How to Build a Bookshelf


What do reading and woodworking have in common? They're both pleasant, relaxing pastimes. Though most people don't associate the two, there's a way to link them together. Use your woodworking skills to build a bookshelf to house your favourite books.
Skill
Beginner
Time
Few Hours
Cost
Less Than $500
Bookshelf with rainbow-like collection of items on it

What You Need for This Project

Tools

Materials

Cut List

Tip: Take the time to double-check all measurements. Remember to measure twice so you only have to cut once.Take the piece that's 12 ft. x 1 in. x 12 in. and rip cut it so it's only 11 in. wide.

  • Sides: From that board, cut two pieces that are 48 in. long.
  • Top: Using the remainder of the board, cut a piece that's 30 in. long.
Rip cut the 8 ft. x 1 in. x 12 in. board so it's only 10 3/4 in. wide.
  • Bottom/Shelves: Cut three pieces from the 10 3/4 in. board, each one 28 1/2 in. long.
Rip cut the 1 in. x 4 in. piece to match the height of the base moulding you selected.
  • Front/Back Rails: Cut two pieces of 1 in. x 4 in. 28 1/2 in. long.
  • Bookshelf Back: Cut the plywood so it's 29 1/2 x 48 1/4 in. in size.*
*If you want to make an open-ended bookcase, skip buying the plywood and rip cutting the bookshelf back.

Lay Out & Mill the Pieces

  1. 1

    Lay Out & Mark the Pieces

    Lay out the pieces as you would to assemble them. Choose the sides of the boards that will face out from the bookshelf. Use a pencil to lightly mark the interior faces. The "A" or faced side of the plywood should be visible from the front of the bookshelf.

  2. Steps:

Person making pencil marks on a piece of wood
  1. 2

    Drill Holes on the Side Boards

    Square the edge of pegboard on one of the sides, 12 in. from the bottom on the inside face of the side board. Use the pegboard as a template to drill holes on the side boards to receive shelf pins, with the holes being between 1 in. to 2 1/2 in. from each edge and stopping about 10 in. from the top. Drill matching holes on the other side board.

  2. Steps:

Person drilling into a piece of wood
  1. 3

    Rout Rabbets on the Top & Sides

    Route a 1/4 in. x 1/2 in. rabbet in the rear of each side and the top. Rout the top so the rabbet stops 1/4 in. from each end of the board. When the bookshelf is assembled, the rabbet will receive the 1/4 in. plywood and hide the edge grain. Round over the front edges of the two shelves. On the top piece, round over the outside of the front edge and the outside of the ends.

  2. Steps:

Diagram showing rabbet cuts
  1. 4

    Round Over the Edges

    On the bottom shelf, round over the top of the front edge. Measure up from the bottom of each side 1/4 in. higher than the height of the base moulding and mark the outside of the front edge. Measure 1/4 in. down from the top of each side and mark the outside of the front edge. Round over each side between the marks.

  2. Steps:

Person making pencil marks on a piece of wood

Tip: Depending on the smoothness of the lumber, you may be able to start with fine sandpaper. Use your best judgement to determine which grit to start with.

Sand the Pieces

  1. 1

    Start With Coarse Sandpaper

    Use coarse, 80-grit paper for initial rough sanding. Use a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

  2. Steps:

Person sanding a piece of wood
  1. 2

    Move On to Medium Sandpaper

    When you're satisfied with the rough sanding, use medium, 150-grit paper to smooth the stock. Use a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

  2. Steps:

Person changing the sandpaper on an orbital sander
  1. 3

    Remove Scratches with Fine Sandpaper

    Use fine, 220-grit sandpaper to remove the light scratches left by the medium sandpaper. Use a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

  2. Steps:

Person sanding a piece of wood
  1. 4

    Wet the Wood

    Rub the wood surface lightly with a damp cloth. When the water penetrates the wood surface some of the grain will swell. Allow the wood to dry fully before moving onto the last step.

  2. Steps:

Yellow spray bottle and stack of three sponges
  1. 5

    Finish with Super Fine Sandpaper

    Lightly sand with 400 or higher grit sandpaper until smooth. Remove any sanding dust with a tack cloth.

  2. Steps:

Person changing the sandpaper on an orbital sander

Tip: Dry-fit the pieces to make sure they'll fit properly and make any necessary adjustments before beginning the final assembly. Keep the pieces oriented correctly during assembly so you can keep track of everything. When gluing, use just enough glue to bond the pieces and not so much that it oozes out. Squeeze-out causes stain to blotch and can ruin your finish.

Assemble the Pieces

  1. 1

    Pre-Drill Holes

    • Pre-drill the plywood back for nailing/screwing to the top, sides, bottom shelf and back rail. Lay the plywood back "face up" on a flat, level work surface.
    • Pre-drill holes in the top for fastening to the sides.
    • Pre-drill holes in the sides for fastening to the front rail, back rail and bottom shelf.
    • Pre-drill holes in the bottom shelf for fastening to the front and back rails.


  2. Steps:

Person drilling into a piece of wood
  1. 2

    Glue the Top, Sides & Rails

    • Glue and fasten the sides and top together. Position the pieces over the plywood back to help maintain square.
    • Glue and fasten the front and back rails to the sides.
    • Clamp the assembly and allow the glue to cure. Leave the assembly positioned over the plywood back to help maintain square while the glue cures.
    • After the glue cures, remove the clamps.


  2. Steps:

Piece of wood held by clamps
  1. 3

    Lay Out and Mark the Location of the Deck

    • Glue and fasten the bottom shelf to the front and back rail.
    • Turn the assembly face down on the worktable. Glue and fasten the back to the top, sides, bottom shelf, and back rail.


  2. Steps:

Person gluing a piece of wood
  1. 4

    Check & Adjust

    Stand the assembly on the worktable and ensure that it's level and square. Adjust as needed. Clamp the back to the rest of the assembly. Place weights on the bottom shelf to press it into the front and back rails. Allow the glue to cure.


    Scrape off any dried glue. Set all fasteners and putty the holes.

  2. Steps:

Measuring equipment in the foreground with pieces of wood in the background
  1. 5

    Install the Base Moulding

    Cut the base moulding so it fits the assembly. If you want to paint or stain it, do so now. Once you've finished, install it onto the assembly by either nailing or drilling it into place.

  2. Steps:

Piece of moulding
  1. 6

    Paint or Stain

    Paint or stain the assembly and shelves to your liking. If applying several coats, make sure each one dries thoroughly before applying the next.

  2. Steps:

Person painting wood blue and yellow
  1. 7

    Finish Things Off

    Install the pins and shelves at the desired height.


    Inspect everything one last time to see if you've missed anything.


    Tip: Allow the finish to cure for at least a week before putting books on the shelves.

  2. Steps:

Bookshelf with items on it

How to Terms

Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.

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