How to Build a Leaning Bookcase

Leaning bookshelves are stylish as well as functional. They provide storage as well as have a good design to them. With them being a different style than the traditional shelving, the cost to buy them pre-made can be quite expensive, but if you make them yourself, they can be less costly.

Things You'll Need

• Wood or mdf board
• Table saw
• Wood glue
• Screws
• Sand paper and sander
• Paint or stain
• Paint brush

Instructions

1. Cut the side rails to size. They should be 3-feet by 2-feet by 5-feet tall. Lean the rail against the wall. Mark down the angle and cut it using the table saw. Recheck the fit to make sure it leans against the wall while the bottom is flat against the floor.

2. Cut the shelves to size. They will get progressively deeper for each shelf. The first shelf will start at 5 inches deep, then 8 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches, and 15 inches.

3. Decide if you would like the shelves to be flat or have a raised side. If you would like a raised side, then cut the pieces to the same size as the shelf on the back and two sides. For the back corners, cut the pieces at a 45-degree angle to line them up. Use wood glue to attach them to the shelf and connect the corners together. Then nail them into the shelf to secure them in place.

4. 

   Place the shelf in between the rails and against the back wall. Once lined up, use the drill and screws to secure the shelf in place between the rails. Repeat this for each shelf.

5. Sand the entire piece with the sand paper and sander. Wipe away any additional dust.

6. 

   Using the paint brush, paint the entire piece a color of choice or stain it with wood stainer. If you used MDF board instead of real wood, paint it versus staining it.

Tips & Warnings

• Use safety glasses with all equipment.