How to build a bookshelf

This step by step diy project is about how to build a bookshelf. Building a wooden bookshelf would create useful storage space and add value to your home. Work with attention and with great judgement, as it is essential to plan everything from the very beginning. If you want to use this bookshelf for storing towels, you could do it easily, but make sure you apply an appropriate finish.

There are a few things you should take into account, before starting the woodworking project. First of all, you need to select the quality lumber, such as pine. Select the wooden components with great care, making sure they are in a good condition and properly straight. In addition, you need to drill pocket holes and insert 1 1/4” screws to lock the components together.

Apply several coats of stain or paint to enhance the look of the bookshelf. In this manner, you project will have a neat appearance and will be durable. Use a router and a 1/4” bit to round the top edges of the bottom trims. Add wood glue to enhance the bond of the joints, beside driving the 1 1/4” finishing nails. Align the components at both ends, before inserting the wood screws. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

In order to build a bookshelf, you need to use the following:

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 50″ SIDES
B – 1 piece of 1×12 lumber – 30″, 1 piece of 1×12 lumber – 28 1/2” TOP AND BOTTOM
C – 1 pieces of 1×12 – 46 3/4”, 4 piece of 1×12 lumber – 14” SHELVES
D – 2 pieces of 1×2 – 49 1/4”, 1 piece of 1×2 – 30″, 1 piece of 1×2 – 27″ TRIMS
E – 2 pieces of 1×3 – 13”, 1 piece of 1×3 – 31 1/2” BOTTOM TRIMS
F – 2 pieces of 1×1 – 13”, 1 piece of 1×1 – 31 1/2” TOP TRIMS

3 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 10 ft
1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 10 ft
1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 6 ft
1 piece of 1×1 lumber – 6 ft
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Adjust the size of the shelves, according to your needs and tastes

Time

One Day

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Building a bookshelf

Assembling the frame

The first step of the project is to assemble the frame of the bookshelf. As you can see in the image, you need to lock the 1×12 pine boards together, by using pocket holes and 1 1/4” screws. In this manner, the joints will be rigid, but less visible.

Installing the shelves

Continue the woodworking project by installing the shelves, as in the free plans. We strongly recommend you to fit as many shelves as you need, as these plans can be customized easily.

Drill pocket holes at both ends of the shelves before fitting them into place. Place the holes downward-oriented, level them with a spirit level and lock them temporarily with C-clamps. Next, drive in the 1 1/4” wood screws, making sure you don’t over-tighten them.

Attaching the trims

In order to enhance the look of the bookshelf, you need to attach 1×2 trims to the front face of the components. After cutting the trims at the right size, we recommend you to lock them together with pocket screws. Check if the edges are aligned and make sure the corners are square.

Place the trims over the frame, align it with great attention and secure them into place with 1 1/4′ finishing nails. Add glue to enhance the bond of the components.

Fitting the bottom trims

Although this step is not compulsory, we recommend you to fit 1×3 moldings to the bottom of the bookshelf. As you can easily notice in the image, you should miter cut the components at 45º, in order to fit them together easily.

Align the trims to the bookshelf and lock it into place with 1 1/4” finishing nails. Add glue to increase the rigidity of the joints. Round the top edges of the 1×3 lumber, to enhance the look of the shelves.

Installing the back of the bookshelf

Building the back of the bookself can be done in several ways, so you should choose the alternative that best fits your needs. As you can notice in the image, you could just use 1/2” plywood or MDF.

Attaching the top trims

If you want to make your bookshelf stand out, you should consider adding 1×1 trims to the top. Miter cut the ends of the trims at 45º, if you want to obtain a professional result. Align the components, making sure they are flush with the bookshelf.

How to build a bookshelf

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the final touches. In order to get a professional result, fill the holes and the gaps with wood filler and let it dry out for a few hours. Afterwards, smooth the surface along the wood grain, using 120-grit sandpaper.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a bookshelf and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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