How to Make Your Own Custom Bookcase
As the cost of fine furniture rises, there is something to be said for the charm and delicate feel of homemade custom bookcases. A simple bookshelf with clean lines that lasts for years can be made in an afternoon, and has a lot more charm than particleboard build-it-yourself varieties. Choose from a variety of solid woods, from white pine to red oak, and your bookshelf can create style and function in your house for little cost. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2 side boards, 1 inch by 8 inches and 3 feet long each
- 2 shelf boards, 1 inch by 8 inches and 30 inches long each
- 1 top board, 1 inch by 12 inches and 3 feet long
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Nails
- Sandpaper
- Wood stain or paint, optional
Instructions
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1
Stand up one of the side boards on its end. Measure down from the top and mark a line horizontally 13 inches from the top.
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2
Mark a second horizontal line 17 inches down from the 13-inch mark. Stand up the other side board and measure and mark it identically. Have a friend hold the boards about three feet apart with the pencil lines on the inside.
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3
Hold a shelf board to the bottom line of one side board. Line the board up so the marked line is even with the top edge of the shelf board. Nail into place with three nails spaced two inches apart.
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4
Attach the shelf to the opposite side board in the same way. Align the second shelf with the top pencil line using the same method and nail into place on each side.
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5
Set the last piece on top of the shelves. Let the top overhang the sides by three inches and then align the overhang to two inches over the front and back. Nail through the top and into the side boards using three nails spaced three inches apart.
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6
Sand the bookshelf until it is smooth to the touch and won't give anyone splinters. Sand the corner edges smooth to give a finished look. Stain or paint, if desired.
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Tips & Warnings
For a country theme, apply decorative motifs to the sides and top of the bookshelves. For a more sophisticated look, apply a simple wood stain or clear coat. To create an arch for the base of the shelves, as opposed to a flat bottom, mark and cut a 3-inch-diameter semicircle out of the bottom center of the side boards. Be sure to sand any freshly cut areas.
