Tall Tommy Bookcase

I got a request to build a taller version of the Tommy Bookcase. The only changes I made to the plans were switching the sides to 60" tall and adding two additional 40" shelves. To save on the cost of buying several 1x12's, I used a sheet of PureBond birch plywood. I didn't want to mess with the Kreg plugs or seeing the holes, so I countersunk screws into the sides and used 3/8" plugs to hide them. For the bottom, I trimmed down a 1x4 to the right width then added 1/2" moulding to the top of it. At the last minute she decided to add beadboard, and I found two quarter sheets at Lowe's on clearance for less than $8. I finished all the rough edges with edge banding. I really like how it turned out! It's a very solid, sturdy bookcase, and for $80 it's a fraction of the cost of the half sized PB one!

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat Rustoleum's Ultimate Stain in Golden Oak, three coats of spray poly then a rub-on finishing wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Inquisitive

Wed, 03/13/2019 - 06:41

What size screws did you use and how many on each shelf?  If I use this to make a pantry that backs up to the wall and is fastened to the wall, do I need luan in the back for the strength of the shelves?  Could I put in cleats instead?