How to Build a Wall Book Shelf

Backlight showing off the wall book shelf

Building a wall bookshelf is a project many homeowners love to do. While a wall bookshelf can be very simple, they can also become quite elaborate with woodcarvings on the end panels or use of exotic wood. Simple is good for most because they know the wall bookshelf will have their personality built right in.

Things You'll Need

• Four 12-by-84-by-3/4-inch pieces of plywood
• Framing square
• Wood glue
• Ten pieces 12-by-30-by-¾-inch pieces of plywood
• Two pieces 31½-by-84-by-¼-inch plywood
• One piece 25½-by-18-by-¼-inch plywood
• 1d box nails
• Variable speed drill
• Philips head screw tip
• 1¼-inch drywall screws
• Two pieces 12-by-18-by-¾-inch plywood
• Two pieces 12-by-24-by-¾-inch shelves.

Instructions

1. Place the four 84-inch pieces of plywood on a worktable. Measure from one end and make marks everywhere you want a shelf. Place an "X" below each line to signify where the shelves will be secured. Place the framing square on the marks and draw lines across the width of the plywood. Repeat this for each piece.

2. Apply glue to the ends of the 30-inch pieces of plywood. Secure them on the lines with the drywall screws. Next, lay the two book shelves down and apply glue to the edges of the shelves and the ends. Place the one-fourth-inch backs on them and secure them with the box nails.

3. Place the two 18-inch pieces of plywood on the worktable along with the two 24-inch shelves. Apply glue to the ends of the shelves and secure them between the ends at the top and the bottom with the drywall screws. Next, apply glue to the edges of the shelf and secure the one-fourth-inch back on it with the box nails.

4. Measure down from the top of one 84-inch shelf and make a mark at 20 inches. Place the framing square on the mark and draw a line across the width of the shelf. Repeat this for the other 84-inch shelf.

5. Place the 18-inch shelf between the two 84-inch shelves. Move the book shelf in the center to the one of the others and set it on the line. Secure the middle book shelf to the other shelf with the drywall screws. Next, move the other shelf next to it and secure it the same way. Stand the wall bookshelf up and place it against the wall. You may need to secure to the wall to keep it balanced.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean up glue immediately with a damp cloth. If your book shelf idea is wider than 30 inches, add one-by-twos to the shelves at the back for support.

• Do not leave power tools unattended in the presence of children. Do not paint or stain the wall book shelf without proper ventilation.

References

• How to build wall mounted bookshelves for less than $100

Resources

• How to Build a Built-in Bookshelf