These solid sandblasted storage cubes are very easy to construct – and perfect for small space living. You can store their books, cosmetics, decor items, remvital sleep aid and literally whatever you want.
Quick project guide
Hard labor – 3/10
Skill level – 4/10 (requires the use of power tools)
Time needed – about two hours (excluding drying time)
Finished size – 450 (H) x 450 (W) x 300mm (D)
Cost ~ $300
Project notes
• We used 38mm scaffold planking to make these cubes.
• We had our cubes sandblasted to accentuate the grain; you could seal the timber with a clear water-based varnish or a wood oil to protect it, but that will alter the appearance.
• We used high gloss enamel on the insides to create a perfect contrast.
Shopping list
• scaffold planks or salvaged timber (we used a 5 400 x 38mm plank)
• 20mm wooden dowel or rake handle
• 75mm chipboard screws
• wood glue
• primer and paint; we used Plascon Multi-Surface Primer followed by a high gloss enamel
Tools
• drill
• measuring tape
• 20mm Forstner or borer bit
• wire brush(es)
• miter/cut-off saw (optional)
• multi-sander
• backsaw
• corner clamp (optional)
• wooden mallet
Get started
1. After measuring and marking out the lengths, use a miter saw or cut-off saw to cut the planks to the required 450mm and 404mm lengths. Now draw lines 38mm from both ends of the longer 450mm lengths, as shown. Mark the positions of the two equally-spaced holes midway along this band.
2. Then use the drill and Forstner bit to drill the countersunk holes for the coach screws and dowel.
3. Now position the longer planks at right angles to the shorter planks and drill pilot holes. Drill through the top piece and about 30mm into the bottom plank, as shown.
4. Fix the longer planks to the shorter ones with the coach screws. Apply glue to both ends and then use the cordless drill to tighten the screws firmly in place. Repeat all the above steps to create two more cubes.
5. Apply a dab of wood glue into the holes, then tap the end of the rake handle or wooden dowel into the holes using the wooden mallet. Now use the backsaw to cut the dowel just above the surface of the timber. Repeat this and ‘dowel’ all the holes.
6. Use a sander to sand the dowels down so they are flush with the surface and to remove any pencil marks.
7. Use the drill and wire brush to create the ‘driftwood’ appearance, using the wire brush attachment to slowly work away at the soft grain of the timber.
8. After lightly sanding the inside surfaces, use a foam roller to apply a coat or two of primer, then finish the inside surfaces with high gloss enamel; we used three different colors.