Classic Cubby Series
Build your own 6-cubby bookshelf for stylish, affordable organization. Perfect for books, baskets, toys, or decor, this beginner-friendly woodworking project is simple to construct using basic tools and budget-friendly lumber. Its versatile, timeless design easily complements any room or decor style. Customize your bookshelf with paint or stain to match your space. include shopping and cut lists, clear diagrams, and detailed building instructions. Features: • Easy, beginner-level woodworking project • Ideal for storing books, baskets, toys, and decor • Versatile and customizable size and finish • Solid, durable design built from readily available lumber • Matches other units from the Classic Cubby Series ( 4-cubby and 9-cubby versions also available) • Includes, cut list, shopping list, and diagrams
Specifications
| Project type | Bookshelf and Bookcase Plans |
|---|---|
| Room | Storage Solutions |
| Style | Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Estimated cost | $50 - $100 |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
- 1 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 1x12 @ 12 feet long
- 4 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
- Optional moulding (6 foot stick of 2 1/4" base moulding)
- Shelf pins (if using)
- Either 1 1/4" pocket hole screws or 2" self tapping wood screws
- 1 1/4" brad nails
- Wood glue
- Finishing Supplies
NOTE: You will not need all of the tools shown - only those that apply to what you are doing. For example, you will not need a miter saw if you are not adding base moulding.
Cut List
BOX
- 1 - 1x12 @ 30 1/4"
- 2 - 1x12 @ 45 1/2"
- 1 - 1x12 @ 42 3/4"
- 4 - 1x12 @ 14"
FACEFRAMES
- 4 - 1x2 @ 44 3/4"
- 2 - 1x2 @ 30 1/4"
- 2 - 1x2 @ 27 1/4"
- 1 - 1x2 @ 41 1/4"
- Optional moulding is cut to fit.
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- hearing protection
- kreg-jig
- drill
- circular saw
- jigsaw
- compound miter saw
- nailer
- countersink drill bit
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
You can build either with pocket holes or countersunk screws. It's fully framed, so you could even build with nails and glue, but I recommend screws for added insurance. Your shelves are 14" wide, so center the center partition leaving 14" on each side. That's 14 3/4" if you are measuring from the outsides. Make sure you leave a 2" gap under neath the bottom shelf. It may make more sense at this stage to drill your shelf pins if you are using adjustable shelves. If you are using fixed shelves, it will make more sense to add them right now - see step 4.
Step 2
Now construct your back face frame and attach to back. Middle divider should be nailed to middle partition. Note that there is a 1 1/4" gap under the bottom trim. Sorry, don't know why I didn't mark that in the plans!
Step 3
Followed by the front face frame...
Step 4
And then the shelves.
Step 5
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/classic-cubby-series-tall-6-cubby-bookshelf