How to Make a Built-in Bookcase Between the Studs

Build in additional storage space between your wall studs to provide sleek and efficient storage space in small rooms. The space between the wall studs is ideal for a built-in bookcase. Take advantage of the unused space inside your walls by cutting out the drywall between the studs. The project consists of a preassembled bookcase and simple wood trim for around the rough opening in the drywall. Slide a preassembled bookcase into the opening and screw it to the studs.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Drywall saw
• Tape measure
• 2 boards, 1-by-4-inch, 36 inches long
• 3 boards, 1-by-4-inch, 13 inches long
• Hammer
• Box, finish nails
• 1/4-inch plywood panel, 14-1/2-by-36 inches
• 2 trim boards, 36 inches long
• 2 trim boards, 16 inches long
• Miter saw
• Nail set
• Wood putty
• Putty knife
• Sanding pad, fine-grit
• Wood finish
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Slide a stud finder along the wall in the selected location for the built-in bookcase. Mark the location of the nearest two studs with a pencil.

2. Measure and mark 36-inch sides along the inside edges of the studs with a tape measure and pencil. Mark the top and bottoms to connect the two side pencil marks with a pencil.

3. Cut out the marked-out rectangle between the wall studs with a drywall saw. Lift the drywall cut-out from the wall and set it aside. This is the rough opening for the bookcase. The inside dimensions should measure 13 by 36 inches.

4. Lay the 1-by-4-by-36-inch boards on a work surface parallel to each other. Space the boards 13 inches apart from the inside edges. Orient the boards vertically. These are the sides of the bookcase assembly.

5. Place one 1-by-4-by-13-inch board between the top and bottom ends of the sides and one in the center to form the top, bottom and shelf for the bookcase. The 1-by-13-inch edges should be flush against the work surface.

6. Hammer two evenly spaced finish nails through the sides into the ends of the top, bottom and middle shelf at each joint.

7. Lay the plywood panel over the assembly. Hammer finish nails through the panel into the edges of the assembly every 4 to 6 inches. Fit the assembly into the rough opening in the wall. Hammer two evenly spaced finish nails through the sides into the wall studs at the top and bottom corners to fasten the assembly inside the wall.

8. Cut the ends of the trim boards at 45-degree angles with a miter saw so that they fit together like a picture frame. Fit the cut trim boards around the opening in the wall to cover over the cut edges. Hammer finish nails through the trim boards into the wall every 4 to 6 inches.

9. Set the nails slightly below the surface of the wood on the trim boards with a hammer and nail set. Fill the holes with wood putty using the blade of a putty knife. Allow the putty to dry for 24 hours. Sand the putty flush with the surface of the wood with a fine-grit sanding pad.

10. Brush wood finish onto the built-in bookcase with a paintbrush. Allow the first coat to dry four hours, and apply a second coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint the built-in the same color as the wall so that it blends seamlessly.

• Wear eye protection when woodworking to help prevent eye injury.

References

• Ron Hazelton Home Improvement Online: How to Put Recessed Shelves in a Wall
• Renovators Place: How to Build a Recessed Bookshelf or Wall Unit