This is a sturdy unit, with adequate instructions, even for a novice (like me). It would be nice if the packet came with an extra screw in each size. My only other suggestion might be for Closet Maid to pre-stamp each piece with the "name" it is given in the instructions - especially in light of the fact that some boards are the same size, but have a different pattern of pre-drilled holes. You can see what I mean, below.
I am a smart woman. People even tell me that, sometimes. Most don't know that I am terrible at "spatial ability" - I can't figure out how to put things (like puzzles) together very well. My brain just doesn't see that way. But today I un-boxed the shelving unit (some assembly required) I ordered in a fit of over-confidence while surfing the web at 2 a.m. a few weeks ago.
I gathered my tools - a screwdriver and a hammer, just like the instructions told me to. I reviewed how many of every screw there was, and what they were called ("assembly" screw, that's an "assembly" screw -- I would even say it out loud to reinforce the concept). I counted the pre-cut, pre-drilled boards and stacked them neatly into piles by size.
I bribed the 9 year-old to help gramma, and he did so willingly, at first. I got the side board connected to the top board, (or maybe it was the bottom board) and was feeling fairly proud of myself. But the instructions called for me to fit "short dowels" into pre-drilled holes in the top board (or maybe it was the bottom board). But the stupid dowels wouldn't fit! So I pulled out the instructions and realized I had picked up a horizontal divider when what I needed was a fixed shelf (same size but the dowels would fit into this one - who knew!).
So I unscrewed the first two boards, and grabbed a post-it notepad and labeled ALL the boards - just in case. I had the 9-year old help me again hold the boards while I reattached the fixed shelf to the side board (or maybe it was a top board). Once again, when it came time to screw the top board (or maybe bottom?) to the vertical board, I realized there was no pre-drilled hole! The 9-year old had the best view (and better vision) and noticed immediately that the pre-drilled hole was on the wrong side. So we detached the screws (again) and turned the board around (I was so sure I had it right this time, too.) And the re-screwing was far quicker. But... you guessed it, I had the finished side (only one of the four sides was finished) pointing the wrong direction... so we backtracked. Again.
Eventually, the 9-year old wandered off to play with his brother. He told me I should be more careful. Duly noted. And I urged him to keep that play appointment in the other room - pronto. So, with careful re-reading of the instructions (in three languages!) and diligence with the post-it notes (that kept sliding off the slick finish), I continued to assemble the shelf-unit. With only one near amputation when the "real wood!" board (probably that stupid fixed shelf, or maybe it was the vertical divider) slid out of my grip and landed faint millimeters from my toe. That board was heavy, too! It even shook the house! Of course it did.
Anyway, I counted and there were precisely eighteen "assembly screws" and not one more and not one less. I guarded them with my life, counting before and after every potty break and coffee run. Finally, with the unit mostly assembled, I came to the "backing" (which turned out to be a folded piece of cardboard-hey, what happened to the "real wood"?). And it turned out, there were only three, despite the fact there were six openings. And now you know my sense of "style" is as absent as my spatial ability. Covering only three of the six squares provides a unique "look" - at least to all non-OCD customers. Nevertheless, I persisted.
Each piece of folded cardboard was nailed down with, I kid you not, 12 teeny pin-like nails, called "nails" in the instructions (Ciou, Ciavo, Nail - that whole 3 languages thing). And these things were designed by an absolute 4-star genius. Imagine the amount of research it must have taken to size these pins to the exact the depth of my thumb! I was in awe. Because that precision measurement resulted in me not being able to even "start" the nail without slamming into my thumb. Thirty-six times, if you don't count all the ones that fell out before I could get the nail stabilized. I checked for "hacks to avoid hitting your thumb" on my phone, after only five or six nails (I told you I was smart) and discovered that you can hold a nail between the teeth of your comb (or your husband's comb, if he is not at home). Bonus, as you are pounding the bejabbers out of everything in the vicinity of your microscopic nail-pin, the comb appears to act as a protective agent for the shelf (or maybe it was the horizontal divider). The comb, however, did turn out to be mostly a total loss.
But I did it. I assembled a "some assembly required" shelving unit and it only took me six hours.
PS - you may need ice for the finger you forgot to move during the flailing/so-called hammering you did prior to the comb hack.
PPS - and save the ice because it turns out that all those boards nailed together are far heavier than the single board that missed your toe earlier.
Enjoy!
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Versatile, sturdy, great shelves for play room organization!
