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How to build a cube storage cabinet

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cube storage cabinets are a great way to keep your home organised and tidy.


This guide will show you how to build a cabinet by adding a timber top and legs to a cube storage unit. You can customise this project to suit any type and size of unit.

 

As this project involves power tools, please follow all safety guidelines provided by manufacturers and use the recommended protective gear, including safety glasses and a face mask.

Steps

Step 1

Assemble the cube storage unit.

 

Unbox your cube storage unit and place it on a flat surface.

 

Start assembling the pieces as per the instructions. Ensure you tighten all fixings securely.

 

 

1.1 Unboxing storage unit.png  1.2 Assembling storage unit.png  1.3 Tightening fixings of storage unit.png

 

Step 2

Attach leg plates and legs to the cube storage unit.

 

Position the leg plates in all four corners of the unit. Mark their locations through the central hole.

 

Now measure approximately 20mm away from the tip of your 8mm drill bit. Apply masking tape at that point. This tape will prevent you from drilling completely through the unit's base.

 

Remove the leg plates and drill 20mm deep holes in the marked points with your drill driver. 

 

Return the leg plates to position, ensuring their central holes are aligned with your drilled holes. Attach the leg plates to the unit using three 20mm button screws per plate. Screw the legs onto the unit.

 

2.1 Positioning and marking leg adaptor.png  2.2 Applying marking tape to drill bit.png  2.3 Drilling hole for leg bolt.png  2.4 Leg bolt hole aligned.png  2.5 Attaching leg plate to storage unit.png  2.6 Screwing leg onto plate.png

Step 3

Measure and cut the timber panel.

 

Place your timber panel on top of the unit. Allow a small overhang on one end and measure the distance from the panel to the edge of the unit. Now measure and mark the opposite end of the panel the same distance away from the other edge of the unit. I marked a point 270mm away from the edge of my panel, allowing for a small and equal overhang on each side of the unit.

 

Mark a straight line across the panel at your marked point. Clamp a straight piece of timber offset near the line. This will help keep your circular saw in position while cutting. Cut the panel to length.

 

Remove any rough or sharp edges from the cut panel with a sanding pad.

 

3.1 Positioning top with overhang.png  3.2 Excess overhang to be removed.png  3.3 Marking top to length.png  3.4 Marked cut line.png  3.5 Straight edge fixed in position.png  3.6 Cutting top to length.png  3.7 Top cut to length.png  3.8 Sanding rough cut edges.png

 

 

 

Step 4

Attach the cut panel to the cube storage unit.

 

Place the cut timber panel on the unit. Position it so there's an even overhang on each side.

 

Measure 45mm away from the tip of your 3mm drill bit. Apply masking tape at that point. This tape will prevent you from drilling completely through the timber panel.

 

Drill four holes through the top of the unit into the panel.

 

Now take four 45mm screws and place four countersunk washers on them. Use these screws to attach the timber panel to the unit. 

 

You should now have a cube storage cabinet with a top and legs.

 

4.1 Applying marking tape to drill bit.png  4.2 Predrilling holes for top screws.png  4.3 Fixing top to unit with screws.png  4.4 Fixing screw in position.png

Step 5

Attach the cube storage cabinet to your wall to prevent it from toppling forward.

 

Position the cabinet in your desired location. Locate two wall studs with your stud finder. Here are tips on how to use a stud finder.

 

Now attach two angle brackets to the underside of the top of the cabinet using 20mm screws. Attach the brackets to the wall studs using 45mm screws.

 

If you have a masonry wall, you can install plastic wall plugs for attachment.

 

Place your cube inserts in the cabinet and style it accordingly.

 

You have successfully built a cube storage cabinet.

 

5.1 Attaching bracket to top.png  5.2 Attaching bracket to wall.png  5.3 Bracket attached.png  5.4 Finshed unit.png

Materials

Tools

  • Drill driver
  • Circular saw
  • 3mm long drill bit
  • 8mm drill bit
  • Marker
  • Masking tape
  • Clamps
  • Sanding pad
  • Stud finder
  • Safety gear, like safety glasses and face mask.

Images

1.1 Unboxing storage unit.png  1.2 Assembling storage unit.png  1.3 Tightening fixings of storage unit.png  2.1 Positioning and marking leg adaptor.png  2.2 Applying marking tape to drill bit.png  2.3 Drilling hole for leg bolt.png  2.4 Leg bolt hole aligned.png  2.5 Attaching leg plate to storage unit.png  2.6 Screwing leg onto plate.png  3.1 Positioning top with overhang.png  3.2 Excess overhang to be removed.png  3.3 Marking top to length.png  3.4 Marked cut line.png  3.5 Straight edge fixed in position.png  3.6 Cutting top to length.png  3.7 Top cut to length.png  3.8 Sanding rough cut edges.png  4.1 Applying marking tape to drill bit.png  4.2 Predrilling holes for top screws.png  4.3 Fixing top to unit with screws.png  4.4 Fixing screw in position.png  5.1 Attaching bracket to top.png  5.2 Attaching bracket to wall.png  5.3 Bracket attached.png  5.4 Finshed unit.png

 

2 Replies
tts1980
Getting Established

Nice! Thanks for the guide. I was wondering if it is possible to install castor instead of legs using the same process?

 

Is it okay to have a taller shelf by not installing some of the parts? Thinking of the 2x4 cubes horizontally and I was thinking of having compartments that are 2 cubes tall. So it would look like 2x1, 2x2, 2x1.

JacobZ
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Hi @tts1980,

 

Installing castors in the same locations @MitchellMc has installed legs will be fine assuming you use a caster with wheels rated to support the weight of the cabinet as well as anything stored in it. For example, a single Move It 50mm 70kg Twin Wheel Castor With Swivel Brake can support 70kg, so four of them can support 280kg. I'd also strongly suggest using castors with a brake to ensure the cabinet can be locked in position and won't move unintentionally.

 

I'm not 100% certain what you are proposing in terms of altering the layout. Is it possible for you to sketch the basic design you are looking to achieve?

 

It would likely not be possible to simply leave parts out, as the structure is designed so the compartments provide support and lateral bracing, but it may be possible to customise the cabinet to your design, but you may need to purchase additional materials and hardware.

 

Once you've gotten back to me, I'll happily offer further assistance.

 

Jacob

 

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