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Today, we’re tackling a universal challenge for parents: toy organization. Specifically, we’re diving into the process of crafting a custom ‘big boy room’ for my youngest. This project has been an absolute joy, and the little one is absolutely smitten with his new space. While I won’t sugarcoat it – transitioning from a crib means more nightly trips back to bed (I do miss the crib, lots! 😉) – it was definitely time for this exciting change. A crucial part of any kid’s room transformation is creating an environment that supports play while maintaining order, and that’s precisely what we’re addressing here.
One undeniable truth about children is their uncanny ability to accumulate toys – especially those tiny, seemingly endless little pieces. The quest for an effective, sanity-saving organization system became paramount. I spent countless hours researching and shopping for solutions that could keep toys separated and accessible, making playtime more enjoyable and cleanup less of a chore. My search led me to fall completely in love with IKEA’s Trofast storage bins. These bins, which are also readily available online, presented the perfect foundation for my needs. Their generous size, solid construction (no small holes for tiny treasures to escape through!), and incredibly affordable price point – seriously, that $4 price tag is unbeatable – made them an ideal choice. However, I decided to elevate the concept by building my own custom frame. This approach allowed me to use real wood, often at half the cost of pre-made options, and, most importantly, I could perfectly coordinate it with the existing decor of his new room. The result is a piece that’s both highly functional and beautifully integrated into the space!
We firmly believe that organization doesn’t have to be purely utilitarian; it can, and should be, both functional and incredibly cute! Agreed?
Unlock Free Plans for Your Ultimate DIY IKEA Trofast Storage Unit
We’ve got some truly fantastic news to share! We are now offering FREE printable plans for all our original Shanty2Chic projects, and this highly requested IKEA Trofast compatible toy storage unit is no exception. You asked, you begged, and here they are! Simply click the button below to open the plans in a new window. From there, you can easily print them out or download and save them to your device. These comprehensive plans will guide you through every cut and measurement, ensuring your project is a success.
As always, in addition to the detailed plans, we’ll provide you with a full, step-by-step tutorial complete with helpful tips and plenty of pictures to ensure you can confidently tackle this project. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a beginner looking for a rewarding weekend project, we’ve broken down every aspect to make it as straightforward as possible.
Essential Supplies for Your IKEA Trofast Toy Storage Project
This DIY storage unit is a surprisingly simple build, making it an excellent project for anyone looking to add custom furniture to their home. We’ve meticulously laid out everything you’ll need. Gather your materials, and let’s get started!
- **2 – 1x12x8′ Pine or Whitewood Boards:** These will form the main structural components of your unit, providing sturdy sides and internal dividers. Pine and whitewood are excellent choices for their affordability, ease of working, and ability to take stain beautifully.
- **2 – 1x12x4′ Pine or Whitewood Boards:** Used for specific shorter sections of the main structure. Choosing two shorter boards instead of cutting down a longer one can sometimes save you a few dollars, proving that every penny counts!
- **3 – 1x2x8′ Pine or Whitewood Boards:** These thinner boards are crucial for creating the rails that the IKEA Trofast bins will slide onto, ensuring a smooth and secure fit.
- **2 – 1x3x8′ Pine or Whitewood Boards:** Utilized for the trim work, adding a polished, finished look to your storage unit and concealing any raw edges or minor imperfections.
- **9 IKEA Trofast Bins:** The stars of the show! These are the plastic bins designed to fit into IKEA’s Trofast system, now reimagined with our custom wooden frame.
- **Kreg Jig (Optional, but Highly Recommended):** This tool is a game-changer for creating strong, concealed pocket hole joints, making assembly clean and robust. If you don’t own one, now is the perfect time to invest!
- **Drill:** Essential for driving screws and creating pilot holes, ensuring precise and secure connections.
- **Brad Nailer:** Speeds up the process of attaching rails and trim, providing strong, almost invisible fasteners. A cordless brad nailer offers incredible convenience.
- **Gorilla Wood Glue:** For superior bonding strength, always use wood glue in conjunction with screws and nails for lasting durability.
- **Wood Stain:** To achieve your desired finish and match existing furniture. We’ll be using Varathane Stain in Kona for a rich, dark look.
Step-by-Step Guide: Building Your Custom Toy Organizer
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this fantastic storage unit to life. This process is designed to be straightforward and rewarding!