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HONEST REVIEW - Fabric Playroom Closet Storage Organizer Bin
Becca Bee
From the manufacturer
Why you'll love Cubeicals
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Flexible & versatile storageEach Cubeical can be placed either vertical or horizontal to fit your room the best way possible. The 2-cube can also be hung on a wall. The 3-2-1 cube cannot be placed vertically but both sides are finished for multiple display options. |
Sprinkle in some colorChoose from over 40 colors of Cubeicals Fabric Drawers and personalize your cube. Five of our Fabric Drawers feature pattern prints and three of them feature a chalkboard front for easy and fun labeling. Each cube opening measures 11.25” W x 11.75” D x 11.25” H |
Back panels for an upscale lookDepending on the model, each Cubeical includes two, three, four, five or six individual back panels. The 3-2-1 cube does not include back panels. |
Stackable designThe 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9-cube designs are stackable for even more storage space in your living room, office, den, or anywhere in your home. |
From the brand
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ClosetMaid - for every room in the home. Discover how our wood and wire closet systems bring order and harmony. Organize your kitchen and garage - finally! And use our cubes and storage furniture anywhere you need beautiful, functional storage in full view.
Harmony through organization with ClosetMaid
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Compare with similar items
This Item  ClosetMaid Cubeicals 8 Cube Storage Shelf Organizer Bookshelf Stackable, Vertical or Horizontal, Easy Assembly, Wood, Espresso Finish |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $70.92 | -41% $20.56 List: $34.99 | $89.90 | $98.99 | $42.01 | -20% $132.37 List: $165.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Easy to assemble | ||||||
| Sturdiness | ||||||
| For small spaces | ||||||
| Storage Capacity | ||||||
| Durability | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | HOMIDEC-Direct | OSCHF | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| material | Engineered Wood | Metal, Plastic | Engineered Wood | Engineered Wood | Wood | Engineered Wood |
| shelf type | Tiered Shelf | Cubby Shelf | Engineered Wood | Engineered Wood | Engineered Wood | Cubby Shelf |
| number of shelves | 6 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 2 | 8 |
| furniture finish | espresso | Black | Melamine | Oak | White | Black |
| shape | Cubical | Rectangular | Rectangular | Rectangular | Cubical | Cubical |
| installation | Freestanding | — | Freestanding | Freestanding | Wall Mount | — |
Reviews with images
Ok for the price
Nice bookshelf, study enough for $50, however the back part is impossible to use as they come folded. Once you unfold them you have a terrible tick line that would look horrible in the background, so I personally choose to not use it. It comes with easy instuctions.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2024
Color: EspressoSize: 8-CubeVerified Purchase
I love the look of this unit, however I was disappointed by the condition it arrived. The box had a corner ripped open, the pegs were broken, screws were bent, and the plugs that go over the screws looked like someone stomped on them. The plugs also don’t fit smoothly in the screws so they stick out. Luckily I build a lot of furniture like this and had extra pegs and screws, as there aren’t many extras that come with it.
Overall though I think this product is really nice and very sturdy. Also it was very very easy to put together, I just wish it was packaged with a little more care.
Overall though I think this product is really nice and very sturdy. Also it was very very easy to put together, I just wish it was packaged with a little more care.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2017
This is NOT the same as the Ikea Kallax or Walmart Better Homes and Gardens level of reinforced sturdiness for holding heavier weighted items like books, nor are the interior cube dimensions compatible with those brands of 13" or 12" fabric cubes.
This IS: These shelves are ideal for lighter-weight storage such as baby/toddler clothes or kids toys--- or in our case, the kids wanted LEGO display shelves for their 10x10 base-plate scenes and quick storage of random toys like Hotwheels, etc. When purchasing fabric cubes be sure they are the 10" or 11" dimensions. I found that "Mainstays" collapsible fabric cubes at Walmart fit nicely in here, but even better score was when I found some 11" cubes at our Dollar Tree (bargain!). These ClosetMaid Cubeicals benefit from being anchored into a stud on the wall, rather than being used as stand-alone/free-standing shelves. The 9 cube = 3x3 could be tolerable/"okay" freestanding if you absolutely insist, but I also bought some 1x4 and those must be secured or they sway and wobble pretty noticeably.
A few miscellaneous notes: The 5 "shelf backings" arrive with a permanent creased fold down the middle-for shipping, and are made of thin poster-board like material. If this crease bothers you, just buy posterboard and cut your own backs to tack in. Or if you want something thicker, I imagine "foamboard" from the school supply aisle works great if you score it with a box-cutter.
When I tacked in the shelf backings, one of my shelves tore/split even though the tack went in straight and precisely where it should have. I chose to use wood glue to repair the piece rather than return the shelves.
This was fast and easy to assemble, the instructions were clear. We've had the shelves for two days now, so I may update this later on to report on durability.
