How to Add a Built-in Bookcase
Enhance the look and the usability of almost any room by adding a built-in bookcase. These cases are perfect for the areas that you just aren't sure what to do with, like the niches that flank fireplaces. You could also cover an entire wall with bookcases and turn the room into a home library. What makes these cases built-in is the fact that they are attached to the wall and integrated into the overall decor of the room. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Notepad and pencil
- Calculator
- Stud sensor
- 3/4-inch plywood, such as oak or maple
- 1-inch-by-1-inch lumber
- Trim, 2-inch wide
- Table or circular saw
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Drill and screwdriver bits
- Finishing nails
- Hammer
- Stain or paint and primer
- Brushes
Instructions
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Measure the height, width and depth of the area for the bookcase. Keep the width of each case to 30 inches or less. If you go wider than 30 inches, you will need to add center bracing to the shelves. Shelves are no more than 20 inches deep, and often 12 to 15 inches works well.
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Figure the overall dimensions of each piece to make a cut list. Subtract 3/4-inch from the depth measurement for the sides, shelves, top and bottom pieces of the case. This takes the thickness of the bookcase backing into account. Subtract 1 1/2 inches from the width measurement to accommodate the side panels. For instance, if your case measures 30 inches wide with a depth of 15 inches and a height of 62 inches, your side panels would be 62 inches by 14 1/4 inches. The shelves would be 28 1/2 inches long by 14 1/4 inches deep. Write out your cut list with the dimensions of each piece.
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3
Use the table or circular saw to make all the cuts on your list.
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4
Attach the sides, top and bottom pieces to the back of the bookcase. Use glue and wood screws to ensure a tight fit.
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Use the stud sensor to find the studs in the wall. Remove any baseboard that is in the way of the case. Place the shell of the bookcase against the wall. Drive screws through the back of the case and into the studs in the wall. Have screws in or close to each corner as well as in the middle of the case.
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Find the middle height of the bookcase on each side. Attach 1-inch-by-1-inch lumber cut to size at these marks with glue and screws. These are the support braces for the shelf. Set the shelf onto the braces and attach with glue and finishing nails. Repeat this procedure for the remaining desired shelves.
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Cover the shelf fronts with trim cut to size. Use glue and finishing nails to attach the trim.
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8
Stain or paint the shelves as desired. If you paint the shelves, be sure to prime them first. Primer seals the wood, so you will not need as much paint.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have crown molding in the room, use it on the top of the bookcase also. This makes the case seem like it was put there when the house was built.
Measure twice so you only cut once.
Wear safety glasses when cutting wood.
Always have adequate ventilation when painting or staining inside a room.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