Step 1: Preparing Your Wood Cuts
The journey begins with precision cuts. I recommend starting with your larger 1×12 boards. Pine and whitewood are excellent choices due to their affordability and ease of workability. When purchasing, you’ll find them in various lengths. For this project, I opted for two 4ft boards instead of another 8ft one, which cleverly saved me a couple of dollars. Smart shopping is always a win, right?
Here is the detailed cut list for the 1×12 boards. Always double-check your measurements before making any cuts to ensure accuracy:
- 1 piece @ 53.25″ (Top)
- 1 piece @ 51.75″ (Bottom)
- 2 pieces @ 35.75″ (Outer Side Panels)
- 2 pieces @ 33.25″ (Inner Divider Panels)
For the 1×2 boards (rails), you’ll need:
- 18 pieces @ 11.25″ each
For the 1×3 boards (trim), you’ll need:
- 2 pieces @ ~37.25″ (Side Trims – measure exactly during assembly)
- 1 piece @ ~54.75″ (Front Top Trim – measure exactly during assembly)
Step 2: Mastering Pocket Holes with a Kreg Jig
Next up are the pocket holes! For this crucial step, I relied on my incredibly handy Kreg Jig. If you don’t own one yet, it’s truly time to consider this invaluable tool for clean, strong joinery. It creates angled holes that hide screws, giving your project a professional, fastener-free appearance. You can see the model Ashley and I use HERE. For those new to woodworking and wondering what a Kreg Jig actually is, we have a helpful video tutorial HERE that breaks down its function and demonstrates just how easy it is to use.
I began by setting my Kreg Jig for 3/4″ pocket holes, which matches the thickness of our chosen wood. Place your boards securely into the jig as shown:
You’ll want to place pocket holes strategically on the boards. The longer side boards (35.75″) will have pocket holes on one end only. The shorter middle divider boards (33.25″) will require pocket holes on both ends to connect them to both the top and bottom panels.
Step 3: Attaching the Basket Rails
Before assembling the main frame, we need to attach the 1×2 rails that will support the IKEA Trofast baskets. You will have 18 of these rails, each cut to 11.25″. To ensure maximum durability and stability, I applied a generous line of Gorilla Wood Glue along the designated area on the 1×12 boards where each rail would sit. Wood glue creates a bond stronger than the wood itself, so never skip this step!
After applying glue, I used my Ryobi Airstrike Nailer with 1 1/4″ brad nails to securely attach each rail. I typically use 3-4 brads per rail for optimal hold. This tool is genuinely one of my absolute favorites! It offers all the incredible power and efficiency of a pneumatic nailer (those that connect to an air compressor) but with the unmatched convenience of an 18V battery. It’s incredibly legitimate and makes quick work of assembly, appearing in almost every project I undertake. You can easily find these at Home Depot!
Ensure your rails are perfectly aligned and evenly spaced. This step is critical for the Trofast bins to slide in and out smoothly. You’ll notice where I positioned all the pocket holes on the main boards, ready for assembly. These images illustrate the layout for the longer side boards, which only receive pocket holes on one end.
For the shorter middle boards, you’ll add pocket holes to both ends, as these will connect from both sides to the top and bottom panels. These middle boards will also feature rails on both sides, allowing for additional bin storage. Once the rails are attached to the first side, simply flip the board over and repeat the process on the other side. Here’s a profile shot showcasing what the finished middle sections look like with their attached rails, ready for integration into the frame.
Step 4: Assembling the Main Frame
Now it’s time to bring all these prepared pieces together to form the robust structure of your toy organizer! For all frame connections using pocket holes, we’ll be using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws.
Begin by attaching the longer side pieces (35.75″) to the top piece (53.25″). This forms the initial, upright structure of your unit. Ensure everything is flush and square before fully tightening the screws.
Next, introduce the bottom 1×12 piece (51.75″). You’ll notice this board is slightly shorter than the top board, designed to create a subtle recessed look for the trim. Add 3/4″ pocket holes to the bottom side of each end of this board. Then, attach it to the long side pieces using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws. Position this bottom board so its top edge is 2.5″ up from the very base of your side boards. This precise placement ensures proper spacing and stability.
Now, it’s time to insert the middle divider boards (33.25″) that you previously equipped with rails on both sides. Carefully place these dividers, ensuring they are precisely 16.75″ apart. This spacing is crucial for the IKEA Trofast bins to fit correctly. Secure them in place using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws through the pre-drilled holes on both ends of each divider. Take your time to measure and align each divider perfectly before tightening the screws to ensure a sturdy and symmetrical unit.
