Storing your books by piling them up is not visually appealing. The ideal way to display your beautiful collection is by utilizing wall shelves. It is not necessary to possess elaborate tools or seek assistance from a carpenter in order to construct a wall bookshelf. Basic supplies like wood boards, a drill, a saw, and brackets will suffice for this task.
What tools and materials do you need to build a bookshelf wall
To construct a bookshelf wall, you will require the tools and materials listed below:
- Measuring tape: To measure the length and width of the wall where you will install the bookshelf, the size of the shelves, and any other components.
- Pencil: To mark the locations of the shelves and other components on the wall.
- Level: To ensure that the bookshelf is level and straight.
- Screwdriver: To install screws and other fasteners.
- Power drill: To drill holes for screws and other fasteners.
- Wood screws: To attach the shelves and other components to the wall.
- Planks: To create the frame and shelves for the bookshelf. You will need to determine the size of the shelves based on the books you plan to store on them.
- Wood glue: To secure the joints of the frame and shelves.
- Finish: To protect the wood and give it a polished look. This can be a clear sealant, paint, or stain.
- Sandpaper: To smooth out any rough edges or imperfections in the wood.
To build a sturdy and stylish bookshelf wall, it is recommended to have a helper available to assist with holding and positioning the shelves and other components while working. Having these tools and materials will ensure that you are well-prepared for the task.
What kind of wood should be use to make a bookshelf
Typically, built-in bookcases are constructed using solid wood boards that are meticulously routed to create snug grooves for the shelves. However, using sawn lumber can be costly, with oak alone for an 8-foot bookcase potentially reaching thousands of dollars. On the other hand, plywood with a hardwood veneer is not only cheaper but often stronger than solid softwoods such as pine.
When considering the available options at most lumberyards, you will find that birch, maple, and oak veneer plywood are commonly stocked. Birch wood is considered the most suitable choice when intending to paint your bookcase, while maple wood offers versatility when it comes to different types of stains.
In addition to that, there are specialized lumberyards that create veneer plywood using various types of wood such as mahogany, teak, cherry, or walnut. In such cases, it is recommended to utilize a transparent finish in order to showcase the wood’s inherent beauty.
How do you make a strong bookshelf
To ensure a sturdy frame, we utilized oak plywood as the primary material and increased its thickness for the sides or legs of the bookcase. This was done by attaching plywood shelf supports onto longer boards through both gluing and nailing. It was decided not to cut grooves in a single board as this would compromise its strength. Solid-wood finish trim was used to conceal the rough edges of the plywood.
When working with plywood, the challenging aspect involves cutting down the 4-foot-wide boards to the necessary widths for the frame and shelves. It is difficult to make a straight cut across the full length of an 8-foot sheet using a circular saw, and it is risky to pass plywood through a portable table saw. The optimal solution is to inquire whether the lumberyard possesses a commercial table saw for precise and straight cuts.
In most yards, the cost for each cut is approximately one dollar. Determine the desired depth of the bookcase frame and shelves, then subtract 11/16 inches to accommodate the additional depth from the 5/4 solid-wood trim. Request the lumberyard to divide all your sheets into boards with that width. Upon returning home, use a circular saw to trim these narrower pieces to the required length.
How to build a bookshelf
Step 1: Cut the legs, shelves, and supports
1. Request the lumberyard to assist in ripping your plywood into boards of the same width as your bookcase’s depth. 2. Prior to cutting and assembling any components, ensure to sand all of the wood. 3. Apply a coat of stain or primer to the wood and let it dry. 4. Assess the height of the area where you intend to place the bookcase.
Start by cutting two legs for the bookcase from the ripped-down plywood, ensuring they match the given measurement. Proceed to measure the width of your space at three different spots. Subtract 1½ inches from the smallest measurement obtained, and cut the plywood shelves to this length. Don’t forget to cut an additional piece for the top of the bookcase.
To have shelves of varying heights for different sizes of books, start by marking the legs where the supports will be. Place one leg against the wall and indicate where you want the bottom of each shelf to be positioned. Align the shelves with nearby architectural features like baseboards, windowsills, and mantels.
Begin by laying both legs side by side on a table so that they are aligned evenly. Proceed to use a framing square to transfer the shelf marks from one leg to the other. Then, position a piece of plywood vertically along each marked line and indicate the measurement of the width for each shelf.
To determine the sizes of the support pieces, measure the distance between the lines. Utilize a circular saw, guided by a Speed Square positioned above, to cut the supports out of the plywood that has been reduced in width. Remember to cut the topmost supports with a ¾ inch shorter length.
Step 2: Attach the supports to the legs
In order to cover the space under the bottom shelf, the bookshelf is equipped with a kickplate, thus requiring the recessing of the lowest supports. Utilize a circular saw to meticulously decrease their depth by ¾ inch.
To begin, attach the supports to the legs using glue and nails. From the base of one leg, apply a wave-shaped line of glue up to the initial marking. Make sure the bottom and rear edges of the board are aligned with the lowest support piece. Secure it in place with 3d nails at all four corners.
To position the next support, use a scrap piece of plywood as a shelf-size spacer. Glue and nail it in place. Keep attaching supports in the same way on the left side until the top supports are in place, leaving a ¾ inch gap from the top edge. Repeat the process on the opposite leg.
Step 3: Assemble the box
To create the hanging strip that connects the bookcase to the wall, start by ripping a piece of plywood measuring 2½ inches in width. Then, cut the plywood to a length that is 1½ inches shorter than the shelves. Next, lay the two legs on their back edges, with the supports facing each other. Finally, position the hanging strip between the top supports, ensuring it is flush with their tops and back edges.
To begin, utilize a drill equipped with a ?-inch combination bit to cautiously create two pilot holes in every leg. Ensure the drill passes through both the leg and the support, extending into the hanging strip. Subsequently, fasten the hanging strip to the legs utilizing 2½-inch wood screws.
Follow these steps in order: 1. Move the bottom shelf into position for additional support. 2. Tip the assembled frame into the desired location. 3. Position the top of the bookcase onto the provided supports and the hanging strip. 4. Drill countersunk pilot holes along the edges of the bookcase top. This should include two holes in each support and one every 8 to 10 inches along the hanging strip. 5. Securely attach the top of the bookcase by utilizing adhesive and screws.
Step 4: Level the bookcase
1. Start by sliding all the shelves into the frame. 2. In case any shelves are difficult to fit, gently tap them into place using a rubber mallet. 3. Afterward, inspect the bookcase to ensure it is level. 4. Take a level and place it on each shelf to check for balance. 5. If one side needs to be elevated, carefully tap thin wood shims beneath the foot to raise it up.
Step 5: Plumb the bookshelf
To check if the bookcase is level, hold a level in a vertical position. If necessary, add shims. After ensuring the entire piece is both level and plumb, tap shims in any areas where there are gaps between the bookcase and the wall to ensure a tight fit. Use a utility knife to score the shims, then snap them off so they are flush with the edge of the bookcase.
1. Begin by using a stud finder to identify the exact positions of the wall studs directly beneath the hanging strip. 2. At every marked stud location, utilize a combination bit to drill both a screw-shank clearance hole and a counterbore hole in the hanging strip. 3. Once the pilot holes are in place, securely fasten the bookcase to the wall using 2½-inch screws, ensuring a strong connection.
Step 6: Attach the kick board
To create a nailer for the kick plate, cut a piece of plywood that matches the size of the lowest supports on the frame. Place the plywood under the center of the bottom shelf and secure it by nailing through the shelf into the top edge of the nailer using 6d finish nails.
Begin by measuring the opening located below the bottom shelf. Proceed by cutting a piece of plywood that fits snugly in this area. Place the kick plate into the opening, ensuring it is positioned against the nailer and supporting edges. It is important for the kick plate to be level with the front of the bookcase. Utilize two 6d finish nails at each of the supports and the center nailer to attach the kick plate securely.
Step 7: Scribe the trim to fit
To finish the sides and top of the bookcase, utilize ½ trim. The trim can be extended beyond the inside edge or aligned. Place the trim firmly against the wall over a bookcase leg. Make sure the trim is vertical by using a level. Secure it in place using 6d nails.
In a systematic manner, locate the widest space between the trim and wall. Adjust the scribe to fit across the gap. Carefully glide the pointed end of the scribe along the wall, allowing the pencil to mark the trim with the wall’s shape. Take off the trim and use a jigsaw to precisely cut along the marked line.
First, attach the trim to one leg using glue and 6d finish nails. Then, repeat the same process on the other leg. Finally, cut the trim to the appropriate size for the top and secure it in place using glue and nails.
Step 8: Apply nosing to shelf faces
In order to create a recessed, finished edge on the front of the shelves, utilize 1x trim. To ensure a snug fit between the side trim and the nosing pieces, position the 1x trim against the front of the shelves and align it with one side. Indicate the point where each piece intersects the opposite side. Proceed to cut each strip at the designated mark.
To begin, spread adhesive on the front of the shelf. Use 6d finish nails to secure the nosing in position. Commence nailing from one end and modify the nosing as you progress down the length, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the top of the shelf. Repeat this process for every shelf, adding nosing in a consistent manner.
In a sequential manner, proceed to set all the nail heads and apply putty or a wax pencil to fill the holes, ensuring it matches the color of the stained wood. Ultimately, give the entire bookcase a coat of paint, wax, or polyurethane.
How do you make cheap built-in bookshelves
There are several budget-friendly methods for creating built-in bookshelves.
- Use standard shelves: You can use standard shelves readily available at most home improvement stores and place them in an empty wall space. These shelves can be easily cut to size and painted or stained to match your existing decor.
- Repurpose old furniture: You have an old piece of furniture that you no longer use. Now utilize it and repurpose it into a built-in bookshelf by removing the back and attaching it to the wall.
- Use floating shelves: Floating shelves are a simple and affordable option for creating a built-in look. They are straightforward to install and can be customized to fit your space and design preferences.
- Using inexpensive materials: If you have basic carpentry skills, you can build your own built-in bookshelves from scratch. Using inexpensive materials such as plywood and dowels, you can do it. This option will require more time and effort, but it can be a cost-effective way to create a custom look.
Regardless of the option you select, it is important to measure the space accurately and carefully plan the design beforehand to guarantee that the bookshelves will both fit and appear as desired.
