Hallway hero

Custom Build A Unit For Cube Inserts To Corral Entry Clutter

Project and styling SAMANTHA POINTON

Photography CATH MUSCAT

Everyday debris like shopping bags, dog leads and wet-weather gear can take over an entrance area. Our solution? Assemble a trio of storage inserts, use MDF panels to build a cabinet for them, add cute ‘bun’ feet and play with paint for all-over colour!

Diy Toolkit 1

2 3 4

6290185. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Keep in mind...

n Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask when using cutting tools and sanding equipment. n The cabinet is designed as a bench seat for one adult and is not for climbing or standing on.

n Screwdriver n Five 1200mm x 450mm x 16mm

MDF panels• n Woodworking adhesive n 8G x 30mm countersunk screws n Timber filler n Four 3/8" (9.5mm) vertical leg plates n Four 48mm ball furniture legs n Three 330mm x 330mm x 370mm timber-front cube inserts, assembled n Three-in-one primer

Cutting List

n Using a circular saw with a straightedge, cut three 1200mm x 450mm x 16mm MDF panels to 1080mm long. Cut two of these to 400mm wide for the top and base. Cut the other to 338mm as the back n Mini roller, spare cover and tray n Water-based lowgloss enamel paint n Cut remaining panels to 338mm wide, then from these cut two sides and two dividers 384mm long.

1 On the top and base, use a countersinking bit to drill six evenly spaced holes 8mm in from one edge. Position them against the back, apply adhesive, clamp and secure with 30mm screws. Tip: Lay the back flat on the workbench to assemble.

2 Position sides against back, flush with top and base. Countersink five evenly spaced holes along each join, 8mm in from the edge. Apply adhesive, clamp and secure with 30mm screws. Tip: Hold at both ends with 600mm quick-grip clamps.

3 Position the dividers 338mm from the ends, use a combination square to check they’re straight, then mark around them. At the front, mark the centre of the dividers and transfer lines along the top, base and back to countersink five holes along each.

4 Remove the dividers to apply adhesive, reposition inside the marks, checking they’re square and straight, then secure through the holes with 30mm screws. Use a scraper to smooth over the holes with filler and leave to dry.

5 On the base corners, position leg plates 10mm in from the edges to mark holes. Drill centre holes with a 9mm bit to 14mm deep. Drill screw holes with a 2mm bit to 3mm deep. Secure plates with the supplied screws using a flathead driver bit. Twist in legs.

6 Sand the cabinet, including feet, and the fronts of inserts using a 180-grit disc. Wipe with a cloth. Use a mini roller to apply primer and two coats of water-based enamel, leaving to dry after each. Install supplied cube handles with a screwdriver.