Low Toy Shelf
Draft · not yet checked by a carpenterSix cubes at kid height for bins of toys and books. Built like the cube bookshelf, one cube wider, and anchored to the wall.
- Skill
- Beginner
- Build time
- 4 to 5 hours, plus finish
- Lumber
- 3 1x12s and 1 1x2
- Joinery
- Pocket holes and screws
- Finished size
- 39″ L × 12″ W × 26¼″ H
What you need
A 1x12 is actually ¾″ × 11¼″ and a 1x2 is ¾″ × 1½″. Every measurement in this plan uses the real size.
Shopping list
- 21x12, 8 ftCommon or select pine. Look for flat boards with no cupping.
- 11x12, 6 ftCommon or select pine. Look for flat boards with no cupping.
- 11x2, 8 ftFor the back rails.
- ~401¼″ coarse-thread pocket-hole screws
- 81½″ wood screwsFor the back rails.
- 1Wood glue
- 1Furniture anti-tip strap kitTo anchor the shelf to a wall stud.
- —Wood filler and sandpaper, 120 and 180 grit
- opt.Paint or stain
Tools
- Miter saw or circular sawA 10″ miter saw cuts a 1x12 only if it slides; otherwise use a circular saw and a guide.
- Pocket-hole jigSet for ¾″ material.
- Drill/driver
- ClampsTwo that open 12″ or more.
- Speed square, tape measure, pencil
Cut list
Eleven pieces from four boards. Label each piece with its letter in pencil as you cut it.
| Part | Qty | Size, inches | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASides | 2 | ¾ × 11¼ × 26¼ | 1x12 |
| BShelvesBottom, middle and top. | 3 | ¾ × 11¼ × 37½ | 1x12 |
| CDividers | 4 | ¾ × 11¼ × 12 | 1x12 |
| DBack rails | 2 | ¾ × 1½ × 39 | 1x2 |
Board layout. Each row is one board, cut left to right, with the remainder hatched. Dark lines are saw cuts, about ⅛″ wide.
Build it
Six steps. The 3D view follows along as you scroll. The parts you're working on are yellow, and the pocket holes or screws for that step are red.
- 01
Cut the pieces
Cut the 1x12s and the 1x2:
- A Sides, two at 26¼″
- B Shelves, three at 37½″
- C Dividers, four at 12″
- D Back rails, two at 39″
Watch outEvery shelf and divider must be cut dead square, or the cubes won't close up tight. Clamp a speed square to the board as a saw guide if you're using a circular saw. - 02
Drill the pocket holes
Set your jig for ¾″ material:
- B shelves: 2 at each end, on the bottom face
- C dividers: 2 at each end, on the right-hand face
The holes in the bottom shelf face the floor, and the rest are out of sight once the bins go in.
- 03
Join the shelves to the sides
Mark the shelf positions on the inside of both sides (A): the bottom shelf flush with the bottom ends, the top shelf flush with the top, and the middle shelf with its bottom face 12¾″ up.
Stand the bottom shelf (B) between the sides, flush with their front edges, glue the ends and drive 1¼″ pocket screws. Do the same with the rest of the shelves.
- 04
Add the dividers
Fit the four dividers (C) into the openings, 12″ apart starting from the inside of the left side, flush at the front. Glue them and drive the pocket screws into the shelves above and below. Line each one up with the divider below it.
TipCut a 12″ spacer from scrap and stand it against the left side or the last divider. Push the next divider against it and every cube comes out the same. - 05
Add the back rails
Lay the case face down and check it's square corner to corner. Screw a back rail (D) across the back edges at the top and another at the bottom, flush with the ends: four 1½″ screws in each, into both sides and the shelf behind each divider.
The rails keep the case square and give you something solid to anchor to the wall.
- 06
Finish and anchor it
Fill the screw holes, sand with 120 then 180 grit, and paint or stain. Each cube is 12″ inside, so standard 11″ fabric bins fit.
Watch outAnchor it. Screw a furniture anti-tip strap through the top back rail into a wall stud. Kids climb anything that looks like stairs, and a shelf full of toys is heavy.
Build at your own risk. Check every measurement against your own lumber before you cut, test-fit before you glue, and wear eye and ear protection. Full disclaimer.
