How to Combine Two Bookcases

Combine two bookcases and create a nifty reading nook at the same time by joining them with a storage bench. A simple box-like bench attached to the sides of two bookcases not only provides extra storage space, but also gives the bookcases the feel of being one unit. Combining bookcases in this manner is an ideal way to frame a window.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 2 planks 2-by-11 lumber, 40 inches
• Router
• 3 planks 2-by-11 lumber, 14 inches
• Wood glue
• Carpenter's square
• 2 5/8-inch wood screws
• Drill
• 2 planks 1-by-12 lumber, 40 inches
• Wood putty
• Paint and paintbrush
• 40-inch box cushion

Instructions

1. Measure the depth of your bookcases to determine how deep you will need your bench to be. Decide on the length of your bench. If you want to frame a window with the bookcases and bench, the bench should be the same length as the outer edges of the window sill. For the example in this article, it is assumed that the bench is 40 inches long and 12 inches deep,

2. Lay two lengths of 40-inch 2-by-11 lumber side by side on the work bench, with one 40-inch side touching. These planks will become the inner top and bottom of the bench. Use a router to cut a 2-inch wide by half-inch deep groove on both ends of the 40-inch planks, as well as one across the middle of the planks. There should be three grooves on each 40-inch plank.

3. Bead a line of glue into the grooves on both planks. Fit three planks of 14-inch-long, 2-by-11 lumber upright into the grooves on one plank. The three planks should be perpendicular to the 40-inch plank, forming right-angled corners with the ends of the plank.

4. Fit the other 40-inch plank over the exposed ends of the three 14-inch planks. Square all the corners to 90-degrees before letting the glue dry. You should have a box-like bench, with two cubby hole sections formed by the three 14-inch planks.

5. Pre-drill four evenly spaced pilot holes, sized for 2 5/8-inch wood screws, through the top 40-inch plank into each of the upright 14-inch planks. Secure them together with 2 5/8-inch screws. Turn the bench over, and screw down the other 40-inch plank.

6. Lay a plank of 40-inch-long, 1-by-12 lumber flat on the work surface. Place the bench on top, with the back edge of the bench flush with the back edge of the 1-by-12, which will leave an inch overlap at the front. Secure the bench to the base plank with a 2 5/8-inch screw through the corners of each section of the bench into the base plank.

7. Place a second piece of 40-inch 1-by-12 over the top of the bench for the bench seat. Secure it as you did the base, with screws through the corners of the bench sections into the underside of the bench top.

8. Position the bench in between the two bookcases. Secure the bench to the bookcase sides with two screws through each corner of the bench ends into the sides of the bookcases.

9. Fill all the visible screw holes with wood putty, and let the putty dry before painting the bench to match the bookcases. Once the paint is dry, place a box cushion on the bench seat to finish the project.

References

• Ana White Homemaker; A Super Simple Easy Storage Bench; Ana White; November 2009
• Ask The Builder; Window Seats; Tim Carter
• Mother Earth News; Build This Book Nook & Window Seat; Steve Maxwell; 2007