Build A Budget-Friendly Cube Shelf Using A Dollar Tree Kitchen Essential

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Cube shelves are versatile storage solutions you can use anywhere in your home, from your kitchen, bedroom, and kids' playroom to your library, family room, and home office. However, if you're not in the mood to spend your hard-earned money on mass-produced pieces, you can build one yourself. You just need one Dollar Tree kitchen essential — the humble Cooking Concepts Bamboo Cutting Board — to make it happen. Adhere them together using a type of glue you likely have on hand for your home (think wood glue or strong multipurpose adhesives like E6000), and your cube shelf will be ready.

Besides being budget-friendly, this DIY project isn't time or effort-intensive. However, you will have to wait a while for the glue to cure (depending on the type you go for) before you can store your essentials. Another advantage is that you can customize the cubby per your requirements. For instance, if you need a horizontal one with multiple cubbies, you can keep on gluing the boards and stacking them one on top of the other. Alternatively, create a couple of two or tie tier shelves and push them together for increased flexibility and mobility. And in case you need a contemporary-style vertical shelf, feel free to arrange the panels based on your preference. Whichever way you go, plan out your design prior to gluing the boards. Bonus tip: Avoid using just hot glue to create your inexpensive cube shelf. This is because the bond between the boards wouldn't be strong enough, and they might come undone after a while, particularly if they're subjected to humidity.

Start by determining the shelf's purpose. Do you need it to display some knick-knacks, decor, or memorabilia in your living room? Or, will it serve as an organizer for your children's toys? Perhaps it'll come in handy for all the new books you just bought? This will help you plan the design of your cube and finalize how big or small it needs to be. Don't skip this step, or you won't be able to calculate the number of cutting boards you need to buy. To illustrate, if you want a three-tier shelf with open cubbies, you'll need 10 boards (four for the central one and three each for the other two) to make it happen. But if you have a more complicated design in mind, sketch it out first to accurately count the number of planks you need. After all, you don't want to stop your project midway because you ran out of boards.

Once you have the required number of boards, start gluing their edges in a square shape to craft a cube. Be generous since you want a sturdy cubby for your items. Ensure the panels are straight, else they'll look crooked after they're cured. In case they keep caving in, try adding a dollop of hot glue to the two edges on each side of the board to assist them. After one cube is complete, make it your center point and continue adding boards to its sides to expand your shelf. Keep going till you have your desired design, then set it aside for a while so it can cure properly.

In case you're a fan of rustic decor, you can use your cube shelf as soon as it's cured. Or, stain the panels to complement your home's decor better. However, if you want to make your cube storage look more mature so it suits your adult home, the easiest way to upgrade its look is to paint it. Pick a neutral tone when you want the flexibility to move it between rooms without issues. It's also a good option when you want this storage solution to blend in the background and not draw attention away from your interiors. A bold pop of color will make sense when you want the organizer to stand out.

Other ways to make it seem more pretty is to stick decals on top of the boards. Choose a design that's evergreen and gels well with the rest of your decor. Otherwise, it'll look out of place. You can give your shelf feet, too, so the bottommost cubbies don't remain flush with the floor. Moreover, this simple hack will elevate your cube storage units so they look stylish and expensive. These 1 to 1½ inch 40 mm Blank Wood Dice by Ourtroness will go well with your cutting board shelf. Just space them evenly and use six to eight pieces for each panel, depending on how tall it is and the amount of weight you want it to hold. And if you want the organizer to hide your clutter from prying eyes, get an extra board for each cubby and screw in small hinges to fashion a door prior to adding knobs.