Simple Bookcase Plans

This step by step diy project is about simple bookcase plans. If you want to build a beautiful and stylish bookcase with drawers for your living room, we recommend you to check out the instructions described in the article. Adjust the size of the components with great care and lock them together by using waterproof glue and galvanized screws following the instructions.

It is essential to choose the right materials before starting the construction and the assembly of the diy wood bookcase. As you will see in the project, you need to choose durable lumber with a nice appearance, such as pine, cedar or redwood. Make sure the components are in a good visual condition and choose professional tools when adjusting their size. Take accurate measurements and join the components with glue and screws. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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Simple Bookcase Plans

Building a simple bookcase

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 1×14 lumber – 48″ long, 1 piece – 7 1/2″ long SIDES
• B – 5 pieces of 1×14 lumber – 38 1/2″ long FRAME
• C – 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 48″ long, 5 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 37″ long, 1 piece – 7 1/2″ long TRIMS
• D – 1 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 40″ x 47 1/4″ long BACK
• E – 1 pieces of 1×16 lumber – 41 1/2″ long TOP
• F – 1 pieces of 1×1 trim – 41 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 15 1/4″ long TRIM
• G – 1 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 12 1/2″ x 16″ long, 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 12 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 17 1/2″ long 2xDRAWER

• 4 pieces of 1×14 lumber – 8 ft
• 4 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x4′
• 1 piece of 16 lumber – 4 ft
• 1 piece of 1×1 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 3’x3′
• 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 1/4″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws
• filler, stain
• glue

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Bookcase Plans

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Building a simple bookcase

Building the frame of the bookcase

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the frame for the simple bookcase. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to cut the components out of 1×14 lumber. Smooth the cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper and drill pocket holes along the side edges of the horizontal components.

Make sure the corners are square and leave no gaps between the components before inserting the 1 1/4″ screws.

Fitting the back to the bookcase

After assembling the frame of the bookcase in a professional manner, we recommend you to attach the 1/2″ plywood back to the structure. Mark the cut lines on the plywood sheet and get the job done with a circular saw.

Align the edges with attention and secure them to the structure using finishing nails and waterproof glue. Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the edges are perfectly flush.

Fitting the top to the bookcase

In order to enhance the look of the bookcase, we recommend you to attach 1×2 trims to the front face of the bookcase. As you can easily notice, you have to cut the components at the right size and to drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal components.

Make sure the corners are square, leave no gaps between the joints and lock the trims together by using 1 1/4″ screws. Add glue to enhance the bond of the joints.

Fitting the top to the bookcase

Next, attach the top to the wooden bookcase. Cut the component out of 1×16 lumber and center it to the top of the structure, as described in the diagonal. Drill pilot holes through the structure and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the top component, making sure there are no gaps. Add glue to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Fitting the trims

Moreover, fit 1×1 trims to the sides and front of the top component, in order to get a professional result. Cut the joints at 45 degrees and secure the trims to the structure by using finishing nails and waterproof glue.

Building a drawer

If you want to add character to your bookcase, we recommend you to build two drawers and to fit them inside the openings. In order to get a professional result, we recommend you to build the bottom out of 3/4″ plywood and the frame out of 1×8 lumber.

Drill pocket holes at both ends of the short side components and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the perpendicular components. Make sure the corners are square. Drill pocket holes along the edges of the bottom and insert screws into the frame of the drawers.

Fitting the drawers inside the openings

Wax the bottom of the drawers and fit them inside the openings. Make sure the edges are flush and install the knobs to the drawers. Choose appropriate drawers with a complementing design.

Simple bookcase plans

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: In order to protect the lumber from water damage, we recommend you to cover the components with several coats of paint. Place the wooden bookcase in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about simple bookcase plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook to be the first that gets our latest plans. Send us pictures with your plans.

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