How to Build Your Own Bookshelf
Woodworking can seem like an intimidating task when it seems easier to go to the store and purchase pre-fabricated goods. But building your own bookcase can deliver a sense of self-satisfaction.
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Things You'll Need
- Wood
- Thin stock of plywood or particle board
- Wood nails
- Small hammer
- Tape measure
- Level
- Stain
- Sandpaper
Instructions
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1
Measure how tall, wide and deep you want your bookshelf to be and cut two vertical side boards, a top shelf and a bottom shelf to those dimensions.
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2
Nail the two side boards to the top and bottom shelf of the bookshelf, leaving a three-inch gap between the bottom shelf and the bottom of the sideboards.
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3
Measure the height and width of the bookshelf and cut the particle board or plywood to these dimensions to create the back of the bookshelf.
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4
Nail the particle board or plywood to the back of the bookshelf. This will provide stability.
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5
Measure the distance you want between shelves and determine how many shelves you need. Mark on the vertical sides where you want the shelves.
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6
Cut the shelves to meet the width and depth of the bookshelf.
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7
Nail the shelves into the bookshelf, using the marks you made on the vertical sides.
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8
Cut two strips of wood that are the same length as the bookshelf is wide. Both should be two or three inches wide.
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9
Place one of the strips below the bottom shelf, so that it is touching it and the two sideboards, and nail it into place. Then take the other strip and butt it up against the bottom of the top shelf and nail it into place. For more decoration, consider cutting the strips with a curve or some other decoration.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure to sand the wood down for a smooth finish after you have cut it. For a more professional appearance to your bookshelf, consider staining or varnishing the wood after it has been cut and sanded, but before you assemble the bookshelf. After the bookshelf is assembled, consider adding another coat of stain to the bookshelf to cover the nails and add a thicker coat of stain to the finished product.
