How to Build an Inexpensive Built-In Bookcase
Many homes have an odd corner or space where built-in bookshelves would be perfect. A niche, the space under the stairs or the space between the fireplace and the wall are all are great places to install shelves for your books and collectibles. A cabinetmaker can build a fabulous unit---for a lot of money. If you are on a budget, you can do it yourself for a lot less. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 2 to 4 closet shelf tracks, heavy-duty
- Shelf brackets
- 4 to 8 boards, 1-inch thick
- 4 trim boards, 1-by-2 (optional)
- Paint or stain
- Tape measure
- Stud finder
- Drill with a screwdriver bit
- Screws, 1½-inch
- Wall anchors
- Level
- Finishing nails
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the width, height and depth of the space for the bookshelves. Draw a rough plan showing where you want the shelves, including the measurements. If you're building into a corner, you may have to plan for one side to be a regular bookcase side, for example, with a vertical board screwed to your shelves. It is generally best to have the shelves even with the sides of the space. If the shelves protrude outside the wall or niche, they lose the built-in look.
-
2
Locate the studs in the wall using a stud finder. Mark the centers of the studs with a pencil. If the studs are in the center of the space, you can use wall anchors for the tracks on each end. If the span between the walls of the space are more than three feet wide, install a closet track in the middle of the bookshelf as well.
-
-
3
Using a level, hold the first closet track up to the wall and mark the edges. Using a drill and screws, screw the track to the studs so it extends just above the top shelf.
-
4
Place a shelf bracket in the track. Put a shelf bracket in the same slot on the second track. While holding the second track against the wall, have your helper put a board on top of the brackets. Using a level, adjust the track up and down until the shelf is level. Mark the wall with a pencil. Remove board and bracket and install the second track. Repeat as necessary to attach all the tracks securely to the wall studs.
-
5
If wall anchors are necessary, mark the screw hole as above. Pre-drill the hole in the drywall. Then gently tap the wall anchor into the hole with a hammer. Install the bracket with screws. As the screws go into the anchor, it expands, securely attaching the track to the wall.
-
6
Attach the shelf brackets to the track. The shelf height may vary, depending on the height of the books. Generally, place the tallest books on the bottom shelves, with lighter materials, such as paperbacks, on top.
-
7
Purchase the shelf boards. Brackets are available in a variety of depths, so determine which size shelf bracket you need before you buy. Have the lumber store cut the shelves to the correct lengths according to your plan. Paint or stain the shelves before putting them on the brackets.
-
8
Paint or stain one-by-two trim boards. Trim boards can be plain boards, or fancy moldings, like those used for baseboards or ceilings. Install with short finishing nails on each side, top and bottom to provide a finished appearance to the front of your built-in shelves. Dab a little spackle in the holes and touch up with paint.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use 2-inch thick boards for strength and a sturdier look.
Match the trim to your décor. A mid-century modern would use simple trim boards, while a Victorian would require a fancier molding to match the architectural details of your home.
Paint the tracks and brackets to match the wall so they "disappear" when the books are in place.
Books are heavy. Install extra tracks and brackets if necessary.
Use safety equipment such as gloves and safety glasses when using power tools.
Resources
- Photo Credit bookworm cat image by Wendi Evans from Fotolia.com
