How to Build a Bookcase With a Single Sheet of Plywood

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

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

1. 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.

2. 
   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)

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

4. 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.)

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

[DavidKee]

on 10/5/2008 Where does one find a five foot by ten foot sheet of plywood. I have only seen 4'x8' available for purchase in my states of past residence (Alabama, Louisiana or Texas)