Building a wooden shoe cubby with a farmhouse look is a great project for adding both functionality and charm to your entryway. The farmhouse style is characterized by rustic, distressed wood, simple lines, and a cozy, welcoming feel. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build your own wooden shoe cubby.
Materials and Tools Needed
Materials:
- 1×12 pine boards (for the cubby shelves)
- 1×4 pine boards (for the sides and bottom frame)
- 1/4” plywood (for the back panel)
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Wood filler (for filling screw holes)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Stain or paint (your choice of farmhouse finish)
- Clear wood finish (optional)
Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Saw (circular saw or miter saw)
- Drill with screwdriver bit
- Wood clamps
- Paintbrush or cloth (for staining)
- Hammer (for any nails if needed)
- Square for accurate corners
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Plan and Measure
Start by determining how big you want your shoe cubby to be. A typical cubby is about 36 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 24 inches high, but you can adjust the dimensions based on your available space.
- Sides: Two pieces, 24 inches high and 18 inches deep.
- Shelves: Four to five pieces, 36 inches wide and 12 inches deep (depending on the number of cubbies you want).
- Bottom frame: Two pieces of 1×4 to frame the base of the cubby.
- Back panel: A piece of 1/4” plywood cut to the overall width and height of the cubby.
Step 2: Cut Your Pieces
Using a circular saw or miter saw, cut your pieces according to your measurements. For a farmhouse look, you might want to allow some imperfections or rough edges in the wood, as it adds to the rustic charm. If you prefer a more refined look, make sure your cuts are precise.
Step 3: Assemble the Frame
Start by assembling the side panels and bottom frame. Attach the 1×4 pieces to the sides using wood screws or nails. You can drill pilot holes first to prevent splitting the wood.
- Place one 1×4 piece along the bottom edge of one of the side pieces. Use wood glue for extra strength, then drill screws through the 1×4 into the side panel. Repeat on the other side.
Once the bottom frame is secure, you’ll have a sturdy base to attach the shelves and back panel.
Step 4: Attach the Shelves
Position the shelves evenly across the inside of the frame. Depending on the height of the cubby, you can decide how many shelves to use. Typically, you’d want at least three shelves, but more are possible if you have a larger cubby.
- Use wood glue to hold the shelves in place, and then secure them with screws through the side panels into each shelf. To ensure even spacing, measure the distance between each shelf and mark the positions on the side panels before securing them.
Step 5: Install the Back Panel
The back panel helps give your cubby structure and stability. Cut a piece of 1/4” plywood to fit the back of the cubby. Attach it by applying wood glue around the edges and then securing it with small screws or nails along the perimeter.
Step 6: Sand and Finish
Once your cubby is assembled, it’s time to sand it down. Start with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges, then follow up with fine-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.
For the farmhouse look, you’ll want to apply a rustic finish. You can use a wood stain in a darker color like walnut or a lighter shade like gray to give it that distressed farmhouse appeal. If you prefer a more natural look, clear polyurethane can be used to protect the wood and give it a slight sheen.
Apply the stain or paint with a cloth or brush and allow it to dry. You can also use sandpaper to distress certain areas for a more weathered, rustic effect. Once you’re happy with the finish, apply a protective clear coat to preserve the wood.
Step 7: Final Touches
To complete the farmhouse look, consider adding some decorative hardware, such as metal brackets or handles. You can also distress the edges of the shelves or side panels with a hammer or chain to give them a worn, rustic appearance.
If you want to personalize it further, you can add a cushion or fabric lining to the top of the cubby for seating or a soft touch.
Tips for a Farmhouse Look:
- Distressed finish: Use a wire brush to create a distressed, weathered look on the wood before staining it.
- Contrasting colors: Consider painting the inside of the cubby in a contrasting color, such as white, while keeping the exterior rustic.
- Metal accents: Incorporate metal elements, like barn door hardware or hinges, to enhance the farmhouse aesthetic.
Conclusion:
Building a wooden shoe cubby with a farmhouse look is a fun and rewarding DIY project. The beauty of this design lies in its simplicity and the natural beauty of the wood. You can customize it to fit your needs and space, and with the right finish, it’ll bring a touch of rustic charm to any entryway or mudroom.
For those looking to take on more woodworking projects, consider exploring Ted’s Woodworking Course for expert guidance and step-by-step plans on a wide range of woodworking projects.