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The very clever cube used three ways

By Bunnings magazine

Vertical storage cube with gumboots, watering can, garden gloves and shovel.
Enhance the functionality of a cube unit with these clever hacks for a trio of different spaces.

Customise cube storage to suit your space

Fabulously practical as it comes, the Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube' four-cube unit has been customised three ways to make bespoke storage for different spaces. Hooks and a lick of paint make a stylish unit for garden tools. Flip it sideways and add a lid, castors and aluminium casing to create discreet storage for hanging files; great for a home office. Finally, a neat timber top and some handy baskets for shoes make it a stylish addition to the hallway. 

Pro tip: If you intend to paint the cube, its non-porous melamine surface needs to be roughened so the paint adheres. Sand all over using a random orbital sander with 180-grit sanding paper, then apply a good primer such as White Knight Prep Rite grip-lock primer, using a mini roller with microfibre cover. If bubbles appear in the primer coat, allow to dry, sand and reapply.

Garden tool storage

Tools and materials

Steps

  1. Assemble the cube unit, following the manufacturer's instructions. Sand all over using an orbital sander and 180-grit sanding sheet. Apply primer over the surfaces and leave to dry. Paint the cube all over, loading the mini roller with paint and using the edge to cut into the corners. Leave the unit to dry, then apply a second coat for even coverage.
  2. To attach the hooks on the upper side of the cube, position the back of each hook and transfer drilling marks with a pen. Drill pilot holes for the supplied screws, being careful not to go right through the side of the cube.
  3. Secure each hook back using the screws, position the hook cover, then tighten the nut with the supplied allen key.
  4. Stand the cube upright. About 150mm from the top, attach the supplied brackets with the supplied screws. Secure to the wall to prevent it from tipping forward.

Tip: If the skirting board prevents the unit from sitting flush against the wall, position the brackets to protrude slightly so the unit stands straight.

Storage cube filled with pots and gardening tools.

Office storage

Tools and materials

  • Safety equipment
  • Table saw or a handsaw
  • Measuring tape
  • Combination square and pencil
  • Random orbital sander
  • 180-grit sanding sheet
  • Mini roller, paint tray and microfibre covers
  • Impact driver
  • Hacksaw
  • Drill with #4 drill bit
  • Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube' four-cube unit
  • Rack It 1500mm x 400mm MDF shelf
  • White Knight Prep Rite grip-lock primer
  • Rust-Oleum ‘Chalked' ultra matt paint in Country Grey
  • 15mm x 20mm button-head screws
  • 3m length Metal Mate 16mm x 12mm x 1.6mm aluminium section channel
  • Selleys 130g Ezi Press liquid nails
  • 2 x 2.4m lengths Porta 30mm x 18mm Tasmanian oak DAR moulding
  • 1.2m length Porta 18mm x 18mm Tasmanian oak DAR moulding
  • Bondall Monocel clear wood varnish in Satin
  • SpecRite 1800mm x 405mm x 18mm merbau finger-jointed panel
  • 3 x Zenith 90mm fixed pin easy-fit chrome-plated hinges in Satin
  • 6g x 18mm countersunk-head timber screws
  • 2 x Easyroll 75mm maple wheel swivel plates with brake castor
  • 2 x Easyroll 75mm maple wheel swivel plate castors

Steps

  1. Assemble the cube unit, then position it lengthways. Measure and mark the MDF shelf to 1450mm long for the base, then cut using a table saw or handsaw. Sand the cube and the base using an orbital sander and 180-grit sanding sheet, then apply primer all over. 
  2. Paint the base and cube. Leave to dry, then apply a second coat for thick, smooth coverage.
  3. Position the base over the cube, using the combination square to check that it is centred, then secure using an impact driver with button-head screws.
  4. Measure and mark five lengths of aluminium channel to 335mm long each, then cut using a hacksaw. 
  5. Apply liquid nails along the back of each channel, then centre them on top of the dividers and two short edges, flush with the ends, wiping away any excess adhesive with a damp cloth. Leave to dry.
  6. Use a table saw or handsaw to cut each length of the 30mm x 18mm moulding into two lengths of 1420mm. Cut the 18mm x 18mm moulding to two lengths of 398mm. Sand, seal with varnish using a mini roller, then leave to dry.

    Tip:     For accurate cuts, allow for the saw blade width by marking and cutting one length at a time, rather than making all the marks at once.

  7. Apply adhesive to the moulding, positioning the 30mm x 18mm pieces against the aluminium channel at the front and back of the cube, and the 18mm x 18mm pieces at the ends. Check each piece is even and square. Remove excess glue with a damp cloth and leave to dry.
  8. Measure and mark the merbau panel to 1460mm long for the top, then cut using a table saw or handsaw. Use the sander to smooth all over and round over the corners slightly. Apply two coats of varnish, leaving to dry between each coat.
  9. On the back of the cube, measure and mark 100mm from the ends and at the centre. Position the hinges so the spine is off the edge to allow for easy opening. Working on one hinge at a time, drill pilot holes for the screws, position the hinge and secure using the impact driver. (You'll need a helper to assist while centring the top and to hold it while securing the hinges. The top is designed to protrude at the front for easy opening.)
  10. Turn the cube upside down and position the castors 10mm from the edges, with one lockable castor at the front and the other on the opposite corner at the back. 

    Tip    : As an optional step to stop the lid falling back, install desk stays inside the unit on each side, fixing the arm to the lid and the foot to the inside of the cabinet. 

Office storage solution within a cube unit.

Hallway bench

Tools and materials

Steps

  1. Assemble the cube unit, then position it lengthways. Measure and mark the hevea panel to 1475mm long, then cut using a table saw or handsaw (the panel will sit on the top of the cube with 7.5mm overhang around all the sides).
  2. Using an orbital sander and 180-grit sanding sheet, smooth the top and sides of the panel, removing any breakout from the cut and rounding over the edges.
  3. Seal the top, sides and ends with two coats of wax spray, applying in even strokes, ensuring a coverage that saturates the timber. Leave to dry thoroughly.
  4. Turn the panel upside down and position the cube in the centre, checking the overhang is equal on all sides.
  5. Secure with 50mm pan-head screws using an impact driver. Don't over-tighten the screws.
  6. Attach the feet, measuring 35mm from the edges. Secure with batten screws using an impact driver hex head bit.

A hallway bench storage solution with baskets, shoes and potted plants.

Feeling inspired?

Head into your local Bunnings to grab a Clever Cube to complete your storage project.

 

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.