How to Build Cubbies for Kids

Determine the dimensions for your cubby. A square cubby will be the simplest to make, with the top, bottom and back pieces being equal size. Make two side pieces the same width and 1 inch shorter than the top and bottom pieces.

Measure and draw lines on the plywood with the tape measure and the pencil. A standard cubby might be a 10-inch or 12-inch square with the top, bottom and back pieces being square and the two side pieces being 9 inches by 10 inches or 11 inches by 12 inches. Label the pieces to keep track of them, writing "top," "bottom," "back," "side 1" and "side 2" on the pieces.

Cut the pieces along the lines with the circular saw. Sand the cut edges well with the medium-grit sandpaper to remove roughness and splinters.

Paint the plywood pieces with latex paint, covering every surface and edge evenly. Allow the paint to dry and add a second coat, if you desire.

Place a line of wood glue along one long edge of each side piece. Hold these two side pieces in a vertical position and place the top piece over the two side pieces, aligning the edges. Clamp the pieces together with bar clamps and allow the glue to dry completely.

Drive nails through the top piece and into the side pieces with the hammer, spacing each nail about 2 inches along the edges. Remove the clamps.

Turn the cubby over so that the top piece is on the bottom. Apply a line of wood glue along the long edges of each side piece, and press the bottom piece into place along the side pieces. Align the edges carefully, and clamp the pieces together to hold them in place. Allow the glue to dry.

Hammer nails again through the bottom piece into the side pieces in the same fashion and remove the clamps.

Place the cubby so that the open ends are at the top and bottom while the sides, top and bottom pieces are perpendicular to your work surface. Apply a line of wood glue along the edges of the top, bottom and side pieces.

Place the last square piece of plywood (the back) onto the glued edges, aligning corners and edges precisely. Clamp the back onto the sides and allow the glue to dry.

Hammer finishing nails through all four sides, spacing them every 2 inches. Remove the clamps.

Make additional cubbies to create a multi-unit cubby system.

Attach the cubbies to walls at a height where kids will reach them easily. Drill four evenly spaced holes through the back of each cubby with a 1/16-inch drill bit. Hang the cubbies side by side by inserting 2-inch screws through the holes and into the wall. Position the screws into wall studs, or use screw anchors to ensure that the cubbies stay secure on the wall.