DIY Built in Bookshelf

Built-in bookshelf add extra storage in to a room.

Built-in bookshelves can improve the look of any room in the house. The secret to making them look good is filling one wall with them. Many homeowners choose poplar lumber for the fronts because of its smooth surface. Birch plywood, which matches poplar, can be used for the rest of the structure. If you like the look of stained wood, choose oak, which is available in lumber and plywood.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Hammer
• 4-penny box nails
• Chalk box
• Dovetail saw
• ¾-inch plywood
• Table saw
• Wood glue
• 6-penny finish nails
• ¼-inch plywood
• 1-by-2-inch lumber
• Variable speed drill
• Phillips head screw tip
• 2-inch drywall screws

Instructions

1. Choose the wall that serves for the back of the built in bookshelf. Measure out from the corners of the wall that will serve as the back of the bookshelf and make marks at your desired depth. Drive a 4-penny box nail in the baseboard at floor level.

2. Hook the end of the chalk box on the nail and pull it across the room to the mark on the other wall. Pull the string tight and pop a line on the floor. This represents the front of the built-in bookshelf.

3. Remove the baseboard at the marks made for the front of the built-in bookcase with a dovetail saw. Remove them on the back wall as well. Measure the distance between the walls.

4. Divide that number into equal units. Try to keep them as close to 30 inches wide as possible. Shelves more than 30 inches wide tend to bow in the middle. If one unit needs to be different, put it in the center to create a balanced look.

5. Cut the depth and height of the end panels (sides of the bookshelf) from ¾-inch plywood with a table saw. Mark each end panel with lines indicating the placement of the shelves. Cut the shelves the same depth as the end panels. Subtract 1½ inches (total thickness of the end panels) from the length of the overall unit and cut the shelves to this length with the table saw.

6. Glue the edges of the shelves, place them on the lines drawn and secure them to the end panels with 6-penny finish nails. Measure the width and height of each unit and cut pieces from ¼-inch plywood to those measurements with a table saw. These are for the back of each unit.

7. Apply glue to the ¾-inch edges of the shelves and end panels. Place the ¼-inch plywood backs on the units and secure them with 4-penny box nails. Turn the units over and clean up the excess glue with a damp cloth.

8. Build the front of the units from 1-by-2-inch lumber. Cut pieces for the height of the units with an electric miter saw. Lay them side by side and measure the width. Subtract the width from the width of the unit and cut two pieces that length.

9. Apply glue to the edges of the ¾-inch plywood. Secure one long piece to the unit with 6-penny finish nails. Place the width pieces on the top and bottom and secure them next followed by the remaining long piece. Stand the units in their places against the back wall and secure them to the wall with a variable speed drill, Phillips head screw tip and 2-inch drywall screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Set the nail heads with a nail set and fill the holes with wood putty.

• Do not attempt to move the built-in bookshelf units alone.

• Do not apply a finish to the built-in bookshelf without proper ventilation.

References

• Home Building, The Fun Times Guide.com: Built-in Bookshelves add a Quality Touch to any Home

Resources

• Bob Vila.com: Custom Built-in Bookshelf Unit