DIY Cutting Table

I finally cleaned off my cutting table for you guys! Behold, one of my new favorite things:

You all know how much I love my pegboard organization system. It’s the best. But this cutting table may take the cake.

I knew when I moved that I wanted a HUGE cutting table. I spent many nights shifting around my poor cutting mat on the floor of my old apartment, squeezing into corners so that I wouldn’t miss anything (Seriously, cutting my Ms. Marvel dress was a pain in the butt). This mat takes so much pressure off my back when I’m cutting!

To create a cutting table like mine, you’ll need the following:

• Storage cubes (2 3×4 cubes and one 3×2)
• IKEA Table top (I got one of the mid-sized Linnmons)
• Cutting mats
• Sticky-back Velcro circles
• Kitchen drawer roll
• Flat brackets and L-brackets*

While I was researching, I noticed that a lot of people hacked together storage cubes to create desks (If you go that route, I highly recommend taking a look here, here, here, and here)! I already had a set of Target storage cubes that I was using as a dresser in my old apartment, so I built off of that. I decided that I didn’t want an actual table to sit at since I already have my sewing desk, so I bought additional storage cubes and pushed them flush against each other.

Several of the  tutorials I read (this one specifically) suggested making your table the same height as  your navel. I’m 5’11”, so mine sits at a comfortable 36″ without risers. You may have to adjust how you arrange your cubes (mine are stacked 3 vertically) and add risers if you’re shorter.

Once your cubes are flush, you have the option of making them more stable with flat brackets. I ultimately decided against this, since 1) I’m a renter and would like to move everything out eventually), and 2) my tabletop holds everything in place pretty well.

Now that your cubes are situated, grab some sticky Velcro! Place your velcro around the edges of your table and place the corresponding pieces on the bottom of your table top. Between the weight of the table and this Velcro my table is pretty solid (unless you push directly against the side). If you want something sturdier, you can use L-shaped brackets to attach your cubes to the bottom of your tabletop.

One more tiny step: grab your kitchen drawer roll and place it on top of your table, then set out your cutting mat(s). I already had a small cutting mat, so I waited until Jo-Ann’s had a sale and bought my large one for $20. This means that I now have a cutting area 6′ long! Perfect for making ball gowns.

You’re done! Now go fill up those cubes and get to cutting. Here’s a look at how I filled mine:

I hope this helps some potential cube hackers out! Do you have a cutting/craft table? If so, please share!