Zen Storage

Build this shelving unit inspired by the clean lines of Asian design.

Zen Storage
General Instructions

This woodworking project adds serenity to any room. We used it in the at-home yoga studio makeover, "Soothing Space." Construct this shelving unit for any area where you want organization and display space with an uncomplicated look.

Step-by-Step
  1. Build three boxes.
    • Drill countersunk holes 3/8 inch deep in the (01) box #1 short boards, (02) box #2 short boards, and (03) box #3 long boards as shown in Figure 1.
    • Assemble box #1 using (04) box #1 long boards and (01) box #1 short boards on a flat work surface. Use a framing square to ensure squareness.
    • Assemble the two remaining boxes using (05) box #2 long boards, (02) box #2 short boards, (03) box #3 long boards, and (06) box #3 short boards.
    • Place box #2 and box #3 inside box #1 in approximate locations using dimensions shown in Figure 2.
  2. Add the vertical and horizontal pieces.
    • Scribe to length the (07) left vertical board. Attach the (07) left vertical board, (08) left horizontal board, (09) top left horizontal board, (10) top left vertical board, (11) top right horizontal board, and (12) top right vertical board to the boxes using dimensions illustrated in Figure 3.
  3. Assemble the shelving unit (see Figure 4).
    • Scribe to length the (13) middle vertical board, (14) right horizontal board, and (15) lower right vertical board. It is recommended that you scribe these pieces to fit due to variations in board thickness.
    • Using dimensions shown in Figure 2, place and attach the (13) middle vertical board, (14) right horizontal board, (15) lower right vertical board.
    • Attach the brackets for the legs per the manufacturer's instructions, placing them 1/2 inch from each corner and in the middle, 1/2 inch from the front and back edges.
    • Scribe and miter cut the (16) leg trim pieces, and attach them to the (17) legs using glue and wire brads.
    • Predrill holes, and then attach nail-on furniture glides to the bottom of each (17) leg.
    • Screw the (17) legs into the brackets.
  4. Apply a finish.
    • Fill all nail holes with wood filler. Sand, and apply a primer. Allow to dry.
    • Sand the primer, and apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry.
Illustration

Zen Storage

Cut List
Part Material Size (in inches) Quantity
Shelving
box #1 short boards 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 32 2
box #2 short boards 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 13 2
box #3 long boards 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 18 1/2 2
box #1 long boards 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 64 2
box #2 long boards 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 15 2
box #3 short boards 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 10 2
left vertical board 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 29* 1
left horizontal board 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 9 1/2 1
top left horizontal board 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 8 1/2 1
top left vertical board 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 4 1
top right horizontal board 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 8 1/4 1
top right vertical board 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 6 1/2 1
middle vertical board 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 6 1/2 1
right horizontal board 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 5 1/4* 1
lower right vertical board 2 x 10, SYP 1 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 4* 1
Legs
16 leg trim 1/2 x 1 1/2, poplar 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 2 5/8* 24
17 legs parsons table legs 1 5/8 x 1 5/8 x 12 1/2 6

Finished Dimensions

Height: 44 1/2 inches
Depth: 9 1/4 inches
Width: 67 inches

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Project Details
Skillset: Intermediate
Rough Cost Estimate: $120*
Rough Time Estimate: 1 weekend
Tools
  • circular saw with a straightedge guide
  • power miter saw (or miter box with handsaw)
  • power sander and various grits of sandpaper
  • drill/driver with bits and countersunk bit
  • framing square (or speed square)
  • tape measure
  • pencil
Lumber**
  • 1 (4-foot-long) 1/2- x 1 1/2-inch poplar board
  • 4 (10-foot-long) 2 x 10s, southern yellow pine (SYP)
  • 6 (21-inch-long) parsons table legs
  • 1 (3/8-inch-diameter) round dowel
Hardware and Supplies
  • 1 box (2 1/2-inch) screws
  • 1 box (#17 x 1-inch) wire brads
  • 2 packages (3/4-inch) nail-on furniture glides (#58653)
  • carpenter's glue
  • stainable wood filler
  • primer
  • paint (Valspar Signature Colors, Earth Elements, Rain Cloud #EE2049C, eggshell)

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.

**Availability varies by market.

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