Why I gave it 5 stars: The shelves fit our current purpose wonderfully, and I love that when I don't require heavy duty weight bearing shelves, there is a very economical option I can snatch up. Eventually I do want the heavy duty, larger 13" cube shelves from a major brand, but for now I appreciated paying less than forty bucks to have a 9 cube = 3x3 shelf, rather than eighty or one twenty bucks for 3x3 from the other brands. Later on, I will pay more to buy some that are textbook sturdy and can do more things.
The photos: You will notice I originally had 12" cubes (white with blue petals), and realized I needed the 10 or 11" cubes (beige/gray). Also I did show one photo of my 4 cube storage here, even though this is my review for the 9 cube (3x3).
Color: WhiteSize: 9-CubeVerified Purchase
BASIC Economic Cube Shelves for Lighter-Weight Duty
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2017
I gave this 5 stars for the ECONOMY of it, but feel I should clarify what this IS and IS NOT. THIS IS VERY BASIC ECONOMY LIGHTWEIGHT STORAGE AT A CHEAP PRICEPOINT.Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2017
This is NOT the same as the Ikea Kallax or Walmart Better Homes and Gardens level of reinforced sturdiness for holding heavier weighted items like books, nor are the interior cube dimensions compatible with those brands of 13" or 12" fabric cubes.
This IS: These shelves are ideal for lighter-weight storage such as baby/toddler clothes or kids toys--- or in our case, the kids wanted LEGO display shelves for their 10x10 base-plate scenes and quick storage of random toys like Hotwheels, etc. When purchasing fabric cubes be sure they are the 10" or 11" dimensions. I found that "Mainstays" collapsible fabric cubes at Walmart fit nicely in here, but even better score was when I found some 11" cubes at our Dollar Tree (bargain!). These ClosetMaid Cubeicals benefit from being anchored into a stud on the wall, rather than being used as stand-alone/free-standing shelves. The 9 cube = 3x3 could be tolerable/"okay" freestanding if you absolutely insist, but I also bought some 1x4 and those must be secured or they sway and wobble pretty noticeably.
A few miscellaneous notes: The 5 "shelf backings" arrive with a permanent creased fold down the middle-for shipping, and are made of thin poster-board like material. If this crease bothers you, just buy posterboard and cut your own backs to tack in. Or if you want something thicker, I imagine "foamboard" from the school supply aisle works great if you score it with a box-cutter.
When I tacked in the shelf backings, one of my shelves tore/split even though the tack went in straight and precisely where it should have. I chose to use wood glue to repair the piece rather than return the shelves.
This was fast and easy to assemble, the instructions were clear. We've had the shelves for two days now, so I may update this later on to report on durability.
Why I gave it 5 stars: The shelves fit our current purpose wonderfully, and I love that when I don't require heavy duty weight bearing shelves, there is a very economical option I can snatch up. Eventually I do want the heavy duty, larger 13" cube shelves from a major brand, but for now I appreciated paying less than forty bucks to have a 9 cube = 3x3 shelf, rather than eighty or one twenty bucks for 3x3 from the other brands. Later on, I will pay more to buy some that are textbook sturdy and can do more things.
The photos: You will notice I originally had 12" cubes (white with blue petals), and realized I needed the 10 or 11" cubes (beige/gray). Also I did show one photo of my 4 cube storage here, even though this is my review for the 9 cube (3x3).
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2023
Color: Dark CherrySize: 8-CubeVerified Purchase
I use this in my bedroom for storing clothes and as a TV stand. However, I am considering purchasing another one to use in my living room as a TV stand and display cabinet. Works well with or without the canvas box inserts. I recommend using a matching wood putty or wood crayon to fill in the screw holes. The cardboard backing is flimsy and cheap. I threw it out, but to each their own.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Anemone
Great product for the price.
Reviewed in Canada on January 8, 2021Color: Natural Gray FinishSize: 9Verified Purchase
Anemone
Reviewed in Canada on January 8, 2021
It was pretty dusty coming out of the box so make sure you have a rag handy.
Otherwise I am super pleased and wanted to write this review in case anyone else was out there on the fence about this.
Happy storing!!
Images in this review
Carlos
Buen mueble para organizar a un precio accesible.
Reviewed in Mexico on March 17, 2020Color: WhiteSize: 9-CubeVerified Purchase
Moises
¿Calidad-precio?
Reviewed in Mexico on January 18, 2019Color: Natural Gray FinishSize: 9Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Bueno
Reviewed in Mexico on November 13, 2018Color: WhiteSize: 3-CubeVerified Purchase
Pamela Escudero
lo maximo
Reviewed in Mexico on February 10, 2018Color: EspressoSize: 3-CubeVerified Purchase
