One fateful day I was out doing what I do best, browsing Target whilst sipping a Starbucks, naturally. (By the way, if you have never tried a “Double Chocolate-y Chip Frappuccino with Caramel Drizzle on the inside of the cup” You should, because it will blow your mind while simultaneously making you gain 2.6 lbs. It’s magic like that.) I digress. I was walking through Target (with my Starbucks) and I stumbled upon the cutest rustic wall cubby! It was adorable and could instantly add character to any random assortment of knick knacks! The issue? I nearly inhaled a chocolate chip when I saw that this little guy was $50. So after I dislodged the said chocolate chip I made my way to Home Depot where I purchased all the supplies I would need to make my own for a mere $12. #winning
Target Rustic Wall Cubby
Materials Used:
- 1″x 4″ Boards (2)
- 1″x 2″ Boards (1)
- Stain
- Number Plaques (if desired)
- Metal Hanger Straps
- D-Ring picture hangers
- Wood Glue
- Wood Filler
- 1/2″ Screws
- 1 1/2″ Nails
Tools Suggested :
- Miter Saw
- Nail Gun
- Drill
- Tin Snips
- Large Clamp
Cut List :
1″x 4″ Board
- (2) @ 21″
- (2) @ 22 1/2″
- (6) @ 7″
- (2) @ 19 1/2″
1″x 2″ OR 1/2″x 2″
- (3) @ 21″
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Step 1. Assemble Frame – Rustic Wall Cubby
Secure 22 1/2″ vertical boards to the inside of the 21″ horizontal boards. For best results use wood glue and reinforce with 1 1/2″ finish nails. Allow to dry.
Step 2. Construct Grid – Rustic Wall Cubby
Assemble the grid. There really isn’t a right or wrong way to do this. You can use pocket holes, but I opted not to on this project. It is a small build and wood glue would suffice. I first attached the (2) 7″ vertical boards to the 19 1/2″ horizontal board, I used wood glue and then reinforced with 1 1/2″ finish nails. Repeat, so that you have (2) of these. With the remaining (2) 7″ boards, I applied wood glue to either end, properly placed then in between the (2) 19 1/2″ boards, and then clamped to complete the grid. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Step 3. Insert Grid – Rustic Wall Cubby
Once the grid is dried, place it inside of the already assembled frame. Measure to ensure it lines up correctly and then use a finish nail to secure.
Step 4. Attach Front Lip – Rustic Wall Cubby
Next apply a small bead of wood glue to the front of the 19 1/2″ horizontal boards, and then place the 1″x 2″x 21″ boards on top, so the bottom of the board is flush with with bottom of the shelves. Then reinforce with 1 1/2″ finish nails.
Step 5. Add Finish – Rustic Wall Cubby
Fill in any nail holes with a wood filler. Allow it to dry . Then sand off the excess filler. NOW you are ready for paint and/or stain. I stained this Dark Walnut by Minwax. After it was dry, I did go over it will a sander to distress it.
Step 6. Add Metal Hanger Straps – Rustic Wall Cubby
Before I added my metal straps, I cut my three pieces, and (while wearing gloves) straightened out the metal straps. (The straps come in a coil and naturally want to curl.) After working with it for a few minutes, it laid flat. I then dusted it lightly with “Flat Iron” Rustoleum spray paint. After the straps were dry, I LIGHTLY sanded it so that it would have some distressing. To attached I used small 1/2″ screws. I placed the screws where my number plaques would be placed so that they would be hidden. I made sure to make the metal wrap around the back of the cubby unit.
Step 7. Finishing Touches – Rustic Wall Cubby
Next I added the number plaques! I found these really cute number plaques at Joanns. They are originally $8, but I used a 50% off coupon and scored them for $4. Nice. I simply attached them with construction adhesive. (Hot Glue would work fine.)
If you decide that you want to hang this on the wall there is a really cheap way to do it! I used small little d-rings that you can get for about $1! Attach them and you are good to go!
Ok, so lets break it down…
- 1″x 4″ Boards (2) =$4
- 1″x 2″ Boards (1)=$1
- Number Plaques =$4
- Metal Hanger Straps= $3
- Stain and/paint =Will vary. I used some leftover materials. This project will not require much of either.
Total = $12 DIY vs. Target $49.99
Not too shabby!
LoOVE< LoOVE< LoOVE<
Best thing I can say! Your work is gorgeous! Thank you for the great instructions. I am so ready to make one.
Thanks so much Christine!
This is stunning! And so much better than the $50 version at Target!!!
Yours is much better than the store one! Gorgeous!!
This is so pretty!!! Much cuter than the Target one. I’m definitely gonna make this soon!! Thank you for the plans!!
Your version puts Target’s to shame! Target’s has those super-thin boards that ruin the rustic look, and look more like my cheapie shoe cubbies. Yours is gorgeous!!!
Lovely! I’m sure I need one… or two of these somewhere! Thank you so much!!!
I am so impressed! Those who can, do, and those who can’t buck up the $50 and buy the shelf from Target, lol! I bought that rustic shelf thing a few years ago now, probably while sipping my Starbucks go-to skinny vanilla latte! I love it so much and it is proudly displayed in my craft/sewing room, check it out! It’s fun to see how others style the same piece! I am new to your blog and will be visiting it regularly!