How to Make a Bookcase With Particle Board
Particle board is an engineered wood commonly used for construction of cabinetry, shelving and flat-packed furniture. Particle board is a much cheaper alternative than solid wood for constructing a bookcase, however it is not as strong as solid wood, so a limited span for the shelves is essential to minimize sag over time. Particle board can be finished with paint, melamine coating or wood veneers. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 2 planks 3/4-inch particle board, 10-by-70 inches
- Measuring tape
- Drill
- 7 planks 3/4-inch particleboard, 10-by-30 inches
- Wood glue
- Carpenter's square
- 1 5/8-inch screws
- 1 sheet 1/2-inch particle board, 31.5-by-70 inches
- Finishing nails
- Hammer
- Shelf pegs
Instructions
-
-
1
Lay two pieces of 10-by-70-inch 3/4-inch particle board side-by-side on a work surface, with their 70-inch edges touching.
-
2
Measure and mark a line across both planks every 7 inches up the 70-inch pieces of particle board, which will become the bookcase sides. On each side panel, measure in 2 inches from each edge and mark a line down the full 70-inch length, so that the 7-inch lines are crossed 2 inches in from the edge. These are the positions for the shelf peg holes.
-
-
3
Drill a hole at each cross point on the side panels that is as wide and as deep as the shelf pegs are thick and long. For example, if your shelf pegs are 3/16-inch thick and 1/2-inch long, drill the holes 3/16-inch wide and 1/2-inch deep.
-
4
Turn the side panels onto their edges, with the sides containing the shelf peg holes facing each other. Insert two pieces of 10-by-30 inch particle board in between the side panels at the top and bottom to form a rectangular box shape. Insert a third 10-by-30 inch piece of particle board in the middle of the side panels for the fixed central shelf.
-
5
Glue the ends of the top and bottom panels, as well as the central shelf, to the side panels, squaring up the corners to 90-degrees with a carpenter's square before letting the glue set.
-
6
Pre-drill three pilot holes sized for 1-5/8-inch screws through the side panels, equally spaced, into the ends of the top and bottom panels, as well as the ends of the central shelf. Secure the top, bottom and central shelf with 1-5/8-inch screws driven through the pilot holes.
-
7
Place a sheet of 31.5-by-70 inch 1/2-inch particle board over the back of the bookcase frame. Use finishing nails hammered every 4 to 5 inches around the perimeter of the bookcase frame, as well as through the back of the central shelf, to attach the back of the bookcase.
-
8
Stand the bookcase upright and insert the shelf pegs into the holes where you want to put the shelves in. Insert the 10-by-30 inch shelves into the bookcase resting on the shelf pegs.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Attach a molding frame around the front of the bookcase for a decorative finish.
If you want to make a bookcase wider than around 30 inches, use a vertical support plank in the center of the shelves to minimize sag on the longer shelves.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