Step 5: Adding the Decorative Trim
With the main structure complete, it’s time for the trim work, which adds a professional, finished look to your DIY toy storage unit and covers any exposed edges. For this, we’ll use the 1×3 boards.
Start by adding the side trim pieces to both the top and bottom sections of the unit’s sides. These pieces should be measured and cut to fit snugly. They help define the edges and create a more substantial appearance. While we provided approximate measurements earlier, it’s always best to measure directly on your assembled unit for a perfect fit.
To attach these trim pieces, I once again utilized a combination of Gorilla Wood Glue for a strong, lasting bond, and my trusty cordless nail gun for quick and secure fastening. This method makes the process incredibly easy and efficient, yielding clean results with minimal visible fasteners. Just apply glue, position the trim, and nail it into place!
The final step in the build process is adding the long front trim piece. This piece runs across the top front of the unit, truly completing its custom look. It’s crucial to measure this piece accurately on your assembled unit before cutting, as slight variations can occur. Mine measured approximately 54.75″, but always measure directly to ensure a perfect, seamless fit.
Once all the trim pieces are attached, your unit will look perfectly finished from every angle. The sides will feature clean lines and a custom feel, thanks to the added trim.
And just like that, the construction is DONE! You’ve successfully built a sturdy, custom frame for your IKEA Trofast bins.
Finishing Touches: Staining and Personalization
After completing the build, the next exciting step is to add the finish. I chose to stain the entire piece to beautifully match the bed and nightstands I previously crafted for his room, creating a cohesive and polished look. For this, I used Varathane Stain from Home Depot in the rich, deep shade of Kona. Staining not only enhances the natural beauty of the wood but also adds a layer of protection, making your piece more durable.
The staining process is quite straightforward: I work in small, manageable sections, brushing the stain evenly onto the wood. After allowing it to penetrate for a couple of minutes – the exact time depends on the desired depth of color – I use a clean wiping cloth or an old t-shirt to wipe off any excess stain. This method helps prevent blotchiness and ensures an even finish. Trust me, it’s often easier than painting, and the best part is this particular stain dries incredibly fast, typically in under an hour! This means you can often complete multiple coats or proceed to the next steps much quicker.
Here it is, all finished up and looking fantastic in its new home!
To add an extra layer of organization and a charming personal touch, I created chalkboard labels for the front of the bins. For these, I used Chalkboard Contact Paper, which I conveniently purchase on Amazon HERE. To write on them, I opted for a white wet-erase chalk pen. These pens are fantastic because they create neat, crisp lines that resist smudging, keeping the labels tidy even with active little hands around. I absolutely adore these pens! Simply cut the contact paper to your desired shape, peel off the backing, and stick it onto the bins. It’s an easy and effective way to label categories of toys, making cleanup a fun learning game for kids.
Why This DIY Toy Storage Unit is a Game Changer for Kids’ Rooms
I truly hope you love this project as much as I do! Crafting functional furniture pieces, especially for my children’s rooms, brings such immense satisfaction. This DIY IKEA Trofast storage unit is more than just a place to stash toys; it’s a carefully designed solution that offers numerous benefits. It’s incredibly cost-effective compared to buying pre-made units, allows for complete customization to match your decor, and provides a durable, real wood alternative to plastic or particle board options. This unit helps foster an organized environment, encouraging kids to participate in tidying up by providing clear, accessible storage for all their beloved toys. Now, the main challenge remains: ensuring he actually puts the toys *into* the baskets! 😉
Get Your Free Plans and Explore More DIY Projects!
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing in our DIY journey! We would be absolutely thrilled if you would share and PIN this project with all your friends and fellow DIY enthusiasts. Spreading the word helps us continue to create and share more exciting projects.
Remember, you can access the full set of FREE printable plans by clicking HERE! A huge thank you to Jay from Jay’s Custom Creations for his invaluable expertise in transforming our ideas into these professional plans for our wonderful readers. Jay is an incredibly talented woodworker with a wealth of fantastic project ideas; we highly recommend you check out his site for more inspiration!
And for those of you who might be curious about other elements of this ‘big boy room’ transformation, here are links to some related projects and resources:
- Explore the Paint Color used in this room HERE
- Discover how to build the Pottery Barn Inspired DIY Bed HERE
- Learn to craft the matching DIY Nightstands HERE
The cozy quilt featured in the room is from PBTeen!
~Whitney