How to Build a Wooden Bookcase
Are your books stored in boxes or perhaps scattered here and there? A simple, tidy storage solution is to build a wooden bookcase. It is a straightforward woodworking project that requires little effort, and the result is a solid, practical and beautiful piece of furniture.
Materials
1x8 dimensional lumber (your choice of poplar, cedar, pine, oak, etc.) to be cut as follows:
- 1 piece 48” long (top of bookcase)
- 2 pieces 48” long (sides)
- 1 piece 46 1/2" long (bottom)
- 1 piece 46 1/2” long – ripped to 3 1/4" width
- 2 pieces 46 1/2" long – ripped to 1 3/4" width (ripped pieces are for the toe kick and top trim)
- 2 pieces 45 7/8” long (adjustable shelving)
- piece 1/4" luan plywood cut 47 7/8” wide and 48 1/4" long (back piece)
- 4 pieces shelf standards cut to just under 4 feet long
- 4 feet of molding or trim for crown
- 1/2 lb of 1 1/2" or 6d finishing nails
- 1 box 7/8” round head brass nails
- Package of shelf standard clips (at least 8)
- Carpenter’s glue (optional)
Instructions
Step 1 – Cut Wood
If you purchased your lumber in longer lengths than those recommended above, cut them down to the right sizes, and set them aside on the floor or bench.Step 2 – Top Piece to Start
Line up the bookcase’s top piece to the plywood back piece and attach with finishing nails from the back.Step 3 – Side Pieces
Now line up each side piece to the edge of the plywood and attach with finishing nails from the back. If you were extra careful to cut your plywood piece perfectly square, you can be confident that your wooden bookcase will also end up perfectly square.At this point, some plans suggest running a bead of carpenter glue at the joints between the top and side panels to provide an extra level of support and sturdiness. You can add glue between the sides and the bottom shelf as well.
Step 4 – Top Trim
Attach the first 1 3/4" wide piece in between the side pieces and flush with the front, butted tight against the top shelf in order to provide a level surface for your crown or cap molding. Attach the trim piece with finishing nails from the top and then trim and attach crown molding.Step 5 – Bottom and Toe Kick
Line up the 1 3/4" wide piece about 1 3/4" in from one edge and attach it to the bottom of the bottom shelf with finishing nails. Then line up the 3 1/4" wide piece at a perpendicular angle and attach from the front of that piece using finishing nails (it will be sitting approximately 1” back from the front of the shelf). The toe kick not only forms the base of your bookcase, but also provides additional support for the bottom shelf. Place the bottom shelf between the two side pieces and attach with finishing nails from the sides.Step 6 – Shelf Standards
With the brass head nails, attach the shelf standards onto the inside of the bookcase, spacing them evenly and using a level to ensure that they are perfectly straight. If your shelf standard is not a brass finish, you can use round head nails to match the color, or you can paint the standard and the nails before assembly.Step 7 – Shelf Brackets
Install the shelf brackets at the desired height for the two interior, adjustable shelves.Step 8 – The Final Touch
The remaining task is to sand the edges of your wooden bookcase for a smooth finish, and then stain or paint it – your choice. The natural look is a popular way to go, but a coat of quality sealer or stain will make it easier to clean.
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