The Favorite Bookshelf

Difficulty

Beginner

About Project

This is what I give you. A rough plan, one of my very first, of one of my very favorite pieces. Something about being tall and slim, but functional, with shelving at eye height, makes this particular sized bookshef an instant favorite. I've made more than a few of this design . . . but NONE of them looked like this . . . And this is what you build!

Dimensions

72" tall x 24" wide x 13" deep

Preparation

Shopping List

3 - 1x12 Boards 8' Long
1 - 1x4 Scrap, 24" Long
5 - 1x2 Boards, 8' Long
4 - 1x3 Boards, 8' Long

Common Materials

Elmer's Wood Glue

Elmer's Wood Filler

120 grit sandpaper

primer

paint

Cut List

2 - 1x12 @ 68" (sides)
5 - 1x12 @ 22 1/2" (bottom and shelves)
1 - 1x12 @ 24" (top)
1 - 1x4 @ 24" (top header)
2 - 1x2 @ 68 1/2" (front legs)
4 - 1x3 @ 72" (side legs)
2 - 1x2 @ 72" (back legs)
4 - 1x3 @ 8 1/4" (side trim for top and bottom)
1 - 1x2 @ 21" (front bottom trim)
back, optional 1/4" plywood or mdf or other sheet goods, 72" x 24", measure and cut to fit back.
Crown pieces
4 - 1x2 @ 13" (side crown pieces, top and bottom)
1 - 1x2 @ 27" (bottom crown piece, front)
1 - 1x2 @ 28 1/2" (top crown piece, front)

Tools

Instructions

Step 1

Box. We begin by "building the box" - as I call it. Notice how the bottom is inset and the top piece sits on top of the side pieces.

Step 2

2. Shelves. You can choose to build the shelves in, as shown above, or skip this step and put the shelves in later with shelf brackets (this makes your shelves adjustable).

Step 3

Header. Add the header piece as shown, keeping the top and side edges flush.

Step 4

Side Legs. Now add the legs as shown above. Notice how the 1x2s go on the front and back, and the 1x3s go on the sides. Keep all edges flush. Nail each piece to the main box, and also nail the 1x2s and 1x3 together.

Step 5

Step 6

Crown. Add the crown as shown above. First attatch the side pieces, then the front pieces. I like to cut my crown as I go to ensure the most accurate fit.

Finishing Instructions

Finish Used

Finishing. Fill any nail holes with wood filler and sand and finish as desired. Level the bottom legs if necessary. If you choose adjustable shelves, purchase the shelf brackets and install as desired.

Project Type

Bookshelf and Bookcase Plans