Basic Bookshelf Schematics

Basic bookshelves are simple to build.

Bookshelves are essential elements in home storage and décor. Purchasing a bookshelf can be expensive, even if you have to assemble it yourself. When you build your own basic bookshelf, you get to flex your carpentry skills, save money and paint it a color that matches the interior of your home. A basic bookshelf with shelves at eye level and lower measures 6 feet tall, 2 feet wide and 13 inches deep.

Materials Needed

To make a basic bookcase, you'll need three 1-by-12 boards that are 8 feet long, four 1-by-3 boards that are 8 feet long, five 1-by-2-boards measuring 8 feet long and a 1-by-4 board that's 24 inches long. Necessary materials also include wood glue and filler, 120-grit sandpaper, primer, paint and a paintbrush. Tools you need to build a basic bookshelf include safety goggles, ear plugs, a tape measure, carpenter’s square, circular saw, drill, screws, a hammer, nails and a block sander.

Cut List

Use the 1-by-12 board to make the bookshelf’s sides, top, bottom and the shelves. You'll need two side pieces that measure 68 inches, one top piece that's 24 inches long and five bottom and shelf pieces that measure 22.5 inches. Use the 1-by-3 boards to make four side legs that measure 6 feet each and four pieces of side trim for the top and bottom of the bookshelf that measure 8.25 inches. Make the front and back legs of the bookshelf and the front lower trim out of the 1-by-2 boards. The two front legs should measure 68.5 inches, the two back legs 6 feet and the one piece of trim is 21 inches. Make the top header of the bookshelf using the 1-by-4 board, cut at 24 inches.

Assembly

Assemble the frame of the shelves first by placing the 68-inch side boards on either side of the short ends of one of the 22.5-inch boards. Apply a bead of wood glue on the edges before securing the pieces with screws. Place the 24-inch top piece on top of the long ends of the frame so you have a rectangular-shaped box. Place the four remaining 22.5-inch shelf pieces within the frame of the bookshelf at the heights you desire. Use the measuring tape and pencil to make sure the heights of the shelves are the same across. Place the 24-inch top header at the top of the bookshelf so it lays flat on the frame, but flush with the top and side edges; secure it with screws. Add the legs of the bookshelf by placing the 1-by-2 boards on the front and back of the frame, and the 1-by-3 boards on the sides. Keep the top edges of the legs flush with the bookshelf and the edges of the 1-by-2 boards flush with the edges of the 1-by-3 boards. Nail each of the leg pieces to the main bookshelf frame and the 1-by-2 and 1-by-3 boards to each other. Secure the 8.25-inch pieces of trim with nails between the legs on the side of the bookshelf, at the top and bottom. Then nail the 21-inch piece of trim onto the front of the bookshelf, over the lowest shelf so the shelf is flush with the top edge.

Finishing

Use wood filler to fill in holes left by the nails and screws. Then sand the bookshelf so the edges are smooth. Prime the piece of furniture and paint it to match the room’s décor.

References

• Popular Mechanics: How to Build a Bookcase
• Home Envy: Project No. 14 Shelf-examination - Anything I Can Do
• Ask the Builder: Bookcases - DIY from Poplar