How to Make a Bookshelf

Displaying Books Adds a Design Element

Whether you have a passion for novels or do it yourself books, placing them on display add a sense of design and brings organization to piles and stacks lying around the house. Book shelves can be as simple as milk crates stacked in open cubes or 2x8's on cinder blocks. Whatever you choose, make sure your basic bookshelf design is appropriate for the weight and volume you plan to store

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure and Square
• Saw: a good cross cut saw will work, but power jig saws and circular saws are my tools of choice.
• Power Drill
• 11/64" drill bit
• 12 pcs Size # 10-24 screws 1.5 inches long
• Sand paper (120 and 220 grit)
• Wood Glue
• Tack Cloth
• Stain
• Lint free cloth
• 5 ft of 1" x 8" pine
• 2 ft of 1" x 4" pine

Instructions

1. 

   Decide how much weight you will need to support. If you are not sure how much your material will hold, test it out by spanning two kitchen chairs and stacking your books in the middle. If the material doesn't bow or worse yet break (ouch!) its a pretty good measure of strength

2. 

   Sketch a Rough Design
   This step will offer you an opportunity to express your own unique style. A basic one shelf wall unit is a simple project for a home do it yourself project

3. 

   List cut pieces CLICK ON IMAGE FOR DETAIL
   Using a tape measure and Square Mark materials for cut length
   Using your cross cut or power saw,
   Cut 1 piece 1" x 8" to 36" long (Main Shelf)
   Cut 1 piece 1" x 4" to 24" Long (Shelf Wall Mount)
   Cut 2 pieces 1" x 8" to 8" long (Shelf Bracket Supports)
   Once these pieces have been cut, you can add your own style by rounding edges or angle cutting the shelve brackets as shown in the illustration.

4. 

   Mark drill locations on Shelf Parts CLICK ON IMAGE FOR DETAIL
   Using a tape measure and square mark the location of drill holes
   On the Main Shelf mark 2 spots 5 3/8" from each end 2" from edge
   On the Shelf Wall mount mark 1 spot 4" from each end 1 3/4" form edge
   On the Shelf Bracket Supports mark 2 spots 3/8" from the edge 1 1/4" apart

5. 

   Drill Screw Holes
   Using your power drill and an 11/64" drill bit, drill the holes marked on each of the shelf pieces through the lumber

6. Sand Shelf Parts
   Following the direction of the grain, Rough sand all wooden parts to desired smoothness (use 120 grit sand paper). This can be done by hand or using a power sander. Use fine sand paper (220 grit) for finish sanding. After sanding wipe shelf pieces with a tack cloth the remove sawdust.

7. Apply Stain
   Make sure the surface is free of loose dust and dirt. Using a lint free cloth apply a liberal coat of wood stain to each shelf piece. Allow stain to soak in then wipe off the excess. Repeat until desired color is accomplished. Sand with fine (220 grit)sand paper and wipe with tack cloth between each coat.

8. 

   Assemble shelf pieces with 1.5" #10- 24 wood screws.
   Choose a wall to mount. The screw holes in the Shelf Wall Mount are drilled 16" on center. This is the standard distance between studs in a wall. Since this shelf will be supporting weight, you should make sure you mount into wall studs or use sturdy wall anchors to support the shelf. If you are not sure how to do this consult with your local hardare store

9. 

   Place you favorite books on display and enjoy a job well done!

Tips & Warnings

• A clear coat product such as polyurethane can increase the durability of your bookshelf finish. Consult your local DIY store for additional infomation.