sheds plans : Build a Vintage Mail Sorter Shoe Cubby

Build a Vintage Mail Sorter Shoe Cubby – Page 2

Inspired by a vintage mail sorter, this DIY shoe cubby is the perfect piece of furniture to help you wrangle shoes. Free plans.

Materials

6 – 1″ x 10″ x 8′ (actual 3/4″ x 9 1/4″)
1 – 1″ x 12″ x 8′ (actual 3/4″ x 11 1/4″)
1 – 1″ x 3″ x 8′ (actual 3/4″ x 2 1/4″)
1 – molding x 55″ (we couldn’t find the same trim that Kristi used online, but this chair rail and this one are similar)
1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
1 1/4″ – 1 1/2″ brad nails
wood glue
sandpaper
wood filler – optional
stain
polyurethane/top coat

Approximate pine lumber cost is $100

Cut List

2 – 3/4″ x 9 1/4″ x 47 1/4″ sides
5 – 3/4″ x 9 1/4″ x 53 1/2″ shelves
6 – 3/4″ x 9 1/4″ x 8 1/4″ top dividers
24 – 3/4″ x 9 1/4″ x 6″ dividers
1 – 3/4″ x 2 1/4″ x 53 1/2″ top frame
1 – 3/4″ x 11 1/4″ x 55″ top
1 – molding x 55″ (any style that is not wider than 2 1/4″)

Step 1

Make the cuts according to the cut list and diagram. If your 1×3 is wider than 2 1/4″, rip it down to 2 1/4″. Drill pocket holes in the ends of all the 53 1/2″ pieces (5 – 1×10’s and 1 – 1×3).

The 6 top divider pieces need to have a notch taken out for the 1×3 top support. Use a saw, like a jig saw, to remove a 3/4″ x 2 1/4″ notch in the top corner.

Step 2

Place the 2 1/4″ x 53 1/2″ top support in between the two 47 1/4″ side pieces, make the tops and fronts flush. Join the boards together with wood glue and 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws.

(Note: if you’d like to attach the top with pocket holes, drill and attach now, otherwise we will just secure it with brad nails later.)

Measure and mark along the top support where the top dividers will be placed, see dimensions below. Use wood glue and 1 1/4″ brad nails to secure the dividers into place. Secure the first shelf with wood glue and 1 1/4″ screws. Make sure the front and back of the shelf will be level with the top (about 8 1/4″ from the top).

Step 3

Measure and mark along the first shelf where the dividers will be placed, as in step 2. Use wood glue and 1 1/4″ brad nails to secure the dividers into place. Secure the second shelf with wood glue and 1 1/4″ screws.

Measure and mark along the second shelf where the dividers will be placed. Use

wood glue and 1 1/4″ brad nails to secure the dividers in place. Secure the third shelf with wood glue and 1 1/4″ screws.

Measure and mark along the third shelf where the dividers will be placed. Use wood glue and 1 1/4″ brad nails to secure the dividers in place. Secure the fourth shelf with wood glue and 1 1/4″ screws.

Measure and mark along the fourth shelf where the dividers will be placed. Use wood glue and 1 1/4″ brad nails to secure the dividers in place. Secure the fifth shelf with wood glue and 1 1/4″ screws.

Step 4

Use wood glue and brad nails to secure the top to the side pieces and top support.

Add your favorite molding under the top on the top support pieces, secure with brad nails.

Fill blemishes and nail holes with wood filler as necessary, let the filler dry. Sand the shoe cubby until it is smooth, finishing with 120-150 grit sandpaper. Stain or paint the shoe cubby as desired. After the stain is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane.