4x4 Rolling Cube Shelf - Adjustable Shelves

room divider shelf cubbies
Difficulty
Intermediate
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DIY rolling cube shelf with adjustable shelves, can be used as a room divider or for storage - detailed plans by Ana-White.com

room divider shelf cubbies
room divider shelf cubbies
room divider shelf cubbies

Dimensions
room divider shelf cubbies
Dimensions shown in diagram

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 5 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long
  • 4 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 4 caster wheels and screws for attaching recommend
  • 1 1/4" pocket hole screws
  • 1 1/4" brad nails
  • 48 shelf pins to match shelf pin hole size (optional)
Cut List
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 47 3/4" (top)
  • 2 - 1x12 @ 45 1/4" (sides)
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 46 1/4" (bottom)
  • 3 - 1x12 @ 43 3/4" (dividers)
  • 12 - 1x12s @ 11" (shelves) - For adjustable shelves, cut to fit shelf pins
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 47 3/4" (top trim)
  • 4 - 1x2 @ 44 1/2" (side trim)
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 44 3/4" (bottom trim)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Start by building the outer box. We used pocket holes to build the project shown, but you can also use screws or even nails (it's fully face framed) but don't forget glue and make sure you predrill all holes.

Step 2

Carefully add the dividers so the distance between the dividers is all the same - 11".

Step 3

For the shelves, you can either add them in now or drill shelf pins for adding them in later on.

Here's a quick video of the shelf pin jig we used and how it works:

Step 4

Time to work on the face frame!

Pocket hole users will want to build the entire face frame first, then nail the face frame on with 1 1/4" nails and glue.

If you are nailing board by board, glue and nail the top board on first. Nail to the dividers too.

Step 5

Step 6

And then cut and fit the bottom board and nail it on - nailing to dividers too.

Step 7

Finally, attach caster wheels and you are done!

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

Lady Goats

Thu, 09/26/2013 - 13:11

I love this, Ana! Your cousin is so lucky! Haha! I can see this being one of the most built items on the site, soon! I just wish I had a spot for it (I can think of 1,001 uses for it!). Ok, enough exclamation points! (oops!)

Noob Builder

Wed, 04/01/2015 - 22:16

Hi Ana, I have a really stupid question :(
it's not clear to me how to do the fixed shelves... Glues? Nails? Pocket screws?

Noob Builder

Wed, 04/08/2015 - 08:25

Thanks Ana!
You mentioned in step 2 to use 3/4" and 1 11/4" PH screws.... why two different screws?