How to Build Wooden Bookshelves

Always wanted to make some nice bookcases for your basement or bonus room, but don't want to spend a fortune? This article will cover the most basic shelving as well as offer simple and inexpensive ways to "dress up" your shelving.

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based on your available space. If you're making built-in bookcases, measure the space available, both at the bottom and the top- don't assume your walls are plumb and square. You will want to break up your shelving with vertical sections every 30" or less- anything more and your shelving will sag. Use no more than 18" to 24" spans for typical 1" wood. If they do start to sag, you can go back and cut small square 1" side panels and mount them vertically in the shelf below for additional support. For built-in bookshelves, design a box to fit the space, and then plan for vertical sections and the shelves to fit into it. You can build it and then slide it into place and mount it.
for your base frame: 1" x 12" lumber, measuring the length of your outer box, your vertical supports, and your shelving. Remember most wood comes in 96" sections, so you will have some waste. If you plan ahead how you're going to cut them, you can buy some shorter (72") or longer (120") sections to fit your design. Use poplar or maple over the low-end pine boards, since the knots make the wood hard to work with and paint.^{[1]XResearch source}
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Make a list for your other materials- supporting 1" x 2" strips x the length of your shelving; 1/8" plywood to cover the back; 4 supporting pins per shelf; lots of wood screws (standard drywall screws work fine) and small wire brads to mount the back.^{[2]XResearch source}
to fit the design of the base box. Remember to add/subtract the width of the wood itself depending on which way your joints lap. Assemble the box and mount on the plywood backing. Re-measure each vertical section and cut.^{[3]XResearch source}
Before mounting the vertical sections in the box, either drill holes for the supporting pins or cut grooves (dados) to mount the shelves into. Measure the pin diameter with calipers and find the right bit for a somewhat loose fit, or do trial and error on a scrap of wood. Make sure to drill the holes perpendicular to the wood- use a drill press if you have one. A template to mark the holes is very helpful; If you're not tool-handy skip this step and you can use L-brackets to hold up the shelves later. It's ugly, but functional.^{[4]XResearch source}
Test the joints to ensure they are square. Measure each shelf length and cut. Install pins and test fit. Remove shelves and add 1" x 2" supporting strip to the front for additional support. Re-install shelves and paint. Optionally, use 1-1/2" x 1/4" strips along the vertical supports, sides, and top to cover the joint-work.^{[5]XResearch source}

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What is the best wood to build a bookself?
Matt Mimnagh
Master Carpenter
Matt Mimnagh is a Master Carpenter and Owner of Castleguard Home Services based in Charlotte, North Caroline. Castleguard specializes in finish carpentry including the installation of moulding, trim, and built-in cabinetry. They also offer kitchen, bathroom, and other remodeling services.
Matt Mimnagh
Master Carpenter
Expert Answer
The most widely-used material is going to be 3/4 in (1.9 cm) maple veneer plywood. From there, you can trim it out with a solid wood like maple and poplar.
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How much does this cost?
Agewalker
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It depends on your materials. If you use cheap plywood, you could build a bookshelf for less than $20. If you want something better, like oak, you can expect that price to quadruple. On the other hand, if you use rare or exotic woods, the cost of a small bookshelf could easily exceed $1000 or more.
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Where can I get help to build a shelf?
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Most good hardware stores will have knowledgeable staff who are willing to offer help or, if they can't, point you in the right direction. There are also plenty of videos and sites online that offer step by step instructions, including tips and tricks to make it look nice. You could also ask friends to help.
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Paint hides a multitude of woodworking sins.
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If you're covering a wall with a built-in bookshelf, consider this- leave a 4" section at the bottom, mount utility boxes (protruding 1/4" from the shelving), and connect receptacles into a nearby outlet circuit. Cover with regular base molding with holes cut for the utility boxes.
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Metal shelf pins are vastly superior to plastic shelf supports. Even cutting your own wooden dowels for shelf supports is better.
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Warnings

Screw the top of your case into the wall to avoid the possibility of it tipping over once loaded. This is absolutely essential if you plan to use this shelving in a child's room. They will try to climb up your new creation at some point in their lives.
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Always follow manufacturer's directions and warnings related to power tools, especially saws. Never push your hand in the direction of the blade, and keep as much of your body out of the line of the blade (both forward and backward line).
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Always wear safety goggles while using woodworking tools.
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