How to Build a Kid's Bookcase

Kids love books, but they rarely have a bookcase of their own. Here's a quick and simple kid-sized bookcase that's sure to work for kids and parents alike.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• (1) 4 foot X 8 foot sheet of finished plywood.
• Tape measure
• Compass or a 4 inch piece of string
• Pencil
• Edgebanding
• Sander or sandpaper
• Bondo/Hardener
• Primer
• Primary colored paint
• Circular saw
• Jigsaw
• Drill
• Screws
• Glue

1. 
   Cut Layout

   Make these cuts from the plywood (see diagram):
   1 piece @ 42 inches x 34 inches (back)
   2 pieces @ 41 1/4 inches x 12 inches (sides)
   1 piece @ 34 inches x 12 inches (top)
   3 pieces @ 32 1/2 inches x 12 inches (bottom/shelves)
   1 piece @ 32 1/2 inches x 2 inches (support)

2. Lay the sides flat. Measure 7 inches from the bottom and 6 inches from either side. Either use your compass or center the string here and use it to draw a circle that is 8 inches across. Measure 5 inches down from the top and do the same thing. Repeat on the other side piece.

3. Cut out the circles using the jigsaw.

4. Sand all surfaces.

5. Build the box. Lay the sides down on their front edge. Lay the support on its wide edge flush with the bottom of the sides and with the front edge of the sides. Attach. Place the front edge of the bottom piece directly above the support. Make sure it is flush with the front and back. Attach.

6. Place the top on its edge directly above the top of the sides. Check for flush. Attach. Space the other two shelves so that there is enough room for books and attach. Finally attach the back.

7. Fill in all screw holes with bondo.

8. Sand the bondo smooth.

9. Apply edgebanding to all front edges and the inside of the circles. Trim the excess.

10. Prime and paint the bookcase. Try using different primary colors for each piece.

11. Let your little one set up shop.

Tips & Warnings

• You could cut the left over circles in half and attach them to the top of the case to give an even more fun look.
• Instead of edgebanding, you could bondo all the edges.
• Never paint or stain without proper ventilation.
• You may want to attach the bookcase to the wall to prevent your child from toppling it.