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Locker Bookshelf - Full Size

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Submitted by Ana White on Fri, 08/30/2019 - 11:52
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Need better organization in your entryway or hall, but it's too narrow for a hall tree or bench, and don't want to drill holes in your wall?

Build your own locker unit!  It's the size of a bookshelf, and is freestanding - so you can move into your home without drilling holes in the wall.  You can build it with basic tools and our free step by step plans with full diagrams, shopping and cut lists.

Need a smaller size?  We have plans for a smaller locker bookshelf here.

freestanding wood locker bookshelf

Photo by KHAWLEY5 - modified in height

Dimensions
locker unit freestanding wood project
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 44 – 1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
  • 2″ brad nails
  • 1″ brad nails
  • 3 – 1×12 – 12 foot Pine or Whitewood Boards
  • 4 – 1×2 – 8 foot Pine or Whitewood Boards
  • 1 – 1×3 – 4 foot Pine or Whitewood Board
  • One sheet 1/4″ plywood, paneling or MDF
  • Wood Glue
  • Wood filler or Pocket Hole Plugs 
  • Coat Hooks
Cut List
  • 2 – 1×12 @ 67 1/4″ (sides)
  • 3 – 1×12 @ 46 1/2″ (shelves)
  • 1 – 1×12 @ 49 1/2″ (top)
  • 2 – 1×12@ 36 1/2″ (locker sides)
  • 1 – 1×2 @ 48″ (header)
  • 2 – 1×2 @ 65 3/4″ (side trim)
  • 1 – 1×2 @ 49 1/2″ (crown)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

Build the Box

This is so easy. Just drill pocket holes on both ends of all of the shelves and the top ends of the sides. Drill three pocket holes per end, as shown in the diagram. Then mark the sides for the joints of the shelves. Apply glue to the shelves and screw in place with 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and glue.

Step 2

Locker Dividers

Mark the middle shelves as shown above. Drill pocket holes on both ends of each of the dividers. Use 1 1/4″ screws and glue to attach dividers to the shelves.

Step 3

Back

I purposely choose to make the back 48″ wide so that 1) you don’t have to rip plywood and 2) you don’t have to waste plywood. Use 2″ nails and glue to nail the back on. Make sure you all the shelves and dividers too.

Step 4

Face Frame

Drill pocket holes on both ends of the footer and header. Drill two pocket holes per end. Mark legs 3″ from bottom and screw the footer and header to legs as shown above. Tack the frame to the face of the cabinet.

Step 5

Attach front top trim to finish out the front edge of the cabinet.

Project Type
Hall Trees
Bookshelf and Bookcase Plans
Lockers
Room
entry way
Style
Cottage Style Furniture Plans
Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

Amie B. (not verified)

Wed, 12/22/2010 - 04:16

Thank you for sharing the plans for this great project! I am brand new to this type of furniture building... just finished the three 5 shelves! I am currently in the midst of constructing the locker cabinet and wanted to add some feedback. This is my first big project, so I followed the plans exactly and ended up a little confused along the way. On your cut list, it may help to include the 1x3 45" footer. Also, the materials list has 1" finish nails (later in the plans, it says 1 1/4", but I followed the materials list). I used the 1", but I think they are too short and pull apart from the face frame and back. Last thing, I used the kreg jig and followed its instructions for 3/4" boards. The 1 1/4" pocket hole screws did not seem long enough, so I had to slide the jig forward. Then, the wood plugs were too big for the pocket holes. Being a complete novice and sure that I am doing something wrong, any advice or lessons learned for pocket holes? Thank you again for these amazing free plans!!!

Annette (not verified)

Fri, 12/31/2010 - 10:23

Hi, Ana!

I'm such a big fan! You've got me excited for warmer weather so I can build some things! I love your lockers and wanted to ask: what would the dimensions be to have four of them instead of three? I'm math-challenged and honestly can't figure it out, lol! I want to build this and put it in my large entryway. Any help would be awesome! Again, big fan, love your work!

Jessica (not verified)

Fri, 01/07/2011 - 04:52

I'm a little scared but at the same time thrilled about making this! I have a gift card to Lowe's from my parents. I also have a Lowe's $10 off project starter coupon. And my dad let me borrow his Kreg jig kit! I even took some before pictures of my entry way and the current storage system I have. All I need is to put on my coat and shoes and head out the door. Wish me luck!

Dawn (not verified)

Wed, 02/09/2011 - 09:54

Ana-I love this. We needed some kind of locker system to add to our entryway. Our house is small and crowded, and our mudroom/laundry room is even smaller! I have one quick question, could you use beadboard for the back to dress it up a little, or is the plywood/MDF the best option?

Christina Jo (not verified)

Mon, 02/21/2011 - 07:14

Holy cow... I JUST MADE THIS!!!! In four hours.... This is my fourth built plan from you, Ana, and I still stand back in amazement that I have built them!!!!

You are incredible, and thanks for giving me (and a whole lot of others) the confidence to get out there and do this! This is sooo awesome. I keep going outside to look at this locker that I JUST BUILT MYSELF. Amazing!

Thanks again!!

mrgreen

Sat, 03/12/2011 - 12:58

Ana, could you tell me the dimensions of those crates next to locker cabinet?