How to Assemble a Charles Webb Bookcase

Charles Webb bookcases are an excellent example of high-quality materials used in an attractive and decorative way that showcases the natural beauty of the wood. These bookcases are usually stained, not painted, and are attractive accents to any room. The storage provided by these pieces is extensive because of the sturdy construction, which allows for the support of heavy and large books. The assembly process is straightforward and all tools needed should be included, but the use of home tools simplifies the installation because of the ease of the larger, higher-quality tools.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife
• Allen wrenches

Instructions

1. Examine the instruction manual for the bookcase thoroughly, if available. Read any warnings and alerts carefully to make sure that your installation plans will provide a safe and appropriate use of the bookcase. Find the parts list within the assembly manual and go through each part to make sure it is included in the box. This has the secondary benefit of familiarizing you with all the pieces and procedures required, which prevents time-wasting mistakes.

2. Contact the retailer where you purchased the bookcase if any pieces appear to be missing. Hold off the assembly until the replacement piece can be found if the piece is critical to the process.

3. Construct the outer frame of the bookcase first by having an assistant hold the side boards parallel to each other. Set the bottom board between the two side boards, and position the specialized nuts within the holes in the bottom board. Thread the bolts through the side boards and into the nuts, and tighten them with an Allen wrench. Cover the bolt heads with the included pegs. Repeat to install the entire bottom board and top board.

4. Arrange the shelf boards within the frame of the bookcase, making sure the sides of the shelves with the holes for the specialized nuts are facing downward. Set the nuts within the holes, and pass the bolts through the side boards and into the shelves. Thread them in the nuts, and tighten them using an Allen wrench. Install all the bolts in a shelf partway before tightening them completely. Cover the bolt heads with pegs.

5. Flip the bookcase upside down and position the rear board sections on top. Lift the rear board and set the attachment nuts in the holes in the side boards. Pass the attachment bolts through the rear board and into the nuts in the side board holes. Tighten the bolts completely using an Allen wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• Secure the bookcase to the wall if necessary by drilling a 3-inch wood screw through the rear board and into a wall stud. The bookcase can also be anchored with a metal bracket attached to the top surface of the bookcase and to a wall stud.