Free bookcase plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about free bookcase plans. If you want to learn how to build a wooden bookcase from scratch, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. Plan everything from the very beginning and invest in high quality materials, such as: pressure-treated lumber, cedar or redwood, if you want to get the job done as a professional. In addition, you can use 15″ wide 3/4″ plywood.

Even this project might look like very simple ans straight-forward, there are still a few things that you should take into account before starting the actual construction. Therefore, we recommend you to adjust the size and the design of the bookcase to suit your needs and budget. Always take accurate measurements and mark the area before making the cuts with a circular saw.

Align the components at both ends and drill pocket holes before inserting the galvanized screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure. Use a damp cloth to remove the excess before it dries out. Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the area with medium-grit sandpaper. Clean the residues with a damp cloth and apply a few coats of stain or paint to enhance the look of the bookcase. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a bookcase

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood lumber – 15″x56″ long, 1 piece – 15″x54 1/2″ long SHELVES
B – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 15″x26″ long SIDES
C – 4 pieces of 3/4 plywood – 15″x12 3/4″ long PARTITIONS
D – 4 pieces of caster wheels WHEELS
E – 1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 27 1/2″ x 56″ long BACK

1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 3’x5′
caster wheels
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
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Free bookcase plans

Building the frame of the bookcase

The first step of the project is to build the frame of the bookcase, as shown in the plans. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to use 15″ wide and 3/4″ thick plywood boards. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the side components and insert the 1 1/4″ screws into the bottom and top of the bookcase.

Make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws and add waterproof glue to enhance the bond of the joints. Afterwards, drill pocket holes at both ends of the shelf and and fit it into place with screws. Use a spirit level to check if the shelf is horizontal.

Fitting the partitions

One of the last steps of the project is to fit the partitions into place and to lock them to the frame with 1 1/4″ screws, after drilling pilot holes. Use a spirit level to plumb the partitions and place them equally-spaced before inserting the screws.

Attaching the back to the bookcase

If you want to enhance the look of the bookcase, we recommend you to attach a piece of 1/4″ plywood to the back of the bookcase. Align it with attention, making sure it fits the corners properly. Use finishing nails to lock the piece of plywood into place and add waterproof glue if necessary.

Fitting the wheels

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to attach the caster wheels to the bottom of the bookcase, as shown in the image. Use screws to secure the wheels into place, if you want to move the bookcase easily from one place to another.

Free bookcase plans

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

Thank you for reading our project about free bookcase plans and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends and LIKE us, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE if you want to be the first that gets our latest articles.

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