How to Build Bookshelves

Once you have mastered the basic bookshelf, you can add creativity.

Bookshelves are an essential organizational tool for the home of any book or music lover, and building your own bookshelves is an affordable way to acquire customized, quality bookshelves that complement your home. Building your own bookshelves requires minimal materials and basic tools available to most homeowners. Once you have mastered the basic plan of a simple bookshelf, you can then add creative elements such as doors, drawers or larger storage spaces for televisions or electronic equipment.

Things You'll Need

• 2 half-inch hardwood boards - 6 feet by 1 foot
• 6 half-inch hardwood boards - 3 feet by 1 foot
• Drill
• 5/8-inch drill bit
• 24 3/4-inch wood screws

Instructions

1. Place the two long boards on the floor, running parallel to each other. These will be the sides of the bookcase. Lay the shorter shelf boards in between, spaced evenly. Laying out the bookcase before you begin to assemble it will help make the assembly easier, and will help you ensure that your materials do not need to be adjusted or cut before they are attached.

2. Drill two holes in the wide sides of the long boards, about two inches from the end. These holes should be evenly spaced, and they will be the holes through which the bottom shelf is attached. Hold the bottom shelf up to the holes in its final position. Mark the edges of the bottom shelf where you will predrill, using the holes you just drilled. Pre-drilling these holes will prevent the shelf wood from splitting, so make sure to use a drill bit that is just slightly smaller than the screws.

3. Drill a 1/4-inch deep hole in each side of the bottom shelf using the markings you have just made as a guide. Hold the shelf back in place and attach it with screws, which should pass through the previously drilled holes.

4. Follow these steps for the rest of the shelves until the bookshelf is completely assembled. The bookshelf should be assembled lying flat on the ground for greater stability. Once it is completely assembled, stand it upright and maneuver it into position. If necessary, secure it in place by screwing the top shelf to the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of screwing your shelves to the bookshelf, you can use other methods of attachment, such as removable shelf supports or other removable connectors.

• Hardwood boards are suggested, but you can save money and make a lighter bookcase by using plywood or another lighter type of wood.

• If you wish to have a back on your bookshelf, you can nail on a large piece of thin wood, or you can staple fabric or other material to the back of the bookshelf after it is completely assembled.

• You can paint or stain your bookshelf if desired, but be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area.

• Always lift heavy objects such as your bookcase using your legs, never use your back.

• Bookshelves that support heavy loads should always be secured to the wall to prevent accidents.

References

• PRLog : Bookcase Plans - Build your Own Bookcase
• The Washington Science Fiction Association: Building Bookcases
• Bookcase Designs: Bookshelf Designs