How to Build a Bookcase With a Single Sheet of Plywood

Rate: (10 Ratings)

If you want a quick and easy bookcase, look no further. It's easy to make a nice-looking bookcase from just a single sheet of plywood. And it's a lot of fun to make.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

5 foot x 10 foot sheet of 3/4 inch plywood
Tape measure
Circular, Table, or Panel Saw
Wood screws
Drill/Driver
Sand Paper or Orbital Sander
Edgebanding (optional)
Shelf pins (optional)
Wood Filler (optional)
Stain or Paint (optional)

How to Build a Bookcase out of a Single Sheet of Plywood

Step1

Buy a sheet of plywood. If it's too big to fit in your vehicle, you can either have it cut at the home improvement store or con a buddy into letting you borrow his truck.

Step2

Diagram of cuts Make these Cuts:
1 piece at 6 feet x 2 feet 11 1/2 inches (back)
2 pieces at 6 feet x 11 7/8 inches (sides)
6 pieces at 2 feet 10 inches x 11 7/8 inches (shelves)
1 piece at 2 feet 10 inches x 1 3/4 inches (bottom shelf support)

Step3

Sand all surfaces (if you choose to edgeband as well, do it now).

Step4

Attach one shelf to the top of the two sides. Make certain that you are flush with top, front and back. (It's easier if you lay the bookshelf down on its face throughout the entire construction process.)

Step5

Attach the bottom shelf support to the bottom of the sides so that it stands 1 3/4 inches tall (if the bookshelf was standing up). Check that it is flush with the bottom and front.

Step6

Attach the bottom shelf. Lay its front edge on top of the support. Attach to both the support and the sides. Make sure there is a space of 1 3/4 inches between the back of the shelf and the bottom of the sides.

Step7

Attach the shelves. To space them evenly you will need a space of
13 3/4 inches between each shelf. But it's your project. You can make all the shelves adjustable if you want or put them in any fixed configuration. Make sure you include the 3/4 thickness of the shelf when you are measuring.

Step8

Attach the back. Lay the back on top of your face down bookshelf. Make sure it is square with all edged. Attach it to both the sides and the back for exra support.

Step9

Paint or stain to your liking. Or leave it unfinished for a more modern look.

Tips & Warnings

You will have one piece of scrap plywood, approximately 3 x 1 feet.
Birch plywood is a good choice. It paints and stains well and looks nice unfinished.
Never paint or stain in a room without ventilation.