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About Project
Build your own West Elm Bookshelf Side Table inspired side table with these free easy step by step DIY plans. Multiple bookshelves can be place together to create storage and display shelving around the corners of sofas.
Dimensions
Materials and Tools
1/2 sheet of 3/4" plywood
1 - 25' long roll edge banding in matching veneer for stained finish
Cut List
See first step for cutting instructions.
General Instructions
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Step 1
From the 1/2 sheet of plywood, cut the plywood with the grain, as directed in the dimensions on the left edge of the diagram. You will need to make a cut, measure, cut, measure and so on because the saw blade takes up space. Once the strips are cut, cut out the pieces as shown above in diagram carefully. You will need to use a jigsaw or handsaw to finish some cuts if you are using a circular saw. Sand edges smooth.
Step 2
Once you've got the pieces cut, it's simple assembly time. You'd have assemble if you bought the bookshelf side table at West Elm too. You can use any method to join, from pocket holes to countersunk screws. You could even nail at this stage and then screw the back on if you want to hide holes. Use glue.
Step 3
Now put the back on very carefully, screwing on with glue. This will stiffen and hold everything together.
Step 4
And now the top and bottom - the wider width pieces. Nail or screw down.
If you are staining, iron on the edge banding to all exposed plywood edges.
Finishing Instructions
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Broken link
Hey Ana, the link to the original West Elm unit is broken. You have an extra http// in there.
Thank you for taking your
Thank you for taking your time to let me know. Appreciate it!
veneer?
I am not new to woodworking in general- but I have never worked with veneer before- I'm assuming it's pretty easy to work with, but wondering if you have any advice before I tackle it head on?
Hi Sweetness, the edge
Hi Sweetness, the edge banding veneer is very very simple to do and hard to mess up. It comes in rolls designed for 3/4" thick plywood and you simply iron on, trim edges with a utility knife for a perfect fit, and then I like to sand the edges smooth, and you are done. Definitely something most beginners can do.
Cool end table
This looks really spiffy. Thanks for sharing. :)
Hey Ana, where could users post requests? I was trying to think of ways to make a wooden swivel desk like the one in your picture for the bedford corner desk project. But it's something I've never done before and this guy seems pretty complex.
Hi Townsean, requests are
Hi Townsean, requests are posted on our Community - but I can't make promises on what I do make plans for because so much depends on how easy something is to build. I'd love to see your request! Ana
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