54-inch pieces in the grid.

6. Drill three 1/16-inch pilot holes in each corner of the box, then assemble each corner with three 1 1/2-inch wood screws.

7. Drill three pilot holes into each of the eight connections between the grid and box, and use three wood screws per connection to secure the bookshelf together.

8. Stand the bookshelf up and put it where you want it. You can paint or stain the bookshelf if desired, or leave it as raw wood color.

References

• MI Stupid: Lumber Dimensions
• Inventive Home Improvement: How to Build a Cube Bookshelf