How To Make Cube Wall Shelves: A Personal Experience
As a lover of minimalist home decor, I’ve always been drawn to cube wall shelves. They’re sleek, functional, and add just the right amount of visual interest to any room. But when I started looking for pre-made options to buy, I was disappointed by the lack of quality and high prices. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and make my own cube wall shelves. Here’s how I did it.
Step-by-Step Guide
Materials:
- Wooden boards (cut to desired size)
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Screws
- Drill
- Paint or stain (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut your wooden boards to the desired size for your shelves. Make sure you have enough for the top, bottom, and sides of each cube.
- Sand down any rough edges or corners.
- Apply wood glue to the edges of the bottom board and attach the side boards. Use clamps to hold them in place while the glue dries.
- Once the glue is dry, drill pilot holes and screw the top board onto the sides.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each cube.
- Optional: Paint or stain your cubes to match your decor.
- Hang your cubes on the wall using screws or a mounting system.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
1. Choose the right wood for your shelves. Hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry are durable and long-lasting. Softwoods like pine or spruce are more affordable but may not hold up as well over time.
2. Measure your wall space carefully before cutting your boards. You don’t want to end up with shelves that are too big or too small for the area.
3. Consider adding backing to your shelves for added stability and to prevent items from falling out the back.
4. Use a level to ensure your shelves are straight when hanging them on the wall.
5. Experiment with different arrangements and configurations for your shelves. Try stacking them vertically, horizontally, or in a pattern.
6. Use your shelves to display books, plants, photos, or other decorative items.
7. If you’re painting your shelves, use a primer first to ensure the paint adheres properly.
8. If you’re staining your shelves, test the stain on a small piece of wood first to ensure you like the color.
9. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different sizes and shapes of shelves for a more eclectic look.
10. Have fun with it! Making your own shelves is a great way to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your home decor.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Customizable to fit your specific needs and preferences
- Can be more affordable than buying pre-made shelves
- A fun and rewarding DIY project
Cons:
- Requires some basic woodworking skills and tools
- May take longer than buying pre-made shelves
- May not be as sturdy or durable as professionally-made shelves
My Personal Review and Suggestion
Overall, I’m very happy with how my DIY cube wall shelves turned out. They were a bit time-consuming to make, but the end result was well worth it. I love that I was able to customize them to fit my specific needs and style, and they look great on my wall. If you’re considering making your own cube wall shelves, I would definitely recommend it. Just be sure to take your time and follow the instructions carefully.
Question & Answer
Q: Can I make cube wall shelves without any woodworking experience?
A: It’s possible, but it may be more challenging. If you’re new to woodworking, I would recommend starting with a simpler project to build up your skills and confidence first.
Q: How do I determine the best size for my cube wall shelves?
A: Consider the size of the wall space where you’ll be hanging the shelves, the size of the items you’ll be displaying, and your personal preferences. You can also experiment with different sizes by using cardboard or paper cutouts to visualize the size and arrangement before cutting your wood.
FAQs
Q: How many cubes should I make?
A: That depends on your specific needs and the size of your wall space. Consider how many items you need to display and the overall look you’re going for.
Q: Can I use different types of wood for my cubes?
A: Yes, you can use any type of wood that you like. Just be aware that different woods may have different durability and stability characteristics.
Q: Do I need to use clamps when gluing my boards together?
A: It’s recommended to use clamps to hold your boards in place while the glue dries. This will ensure a tight and sturdy bond.