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Easy Three Cube Bench

Easy Three Cube Bench
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Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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Easy to build shelves, organize any room of you home.


How cute is that?

We've already got the tower bookcases for the Cube Collection, and the Six Cube Bookshelf, so today's bench get's us half way through this collection.  I would love to add an eight cube tall bookshelf, storage bins and lockers, much like these ones from Land of Nod.  And the hutches and drawers look like just about anything could be stored in there.  Tempting.

But today we will just stick with this simple bench.  The bins shown are 11 1/2" cubes, and fit perfectly in this bench.  I love this collection because it is so simple and easy to build.

Pin For Later! 

Easy Three Cube Bench

Preparation

Shopping List

1 1x12, 12’ Long 3 1x2s, 8’ Length 2” Screws 1 1/4” Finish Nails 2” Finish Nails 1 Small Tube Wood Glue Sandpaper Finishing Supplies including wood filler

Cut List

2- 1x12 40 1/2” Top and Bottom 2- 1x12 14 1/2 “ Sides 2- 1x12 12 1/4” Cubby Dividers 4- 1x2 18” Legs 4- 1x2 39” Shelf Trim 4- 1x2 11 ½” Cubby Divider Trim

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Circular Saw
Power Sander
General Instructions

This plan was published as a PDF post. please see attached PDF

PDF

PDF Version
Project Type
Bookshelf and Bookcase Plans
Room
Storage Solutions
Bedroom
Entryway and Mudroom
Kids and Toys
Nursery and Baby
office
Style
Cottage Style Furniture Plans
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Kellye (not verified)

Mon, 07/26/2010 - 06:41

YAY!!! This is what I've been visualizing in my head for some time now. What I'd love is to do two 3-cube benches side by side and then stack a 3 drawer system on top of each. Then use the towers on each side and flush it all even on top with some type of counter top. This might actually be the way to truly organize my boy's shared room! As always, thanks for the fab work you do Ana!

Liz (not verified)

Mon, 07/26/2010 - 09:54

This is awesome. I was trying to figure out which bench I could use as a window seat in the playhouse we are building for my boys. This one is PERFECT!

kladle (not verified)

Thu, 07/29/2010 - 08:42

This is just what I've been looking for! Only I'm going to make a bigger one to go under a window and wall to wall. I want to use it to store all my craft supplies. Thanks so much!

Jules (not verified)

Mon, 08/30/2010 - 15:29

Does anyone have plans for the Cube Bookcase Hutch & Drawer Base? The whole series would look great in my son's playroom.

Rebecca VanDenBerg (not verified)

Tue, 10/19/2010 - 03:28

This is AWESOME....I've bee looking for plans to build a cubbie storage bench...but I'm having problems seeing the plans - I can't seem to save them from the different file links. Any chance you can repost them or send them to me?

Thank you so much!

Irene Linenberger (not verified)

Tue, 10/26/2010 - 13:59

I'm curious as to an approximate cost to make this? Just wondering how cost effective this is vs an alternative. I know it's a lot cheaper than purchasing the brand name one. Thanks for any help you can offer!

Mandy (not verified)

Thu, 10/28/2010 - 08:45

I'm having trouble opening any of the plans on this site too. I really would like to make some of these adorable projects but I'm having a lot of technical difficulties with this site. None of links to the project are loading for me either.

And really, if it was a perfect world each project would also outline the price, skill level, as well as the pics posted by people that have built them. But alas, the world is not a perfect world :(

Irene Linenberger (not verified)

Sun, 10/31/2010 - 17:45

Well, just bought everything yesterday from Home Depot. Bought pine for my "box" wood and poplar for my face boards. It all cost me almost $70! That's not even including my paint-ouch! It was a learning experience and I'm glad I did it. When I get it sanded and painted, I'll post pics. Finished it this morning and am very proud, even if I did make a few mistakes :o)

Lesley (not verified)

Sun, 11/14/2010 - 18:58

Am I the only one who can't see the plans? I'd love to build this this week for my 8-year-old!

Stephanie (not verified)

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 02:43

Lesley I can't see the plans either. They are embedded and the link must be broken or something:-(

MRW888 (not verified)

Mon, 01/03/2011 - 11:55

click the square in the top right hand corner and open the plans in a new window. Its a Google document so it may take a minute to load.

liz (not verified)

Wed, 01/12/2011 - 11:49

Just wondering how I would lengthen the bench to include five or six cubes? Would I have to add a center support? Are there already plans for a storage bench this long on the site?

