Universal Cubes

Note: Click on the images, to see the full size images, which contain more directions.

Desk, Shelves, Media Center

Here's one configuration that I have in the family room.

Playhouse

This was disassembled, and used for the cubes in Brigitte's bedroom (after cleaning them up, and staining them).

Basic desk design

This is a basic desk design. I built this and used it all through college. The original sticks are still used in new configurations. In my apartment, before marriage, I had 10 cubes in the bedroom, and two in the living room.

Other arrangements

Many arrangements are possible for a desk.

Universal stick

46.5 inches. Notice where I've removed 3/4 in. from each end. This is done so that two stacked cubes will easily fit with 8 foot ceilings. It also makes it easier to find lumber.

Process:

1. Cut all the sticks to 46.5 inches (error on the side of about 1/16 in. longer).

2. Sand all sides, ends, and round the ends a bit.

3. Make a "reference" stick, where you have measured all of the holes, and drilled all of the holes. Use this to check that the jig setting for drilling all of the sticks are correct.

4. Set up jig for the first end hole at 3/4 in. Drill all of the sticks, one hole on each end (same side!).

5. Move the end stop on jig for next hole, 2.25 in. Drill all of the sticks, one hole on each end, opposite side from the first hole.

6. Move the end stop on jig 3 in. down from it's current setting. Drill all of the sticks, on both ends and both sides. Repeat this step 7 times.

   The 3 in. holes can be skipped for the pallet and shelf sticks.

7. Sticks can be left plain or stained/varnished. Painting might work, but if the sticks are reconfigured, the flat head bolts will leave divots in the wood that will be more noticeable if the sticks are painted.

Basic sticks

The basic sticks. The one on the right is the universal stick, with all of the holes. The middle stick is only used for horizontal support of shelves. The 2x4 is useful for bracing shelves with heavy things or for mini shelves.

Jig

Shows a jig that can be used to drill the holes.

Bolts

Bolts used. The Lock washers are optional. Also I get philips head bolts. I don't use furniture glides with carpet floors. Five inch bolts are also useful for connecting three sticks together.

Pallets

Pallets can be made this way. Another way is to buy 9 in. X 3/4 in. X 48 in. shelf wood (not particle board). These can be used to make shelves or benches.

Basic cube desk

Diagram of a basic cube desk. A minimum of 12 sticks are needed for a plain cube. You'll need 2 plain sticks for each pallet and shelf. Also for selves, you'll need 2 universal sticks that the shelf sticks will go between.

Skins

This is just an example of the kinds of skins that can be made (adjust to 46.5 in.). For the top boards that a bed might be put on, I use 3/4 in. plywood.

Example

This is the configuration that I put in my daughter's room. For the two cubes that are stacked, I'll put skins on the front and drill a number of random holes for "climbing blocks". I.e. this is the climbing wall.

Staining

Staining or painting the sticks.

Assembly

Assembling the cubes.

Basic structure

The two cubes on the left (the one on the far left is only partially shown) will have the mattress on top and book shelves will be put in below. For the stacked cubes, the one on the bottom will have a desk configuration, and the one on the top will have book shelves on three sides. The front of these cubes will be covered with one large piece of plywood, to form the climbing wall.

Climbing wall

Climbing wall with part of bed shown.

Shelves

Detail of selves below. Shows the cross bracing (which isn't needed if skins are used), and this shows how shelves are put in (shelves will be put on the blocks in the fairground, to the shelves at the back).

Bottom cube

The bottom desk cube (looking from behind the climbing wall).

Inside

Looking inside desk cube (Sitting inside the reading cube under the bed. The inside of the climbing wall is to the right.)

Top cube

Top cube, with shelves. Access to bed is easy from the desk bench which down in the lower cube. (The plywood at the back is the back of the climbing wall.)

Source Book

How to Build Your Own Living Structures, by ken Isaacs