How to Make Book Shelves With Rope

When purchasing bookshelves you are restricted to manufacturer sizes and cost. When you make your own bookshelves from ropes, you can decide how big you want them to be and where you want them to function, all using just a few inexpensive materials. You can use almost any type of plank wood and thickness of rope, but keep in mind the weight of the bookshelves and the things you will be putting on it because you will be hanging it from the ceiling or the wall. Recycling old wood is a great idea for this project and inexpensive spools of rope can be purchased at your local hardware store or a discount store.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plank boards
• Rope
• Drill and bit
• Measuring tape
• Heavy-duty scissors
• Miter saw or jigsaw
• Masking tape

1. Measure the width and height of the area for your rope bookshelf. Keep in mind the head space above the top shelf and allow for room below the bottom shelf.

2. Add the width to the height plus head space and an extra 20 inches for the bottom. Double the total measurement and cut two pieces of the rope. Wrap the ends of the rope with masking tape.

3. Hold the pieces of rope side by side. Fold the length in the middle. Tie an overhand knot 3 inches below the fold for the hanger. You will have four ends that will be used for the four corners of your rope bookshelf.

4. Determine the space between each shelf and the number of the shelves needed. Cut each shelf using the width measurement of your bookshelf.

5. Drill holes in each shelf approximately 1 inch from each corner edge. Use a drill bit the same diameter or slightly larger than the rope.

6. Insert a rope end into each drilled hole on the first shelf. Pull the length of the ropes through.

7. Set the top shelf board on one long edge, if the bookshelf will be hanging from the wall. Place the looped hanger flat on your work surface, above the desired head room on your shelf.

8. Knot each rope evenly below each hole in the shelf.

9. Insert a rope end into each drilled hole on the next shelf. Pull the length of the ropes through the holes until you have achieved the distance between the shelves that you want.

10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 until all the shelves on the bookshelf have been added. End with step 8.

11. Gather all four ends of the ropes below the bottom shelf. Tie them together using an overhand knot. Cut the knotted ends, leaving a rope tassel.

Tips & Warnings

• These instructions are based on a shelf 3 to 4 feet wide with shelves 48 inches deep, but they can be adjusted for larger or smaller bookshelves. You may want to make a smaller version than needed to get the hang of this project. To hang your bookshelf made with ropes, use a large hook and a toggle bolt.