Eclectic Bookshelf

Difficulty
Intermediate
| Print this plan

I've been waiting forever to have a chance to get rid of some plywood scraps we've had in our garage. I finally put them to good use and made what I think is a pretty awesome bookshelf! :)

Although this isn't the first piece I have ever built, it is the first plan that I have ever tried to contribute to Ana's site. I'm not yet very good with creating plans through Google Sketchup and I apologize from any inconvenience that my pictures may bring. Please feel free to ask as many question as you want before taking on the projest and check out my notes and tutorial here http://sawgrasshome.com/?p=1778

Dimensions
bookshelf, eclectic bookshelf
32 1/4″ High x 15″ Wide x 96″ Long

Preparation

Shopping List

2 sheets of plywood or MDF
1 sheet of Masonite
Wood Glue
Screws
Kreg Jig
1 1/4" Kreg Jig Screws
Paint
Clamps
Finishing Nails
Hammer

Cut List

***Please double check my measurements. I used a whole bunch of scraps thus, I didn’t have to buy an extra sheet of plywood. The cut list below is based off of what I think you’ll need to create this bookshelf.

3 support shelves at 15×96 (have the home improvement store do this for you)
12 shelves/dividers at 15×15
2 side panels at 32 1/4
scraps

Cutting Instructions

I believe the best way to maximize your wood is to make the cuts like so:

- Take one of your 15×96 boards and cut 6 15×15 shelves.
- Take another 15×96 board and cut 4 more 15×15 shelves. Then, use the rest to cut a 32 1/4 side board.
- Take yet another 15×96 board and cut another side panel at 32 1/4. This should leave you with approximately 67 1/4 left of plywood for scraps. Now, cut two more boards at 15×15 and then cut them in half at an angle (this will create the angled shelves). Now you should have about 38″ left for scraps that can be used to create recessed shelving and dividers.

Tools
Tape Measure
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Kreg Jig
Drill
Power Sander
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!

Instructions

Step 1

Kreg Jig three holes to the ends of each 15" x 96" board.

Step 2

Attach 15x96 support boards to the two 32 1/4" side boards. Make sure the the middle board is centered with the side boards and make sure that your Kreg Jig screws are facing down.

Step 3

Kreg Jig holes into your shelves/divider pieces.

Step 4

Divide 10 15x15 boards evenly throughout the bookshelf (one board at 16" in, then 32", 48", 64", and 80". Glue the boards in place, clamp, let dry.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
I just used old paint that I had lying in the garage and then sealed it with a clear gloss sealant.

Comments

spiceylg

Wed, 06/27/2012 - 08:00

Came out great and I'm in love with those chairs? Where are they from please?

Ahenricks80 (not verified)

Sun, 07/01/2012 - 20:08

I would love to have my husband build this for our daughter's playroom! I know you used a lot of scraps for your build, but do you have a rough estimate of the project cost? Thanks!

David Jablonski (not verified)

Fri, 07/06/2012 - 13:11

Well done! Neat design. Going to make something along these lines as a headboard for my wife and I. A couple doors, some bigger, some smaller. Mostly from pallet lumber.