Whether you’re looking for extra storage, a spot to grab brekkie or more bench space in your kitchen, this clever cube shelving hack serves up the goods.
It even has wheels so you can shift your island bench where you need. An easy hack – all on a shoestring budget!
Gather your supplies
- IKEA Kallax 77 x 147cm shelving unit
- IKEA Kallax insert with 2 drawers (2)
- 2400 x 1200 x 19mm plywood
- 1200 x 600 x 16mm contoured MDF
panels (2) - 2200 x 600 x 26mm Hevea panel
- 75mm PVC castor wheels (4)
- 12g 30mm hex screws
- Construction adhesive
- 2.4 metres 40 x 12mm Tasmanian oak
- Porter’s Paint Aqua Satin Enamel in
- Cabot’s Interior Stain in walnut
- Benchtop satin sealer
You’ll also need
- Allen key
- Scraper
- Filler
- 80 and 120-grit sandpaper
- Tape measure
- Combination square
- Hand saw and mitre block
- Circular saw
- Primer
- Roller and tray
- Drill and bits
- Hammer
- Bullet nails
- Caulk gun
- Connector bolts
Step 1
Use the Allen key to tighten fixings on the sides of the cube shelving unit, then apply filler to fixing holes with a scraper. Allow to dry, then sand flush to the surface.
Step 2
Measure and mark out all components using a tape measure, combination square and pencil. Cut out Benchtop, Back, Base and Wine rack components using a circular saw. Cut Shelf strips with a mitre block and hand saw. Sand sawn edges with sandpaper.
When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, a mask and earmuffs, and tie your hair back. Get help when lifting heavy or large components.
Safety notes
Step 3
Apply construction adhesive to the bottom of the cube unit and attach Base flush to edges. Clamp Base to the unit’s bottom and allow to dry.
Step 4
Use a roller to apply primer to the sides, front and all internal surfaces of the cube shelving unit and edges of the Base. Allow to dry. Repeat for the fronts of the drawer inserts and both sides of the Back panel.
Don’t skip the priming when painting fibreboard furniture for a smooth and professional finish, with paint that won’t chip.
Project tip
Step 5
Use a roller to apply two coats of enamel paint to the sides and edges of the Base, and the front and internal surfaces of the cube unit. Let dry between coats. Repeat for drawer fronts and edges, and both sides
of Back panel.
Step 6
Flip cube unit onto its front. Apply construction adhesive to the back edges and centre of the Back panel, then attach to the back of the cube unit. To secure, use a 2mm drill bit to drill eight equally spaced holes through the Back panel into the edge of the cube unit. Insert bullet nails and hammer flush. Repeat on side edges and across the centre.
Step 7
Position castors onto corners of base, with brake castors diagonally opposite. Secure castors to corners of base with hex screws. Flip cube upright and apply brakes.
Ensure castor wheels are weight rated to a minimum of 40kg per castor.
Project tip
Step 8
Drill eight holes through the the top of the cube unit (two per cube). With help, lay Benchtop on top, flush to the unit’s front and with 100mm overhang at each end. With Benchtop supported in place, insert and tighten screws from the unit’s underside into the Benchtop.
Step 9
Use a sander and 80-grit sandpaper to smooth Benchtop edges and top.
Step 10 (optional shelf ledges)
Assemble two Shelf strips into an L shape, then glue in place by applying PVA glue along the edge of one strip. Predrill four equally spaced 1mm holes along the join, insert nails and hammer flush. Apply glue to the front edge of the ledge and attach a Shelf strip flush to the front. Clamp and let dry. Drill two mounting holes through the back strip, 30mm in from both ends. To attach to the island, measure two lines across one side of the cube unit, 350mm and 700mm from the top edge. Drill corresponding holes through the island and attach ledges with connector bolts.
Step 11
With a paintbrush, evenly apply stain in the direction of the grain of the Benchtop, Shelf strip and Wine rack components. Maintain a wet edge to avoid streaks. Allow to dry. Sand any raised grain with 120-grit sandpaper. Wipe away dust. Apply two coats of benchtop sealer to components.
