How to Make an Inset Bookcase

Inset bookcases can save floor space.

Inset bookcases are an efficient use of wall space when floor space is limited. Bookcases are good for storing books, nick-knacks or display items. An inset bookcase is a bookcase built into a wall between studs. Without much demolition you can construct a single bookcase or a series of bookcases along a wall.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Power saw
• Sheet of plywood
• 1 3/4-inch finishing nails
• Hammer
• 3/4-by-12-inch boards
• Paint or wood stain
• Paintbrushes
• Interior trim

Instructions

1. Find the studs in your chosen wall. Mark the location of each stud. The distance between studs will determine the width of the bookcase.

2. Find the interior sides of two adjacent studs. Measure and mark the wall between the studs to correspond with the height of the bookcase.

3. Cut down the inside edge of the studs between the high and low horizontal marks for the bookcase. Use a utility knife in a downward motion as you break through the drywall from the top mark. Cut between the studs across the top and bottom.

4. Measure and cut a plywood sheet to correspond with the dimensions of the opening for the bookcase. This will be the back of the bookcase. Fit the panel into the hole to rest against the back of the opening.

5. Nail the panel against the back of the opening with the finishing nails. Set the nails around the edge of the panel.

6. Cut a pair of boards to match the predetermined height of the bookcase. Position these boards against the visible sides of the studs. Nail the boards into position.

7. Measure the distance between the two side boards nailed into position. This is the width of the horizontal boards for the top, bottom and shelving. Cut the number of boards you want for shelves, remembering to add two boards for the top and bottom.

8. Nail the top and bottom boards into position, setting the nails at angles so they drive through the horizontal boards into the vertical boards. Place the nails at the corners of the horizontal boards. Nail a pair of nails through the horizontal boards into the back panel the same way.

9. Measure and mark the location for the shelves. Position the largest book you're putting on the shelves into place on the bottom board; this will give you an idea of the average height needed for your shelves.

10. Nail the shelving into place, setting the nails at angles and driving them through the ends of the horizontal boards into the vertical boards. Nail a pair of nails the same way along the back wall.

11. Measure and cut the trim pieces to fit the outer edges of the bookcase.

12. Stain all visible surfaces of the bookcase. Allow the stain to dry.

13. Nail the trim pieces to the appropriate sides of the bookcase.

References

• Popular Mechanics; How to Build a Bookcase; Rosario Capotosto; May 2000
• Ron Hazleton: How to Put Recessed Shelves in a Wall

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish