Things You'll Need:
- 1x8 lumber
- 1/8- or 1/4-inch plywood
- Decorative molding
- Circular saw
- Drill and drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Screws
- Brads
- Finishing nails
- Tape measure
- Carpenter's square
- Bookshelf pins or holders
- Sander
- Sand paper
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Paint or stain
- Paintbrush
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Step 1
Design your bookshelf. Decide where you are going to put it. Measure to make sure the size you want to build fits in the spot. Determine how many shelves you want. Keep in mind that a shelf longer than 4 feet may need support to keep it from sagging.
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Step 2
Purchase the wood. Some lumberyards may cut the wood for you. Also purchase your other materials.
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Step 3
Frame the outside edges of the bookshelf. Lay the four outside pieces on the floor or your workbench. Place the top and bottom pieces so that the sides butt up to them. Drill holes and secure all four pieces with screws.
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Step 4
Cut the plywood the exact measurement of the back. Remember to allow for the wooden sides, top and bottom. Use a carpenter's square to make sure the plywood is square when you cut it.
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Step 5
Attach the back to the bookshelf. Starting at the top, secure the plywood with brads or finishing nails. Be careful not to split out the wood with larger nails. Stand the bookcase upright at this point.
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Step 6
Hold the bookshelves in place to make sure they are going to fit. Trim if necessary. Drill holes to slide the bookshelf pins into. Since the book shelves sit on the pins, it is necessary that they be even on both sides of the bookcase. Put two pins on each side of the shelf for good support for most books. Slide the bookshelves in place.
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Step 7
Trim the top of the bookcase with decorative molding. You can also trim the sides and bottom if you wish.
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Step 8
Sand the wood. Paint or stain the bookcase. Let the finish dry. Put your books on the shelves and enjoy it.