Btw-Thanks Ana so much for the site-I'm addicted!

knuckstermom (not verified)

Wed, 01/19/2011 - 12:26

See that image about half way down the page, it looks like another webpage with a scroll bar on the side? Click the last icon on the top of that tool bar to open the directions. I couldn't find them either and then I figured it out. Yay!!

Sheri (not verified)

Mon, 01/31/2011 - 07:26

There is no little square in the top right corner. I can't see any plans on most of the posts on this site, no matter what I do. It's a shame, because I thought this site was really neat, but why are there no plans? I can't even see a place FOR the plans.

Rise (not verified)

Sat, 02/26/2011 - 13:43

I also would like to know how to make the bench longer. I would like to build a banquet for a 34 x 60 table.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 11/30/2011 - 07:42

First time I have seen this site . . . . . HOOKED! I am a want to be do it yourself-er. My fiance and father and law laugh when I want to build something. Well :P on them, I am going to take these plans and try them myself. Only questions . . . . . what type of wood am I supposed to use? All the directions look awesome, but they don't say what kind of wood to use . . . . any suggestions would be helpful!

spiceylg

Wed, 11/30/2011 - 08:02

I can't wait for you to build something and show them what's what! You can use whatever wood you would like, but Ana usually shows things in pine to keep it simple for us novices and keep the costs down. Pine is softer and easier to work with as opposed to a harder, more expensive wood like oak.

claydowling

Wed, 11/30/2011 - 08:24

The only downside here is that this project uses 1x12. Getting decent 1x12 is hard. Consider finding either a regular lumber yard, or trying to buy it from a place that sells a "Select" grade of lumber, such as Menards. It will cost more, but the typical 1x12 is just waiting for a chance to twist and warp into an unrecognizable and unusable shape. Speaking from direct and recent experience here.

White pine would be your preferred wood to use if you have the option of selecting by species. It's light weight, strong and easy to work.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 01/30/2012 - 10:54

Has anyone been able to figure out how to open the pdf document containing the plans for this project. I tried following some suggestions but they are so vague. (click the box on the right) Where? When I open the pdf it opens with a bunch of gibberish. Any help would be appreciated.

claydowling

Mon, 01/30/2012 - 11:22

Ana's server isn't configured properly to serve up PDF documents, but if you right-click on the link (Ctrl-Click on a mac), you can save it to your desktop and open it as a proper PDF document. Right-clicking is what is done on every other common operating system, and in those environments it's traditional to have a mouse with a left and a right button. In the Apple world, buttons are passe.

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 02/18/2012 - 11:15

Everyone keeps saying to click the link in the top right, and that it will open the plans, but that link only allows me to download the PDF version of this specific page. It doesn't open to a GoogleDoc in any of the browsers I've tried using. This page is not plans, it's a verbal description of the process. I need a working link to the plans.

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 03/31/2012 - 21:22

I am also having problems downloading the plans. I would soooo love to try building this cubby bench, however the plans look like a secret code. I'm operating a Mac laptop. Any suggestions?

Hillary (not verified)

Sun, 06/10/2012 - 11:55

I'm on a PC running Windows 7 and also had difficulty finding the right PDF file. I discovered that I could open the correct plan PDF when using Internet Explorer, but not with Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. The correct link is about midway down the page, just above the graphic of the bench with two tower bookcases and the name 'Isabella Jane.' Hopefully that helps. Some of the PDF links took me to a page with a bunch of weird letters and other links took me to a document that didn't include the complete plans.

Kobe Johnson (not verified)

Fri, 12/07/2012 - 08:03

I have been looking everywhere on how to build a bench and bookcase such as this for an interior design project that I am doing for someone. Do you have plans on the tower bookcases that go with the bench? Thank you!

Kobe Johnson (not verified)

Fri, 12/07/2012 - 08:33

Nevermind, I found it!! Thanks. I can't wait to finish this project!

Juliebk76 (not verified)

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 15:00

Hello,

Was wondering whether there was a weight capacity for this bench as we were interested in using it for seating, if possible.

Also as others have asked, we'd be interested in knowing how to make the bench longer.

Many thanks.

michelle remmey (not verified)

Mon, 01/14/2013 - 10:42

I am looking to build a corner bench with cubbies to make some desperately needed seating combined with storage (try cramming stuff for 2 adults, 3 kids, and 2 big dogs in a small house!). Didn't see anything like it on the site. Any way to combine the ideas of your corner bookshelf and a basic bench? many thanks!

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!