How to Build a Bookcase

This step by step diy project is about how to build a bookcase. If you want to build a large bookcase for your home, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions from this article. Invest in high quality materials and lock the components in a professional manner.  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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How to Build a Bookcase

Building a bookcase

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 3 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 50″ long SIDES
• B – 4 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 11 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 2 1/2″ long, 12 pieces – 11″ long FRAME
• C – 1 piece of 1×8 lumber – 49 1/4″ long TOP
• D – 8 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 23 1/2″ long SHELVES
• E – 3 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 49 1/4″ long, 6 pieces – 22″ long, 2 pieces of 1×3 – 22″ long, 1 piece – 49 1/4″ long TRIMS
• F – 1 piece of 1/4″ plywood  – 47 3/4″ x 50 3/4″ long BACK

• 3 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 12 ft
• 1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 1/4″ plywood – 4’x6′
• 3 pieces of 1×2 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 bookcase

Building the sides of the bookcase

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the vertical components. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to build the structure out of 1×8 lumber. Take accurate measurements and get the job done with a circular saw.

Build the supports out of 1×8 lumber and secure them to the exterior walls using waterproof glue and finishing nails. Make sure the edges are flush and the bonds rigid. Clamp the components tightly for a few hours to enhance the bond.

Attaching the top component

After building the vertical components for the wall bookcase, we recommend you to assemble the frame together tightly in the manner described in the diagram. Drill pocket holes along the top edges of the vertical supports and insert 1 1/4″screws into the top component.

Make sure the corners are square and leave no gaps between the components. Add waterproof glue to the joints and leave it to dry out for a few hours. Make sure the edges are flush one with another.

Fitting the shelves to the frame

Build the shelves out of 1×8 lumber, cutting them to 23 1/2″. Smooth the cut edges and slide them to the supports. Use waterproof glue to secure them shelves into place and make sure the edges are flush.

Fitting the top supports

Nest, attach the 1×2 supports to the back of the structure, as described in the image. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and secure them to the frame using 1 1/4″ screws. Leave no gaps and make sure the edges are flush one with another.

Attaching the back to the bookcase

Attaching the back to the bookcase is a straight forward process, but you need to plan everything with attention. Therefore, cut the component out of 1/4″ or 1/2″ plywood and smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: Align everything with attention and make sure the corners are right-angled before securing it to the structure by using 1 1/4″ screws or finishing nails. Add glue to the joints and leave no gaps between the components.

Fitting the trims to the bookcase

Start installing the trims to the sides, to the bottom and to the top of the bookcase, as described in the diagram. Cut the components at the right size and secure them to the structure using finishing nails and waterproof glue. Drill pocket holes to lock the trims together tightly, before securing them to the frame of the bookcase.

Fitting the shelves trims

In order to get the job done in a professional manner, you need to install the rest of the 1×2 trims to the front face of the bookcase, as in the diagram. Smooth the trims at both ends and secure them to the structure by using finishing nails and glue.

How to build a bookcase

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 how to build a bookcase. 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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