From Dumpster to Dance Studio, a Cubby Shelf Revamp

by Mindi @ MyLove2Create.com

When I first spotted this cubby shelf it was a mess, so I left it sitting by the dumpster. Of course I was kicking myself for leaving it...my junk lovin' free findin' self just couldn't handle it! Within the hour I had my 14 year old in tow and we were headed back to cram it into my van.
After hanging out on my back patio for a few months I decided to give it a new life and a new home. My daughter's dance studio had just been newly renovated and I noticed they had a tiny little cubby holder that only held about nine bags. That is when inspiration struck. I went to work fixing up the cubby shelf to donate it to the studio.

from dumpster to dance studio a cubby shelf revamp, shelving ideas, woodworking projects

This is before shot, from the back. It was wobbly, water damaged, and covered in nasty tar like gunk.

The first thing I did was replace the one missing divider, and then I glued and nailed it back together to make it sturdy. I also scraped off all the tar stuff and gave a vacuum and cleaning with TSP cleaner so I could paint.

To cover up the damaged plywood ends I made a face frame using pocket holes and 1x2 boards.

And then I made a big mistake, like a lot of people do in a hurry. Right? I didn't listen to that little voice in my head that told me to fill in the damaged wood cracks with spackle BEFORE I painted...As you can see they all showed up no matter how much paint I applied. (and I knew that would happen, ugh!) So I filled in cracks and seams with spackle and caulk and then primed and painted...Again.

I attached the face frame with wood glue and finish nails, then filled in the holes and re painted the trim. Oh, and I can't for get the best part...

The 80 year old barn wood I put on the top! I LOVE it! It was sealed with 3 coats of poly, sanding between coats 1 and 2 with 400 grit sand paper.

At the last minute I decided to make it super cute and add vinyl dancers to each cubby as well as the studio logo. I cut them with my cricut and sealed them with mod podge since the wood was not super smooth. I also added casters to the bottom for easy moving, this thing is 6 feet long!

The hooks I got at D Lawless hardware for a rocking price and they are great for hanging bags and coats. My daughter loves to use the hooks when she goes to dance, it is so cute. :)

Soooo, next time think twice about that dumpster dive you are debating...it just might make a beauty someday!

For a full detailed tutorial check out my blog post!

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2 of 45 comments

Heliane Ripley on Apr 10, 2015
I bet the folks at the dance studio just love you. :o)

2 Reply
Karen Manasco on Sep 29, 2016
Such a cool find, I would have been so excited! I've always been a big fan of cubbies, cubes, and multi-compartment storage. Congrats on the find, and the great re-do!

1 Reply