How to Build a Floor to Ceiling Book Shelf

When you have lots of books and not enough bookshelves and the small bookcases aren't giving you enough shelf for the wall space they occupy, this relatively easy to make unit could be just the thing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 x 2 lumber
• 1 x 3 lumber
• 1 x 10 lumber
• saw
• tape measure
• 2 inch screws
• 2 1/2 or 3 inch screws
• drill
• screwdriver or screw bit for drill
• wood stain
• paint brushes & clean up stuff
• another person to help (optional, but easier)

1. Determine how big you want your shelf. For the least amount of cutting of lumber, plan according to normal lumber lengths like 8', 10' or 6'. If you do this, the only cutting that will need to be done is of the 2x2's. Check with your lumber store to be sure on sizes. These steps will assume an 8' x 8' size shelf unit. You'll need an 8' section of wall to put it on. Note that it is possible to use a section of wall with a window with this bookshelf. If you want your unit to butt up to a wall, be sure you have enough room on the other end to slide shelves in (Read all steps; for 8 foot shelf you'll probably need at least 6 feet of space on one end of the first support.)

2. 
    
   Shelves can overhang for decor as pictured, or can be flush with the end supports.

   Plan your shelf. Determine where the studs in the wall are. Normally they will be 16" apart. You'll want at least one stud on or near each end that will anchor your shelf. For an 8' shelf unit you'll want: 3 supports for a unit with shelf overhang (pictured); 4 supports for a unit without overhang. Supports will be made of the 1 x 3's.
   
   Decide how many shelves you want. Think about what size books you'll be putting on them and how tall the shelf unit will be. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 12" for the average book, 9" for the small paperback (massmarket), or 14" for taller books, give or take a half inch. Shelves will be made of the 1 x 10's

3. Purchase supplies. If you are making an 8' x 8' unit all of the lengths of lumber will be 8 foot lengths. Count how many supports you will have and multiply by two: this is how many 1 x 4s you will need.
   
   Count how many shelves you will have: this is how many 1 x 10's you will need.
   
   Take the number of shelves and multiply by how many supports you will have and divide by 9: this is how many 2 x 2's you will need. Note: if you get 1.8 you will need to purchase 2. Always round up to the nearest whole number.
   
   Get the stain, staining supplies, and screws. You'll need 64 two inch screws with four supports, so a small box will be plenty. 4 or 5 per support of the larger screws to anchor it to the wall, determine length based on how thick your drywall is. Ask at the store if you're unsure.

4. Stain all lumber. Let dry completely before assembly.

5. 
    
   The screw should go into the wood slightly. You can cover this with a wood putty, if desired.

   Assemble supports. You will be making something that will look like a ladder. Stretch a tape measure out on each of the 1 x 3's in turn. Make a mark at 3" then at each additional 12" (3", 15", 27", and so on). Drill a small hole about 3/4" below the mark (2-1/4", 14-1/4" and so on). The hole should be smaller than the thickness of the screw you'll use. Screw the 2" screws into each hole so that it is just peeking through the other side. These should be screwed into the opposite side of your marks, so the marks are underneath.
   
   Set two of the 2 x 2 pieces on end about 6 or 7 feet apart. Place a 1 x 3, screw side up, on top of the pieces. Line up one piece with the 3" mark, so that the 2 x 2 is on the side of the nearest end, it's top edge in line with the mark. Screw the screw the rest of the way into the end of the 2 x 2 until the head bites into the wood and is flush (see picture). Screw other 2 x 2's in under each mark.
   
   Turn it over and put another 1 x 3 on the other side, attaching it in the same way. Make sure the 3" mark is on the same end as the other.

6. 
    
   See how the supports under the shelves have a ladder-like look.

   Attach supports to wall. Drill small holes in one side of the "ladder" where you will screw it into the wall. Place it against the wall where the stud is and screw it in.

7. Add shelves. Now just slide the 1 x 10's into the supports. If your room is large you can slide from the end. If there's not enough space slide it in from one of the sections tipped on end, slide it in far enough so the end can slip back inside the unit, then slide it the other way to even it out.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing your lumber be sure it is straight. Any warping can not only make your shelf look bad, but may make it impossible to put together.
• You can vary the dimensions of the unit, even while buying lumber that is standard: 6' wide by 8' high, 10' wide by 6' high, etc. Just purchase shelves for width and supports for height.
• Ask at your lumber store about them making your cuts for you if you don't have a saw.
• Use a square to make your marks on the 1 x 3's so they are straight. Use pencil and don't mark quite all the way to either edge.
• Decide if you don't want the supports to extend above the top shelf. You'll need to cut the excess off before staining. Remember to include 3/4" above the top 2 x 2 "rung" so the shelf will be flush with the top of the support.
• If you want to accommodate various sizes of books you might want a 14" height shelf on the bottom and have the rest be 12".
• Be sure to measure from floor to ceiling to be sure you have at least 8' if you're making an 8' high unit. Then check to be sure your supports aren't actually longer than 8'. You may need to trim your supports.
• Keep in mind that lumber sizes aren't the actual size. For example a 1 x 3 could be about 3/4" x 2 1/2" (sizes may vary slightly). Lengths also may vary slightly.