How to Make a DVD Shelf

Large DVD collections deserve their own space.

DVD collections deserve special storage. After all, it takes time and money to build a collection. Making a DVD shelf is the perfect solution. It not only gives your DVD collection the space it deserves, but doing it with style speaks of your personal creativity. There are many models on the market to use as a starting point. Sometimes keeping it simple is the best approach. Make a DVD shelf that is easily reproducible to add more shelving as your collection grows.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pieces of 1-by-8-by-39 3/4-inch oak lumber
• Framing square
• Variable speed drill
• 1/16-inch drill bit
• Wood glue
• 5 pieces of 1-by-8-by-15-inch oak lumber
• 4-penny finish nails
• Hammer
• Damp cloth
• 1 piece of 16 1/2-by-39 3/4-by-1/4-inch oak plywood
• 2-penny box nails
• 100-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Put the two pieces of 1-by-8-by-39 3/4-inch oak lumber on a worktable so the long edges touch and the ends are even with each other. Measure from the end of one and make marks at 9 3/4, 10 1/2, 19 1/2, 20 1/4, 29 1/4 and 30 inches. Place the framing square on the marks and draw lines across the width of the lumber.

2. Drill three pilot holes midway between the lines with a 1/16-inch drill bit. Drill another three holes 3/8 inch from the ends of the two pieces. Keep the holes 1 inch from the long edges and center the third between the long edges. These are the sidepieces to the DVD shelf.

3. Apply glue to the ends of two of the 1-by-8-by-15-inch oak lumber boards. Place them between the sidepieces at the top and bottom. Be certain the lines drawn on the sidepieces are facing each other. Secure them with 4-penny finish nails. Use a damp cloth to clean up the excess glue squeezed out when assembling the pieces.

4. Run a bead of glue on the ends of the remaining 1-by-8-by-15-inch oak lumber. Set them between the lines drawn on the sidepieces and secure them with 4-penny finish nails.

5. Glue the exposed 3/4-inch edges of the sidepieces and the shelves. Put the 16 1/2-by-39 3/4-by-1/4-inch oak plywood on the DVD shelf and secure it with 2-penny box nails. Turn the DVD shelf over and clean up the excess glue with a damp cloth. Sand the inside and outside of the DVD shelf with 100-grit sandpaper before applying a finish.

Tips & Warnings

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

• Build several of these DVD cases. This one stores 100 DVDs (25 per shelf).

• Do not leave power tools within reach of children.

• Do not apply a finish to the DVD shelf without proper ventilation.

References

• Woodgears: Building a Bookcase for DVDs

Resources

• Readers Digest: How to Build a DVD Shelf