How to Build a Bookshelf Out of Cinder Blocks and Boards

A two-board shelf

Building a simple and easy bookshelf is an efficient way to organize your library, if you are in a temporary location, such as a dorm or apartment, or if you move often. It can also be used for places like garages or basements where fine furniture is not as much of a concern. The following is an effective way to get those stacks of books off of your floor.

Things You'll Need

• At least four standard cinder blocks Boards Saw Tape measure

Instructions

1. Mark the exact center of your 8 foot long board and carefully cut with the handsaw. If you happen to have a piece of wood lying around that doesn't exactly match the above noted directions then this too will work, so long as the wood is sturdy and wide enough to hold up the books you own. Sand any corners or rough edges of the wood with a small square of sandpaper. It doesn't have to be perfect, but try to smooth out any dangerously sharp pieces.

2. Take two of your cinder blocks and place vertically against the wall you wish to construct the bookshelf. The space in between them should measure about 29 inches. Face the cinder blocks so that the hollow squares are facing forward as these are the perfect size to hold CD cases.

3. Place one of the boards on top of the cinder blocks so that it is against the wall. There will be about 2 inches of board hanging over the cinder blocks on each side. Stack the remaining two cinder blocks on top of this board directly over the first level of cinder blocks. The second board sits on top of these.

4. You now have a two-board shelf, but can also line books on the floor level between the first two cinder blocks, if you wish. In total you will end up with about 9 feet of shelf space. However, making your own book shelf out of such simple materials means that you aren't limited to making a shelf of a certain size. You can make it three levels high or four. You can make a short and wide shelf or a tall and narrow shelf.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more colorful look, paint the boards with a complementary color to the room that it is in or paint bold shapes, swirls or an entire scene. Also cinder blocks can be replaced with plastic milk crates, though these won't support as much weight.

• Always use extra care while using a handsaw and careful not to drop a cinder block on your foot.