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Easy modern bookshelves?

Submitted by kdempsey on Mon, 09/20/2010 - 07:26
I love the look of these bookshelves and they look like they would be pretty easy to build but I would have no idea how to start. 

David Yum Architects contemporary entry

David Yum Architects contemporary dining room

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Project Suggestions

Tsu Dho Nimh

Tue, 09/21/2010 - 16:02

Break it down: You have three boxes attached to 2 uprights fior the basic unit.  For every unit past the first one, add three boxes and one upright.

 

Build the boxes, screw them to the uprights. Screw through the back of the boxes into a stud for stability.

 

Size the boxes so that you have no more than 3 feet wide or it will sag.

anawhite (not verified)

Tue, 09/21/2010 - 17:51

Hi Kdempsey, try something like this.  Just make sure you screw the backs of the boxes to a stud in the wall to keep from tipping forward.

 

The sides are 1x6s cut at 80" long.  Good luck!

Tsu Dho Nimh

Wed, 09/22/2010 - 11:52

Dang it!  You make it look so easy to draw stuff.  I'm still trying to learn SketchUp.

I would double up the 1x6's or use 2x6's for a "fatter" looking upright.

Maria in Maui

Wed, 09/22/2010 - 12:05

Tsu Dho Nimh said:

Dang it!  You make it look so easy to draw stuff.  I'm still trying to learn SketchUp.

I agree!  Ana you always impress me, but I am now super impressed.  I downloaded SketchUp thinking I could use it to figure out some modifications or design my own plans, but it is way over my head.  Usually I am really good at figuring out computer programs and I have tried this on a couple occasions and it is so beyond me.  It will take some serious time for me to learn.  So I think I'll stick to paper, or build on the fly and figure it out as I go.

You never cease to amaze me!

anawhite (not verified)

Wed, 09/22/2010 - 12:09

You guys are too kind and I'm blushing here!  It took me quite a while to learn sketchup, so don't feel bad.  I almost actually gave up and bought autocad (not that that would have helped!) but I'm so glad I persisted.  Keep at it!  And I agree, if you want to double up the sides, go for it!

Carrie and 3Chicks

Wed, 09/22/2010 - 15:40

Thanks for the encouragement on SketchUp.  I've even tried with my daughters writing pad on my Mac.   I can almost make 2 dimensional cut diagrams and that's it!  

 

How about an on-line live tutorial?! 

kdempsey

Fri, 09/24/2010 - 06:34

OMG Ana! You are amazing!!!!  Thanks so much!  Can't wait to start building!

loniwolfe

Sat, 10/02/2010 - 09:08

Maria said:

Tsu Dho Nimh said:

Dang it!  You make it look so easy to draw stuff.  I'm still trying to learn SketchUp.

I agree!  Ana you always impress me, but I am now super impressed.  I downloaded SketchUp thinking I could use it to figure out some modifications or design my own plans, but it is way over my head.  Usually I am really good at figuring out computer programs and I have tried this on a couple occasions and it is so beyond me.  It will take some serious time for me to learn.  So I think I'll stick to paper, or build on the fly and figure it out as I go.

You never cease to amaze me!

Hi! I also had a hard time getting the hang of it, I'd never used a program that moves in 3d! They have video tutorials you can watch online that help explain what the different tools are for and how to accomplish different things, once I watched a couple of those It was so much easier to catch on. I'm no expert, but I can do alot with it now, including modifying plans to better suit my needs, and I even designed some of my own furniture and "built" my dream house!

I hope this helps, Good luck!

suzieandjesse

Mon, 10/04/2010 - 03:51

Wow, those look really nice.  If I did them I'd do 2 1x6's for the sides as well.