How to Build a Shoe Cubbie Bench

Stand four planks of 15-by-15-inch 1-inch-thick Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) 15 inches apart.

Abut two planks of 15-by-49-inch 1-inch MDF on either side of the 15-by-15 planks. The ends of the 15-by-49-inch planks should form corners with the outer two 15-by-15-inch planks, with the inner two 15-by-15-inch planks dividing the length of the 15-by-49-inch planks into 15-inch sections, creating three cubbies.

Glue the 15-by-15-inch planks to the 15-by-49-inch planks, then secure the unit together with three 1 3/4-inch screws driven through the sides of the 15-by-49-inch planks into the ends of each 15-by-15-inch piece.

Place a piece of 17-by-49-inch 1/2-inch MDF over the top of the cubby unit and secure it in place with 1 3/4-inch screws driven every 6 to 8 inches through the 17-by-49-inch piece into the 15-by-49-inch planks as well as the 15-by-15-inch dividers.

Turn the cubby unit over, so that it is resting on one of the 15-by-49-inch planks, with the cubby opening facing you, and the 17-by-49-inch-covered side at the back.

Lay a plank of 16 1/2-by-51-inch piece of 1-inch MDF flat on a work surface and place the cubby unit on top. The cubby unit should be flush at the back, with an inch overlap at the sides and front. Secure the cubby unit to this base plank with 1 3/4-inch screws driven through the corner of each cubby.

Place a second piece of 16 1/2-by-51-inch 1-inch MDF on top of the cubby unit, parallel with the base piece. Secure in place with 1 3/4-inch screws driven through the corners of the top of each cubby section.

Fill all the visible screw holes with spackle and let dry. Paint the shoe cubby bench in the desired color and let dry before placing in position.