Building a Bookcase

Building a bookcase can be a fun project. Even for the first timer, or inexperienced carpenter.

Bookcases can range in size from a small unit to a very large piece that could cover the entire wall.

First things first, you will want to decide where you want to put it and how much space you want to cover with it. But however wide it is make sure that it is at least 8” deep and 9” between each shelf. That way you are making sure that all of your books no matter if they are paper back or hard cover they will fit.

Here is a list of the tools that you will need to build a bookcase:

• L brackets that you will apply under each shelf on all four corners. So make sure that you figure out how many shelves you will make and then times that by 4.
• Buy either plywood or thin hardwood the decision is up to you. Did you know that if you buy them at Home Depot or Lowe’s they will cut the wood or plywood for you?
• Screws and brads. You will need these to secure the back and the sides to the shelves.
• Stain, paint and sandpaper. You will want to sand down the wood before you apply paint and or just the stain.
• Hammer and screwdriver. You will also need a drill with drill bits. The drill is needed to make the holes to fit the screws in. I have just put the screws in with a screw driver, it takes a little more muscle, but it can be done. After you have bought the plywood/wood and have them cut it to your specs you will want to mark on the plywood where you want each shelf. You will put the brackets about 3” from the back and also about 3” from the front on each shelf. If you are going to paint your bookcase make sure that you paint the L brackets too so that it will all match. Once you have the shelves put in place and the L brackets attached take another piece of the plywood that will cover the back of the bookcase. You will hook the back to the shelves with the brads. Once all of that is done you need to set it up and get your kids and wife/husband to put up all of the books that you have. I mean you did the work, so they should have the job of putting everything on the shelves!