GRAINBENCH ORIGINALS

The Little Landing Wall Cubby

A shallow open cubby for a hallway or workspace, with solid rear mounting rails and room for everyday essentials.

24 in W × 7-1/2 in D × 12 in H

Confident beginnerAlways free

Download the free PDF ↓

Printable drawings, a labelled cut list and nine assembly stages. No account or email required.

Common materials. Clear details.

A 1x8 case, two 1x3 fixing rails and a plywood back.

Use straight, dry stock and check its actual thickness. The PDF lists quantities, hardware sizes, part labels and the cutting layout.

Shopping list

1x8 x 8 ft: 1 board for S/H.
1x3 x 4 ft: 1 board for both C.
1/4 in plywood: At least 24 x 12 in usable.
Case hardware: 20 x 1-1/4 in pocket screws; about 24 x 3/4 in brads.
Wall hardware: 4 washer-head cabinet mounting screws, typically #10 x 3 in for 1/2 in drywall over sound wood studs; match actual wall.
Supplies: Glue, sandpaper and interior finish.

Before the first cut

Tape, square, pencil, supported saw, drill/driver, clamps and sanding tools. Use eye, hearing and dust protection. Clamp small parts and keep hands clear of cutting and screw paths. Pocket-hole jig, brad nailer, stud finder, level and wall-fixing bits.

Digitally checked; not physically built or load-tested. Follow the PDF’s fixing, stability and inspection instructions.

Your parts at a glance

Dimensions in inches. Stock names are nominal; finished dimensions are actual.

ID	Part	Qty	Stock	Length	Width	Thickness
S	Case sides	2	1x8	12	7-1/4	3/4
H	Top and bottom	2	1x8	22-1/2	7-1/4	3/4
C	Rear fixing rails	2	1x3	22-1/2	2-1/2	3/4
B	Overlay back	1	1/4 ply	24	12	1/4 nom.

A clear way through

Keep the PDF beside you for the dimensioned drawings and drilling layouts.

01 Cut sides (S), horizontals (H) and rails (C)

Square-cut matching solid parts. Label H top/bottom and S inside faces. Reserve B until the case has been assembled and measured.

02 Mark fixing rail (C) positions

C stands vertically at the inside rear, rear face flush with the case rear. Upper C touches top H underside; lower C touches bottom H upper face. Mark both S consistently.

03 Dry-fit S, H and C

H fits between S, producing a 24 in outside width and 10-1/2 in opening. Keep fronts flush. Check matching diagonals and snug 22-1/2 in rails.

04 Drill H and fixing rails (C)

For measured 3/4 in stock use 1-1/4 in pocket screws with jig-approved heads, coarse thread for softwood or the maker's choice for your material. Set jig and collar to actual thickness, test matching scrap and use low clutch torque. Put three pockets per H end on its hidden outer face, 1, 3-5/8 and 6-1/4 in from front. Put two per C end on front face, 5/8 and 1-7/8 in from lower edge: 20 screws.

05 Assemble S/H case and rails (C)

Glue and clamp H between S, fasten twelve screws, then add C with eight screws at the marked rear positions. Keep the case square. C is structural mounting stock, not optional trim.

06 Square and attach back (B)

Measure and cut B to 24 x 12 in. Glue and brad it to solid S/H/C material about 4 in apart. Keep brads clear of future mounting holes and inspect all tips.

07 Finish and locate the wall studs

Ease exposed edges while leaving joining faces square. Sand 120 then 180 grit as appropriate, remove dust and test finish on an offcut. Follow finish ventilation and full cure directions. Find two sound wood studs about 16 in apart and confirm safe drilling locations. Other walls or spacing need a separately specified fixing arrangement; do not improvise drywall-only anchors.

08 Mount through both fixing rails (C)

With help, hold level and mark each stud through BOTH C rails and B: four holes. Centre rows vertically in C; keep holes at least 1-1/2 in from rail ends. Typical 3 in screws provide about 1-1/2 in stud embedment through the specified layers.

09 Inspect the case and four wall fixings

Follow maker pilot instructions; seat washer heads without crushing C. Check level, square joints and a firm wall connection. Use only light items and unload if any fixing or case joint moves.