Barn Bookshelf

Free plans to build a barn bookshelf.

About Project

Author Notes:

I cannot believe we are so close to the Holidays!

Many of you have requested plans for a Barn Bookshelf over the years, and we do have a small Barn/Dollhouse in the works. Can't wait to post it! But I also wanted to share plans for a Barn Bookshelf too!

[2]

Complete with a barn style roof, three large shelves, and a stuffed animal coral, this barn bookshelf is perfect for your farm loving little one!

You'll need a mitersaw that bevels to 22 1/2 degrees to pull off those roof angles, or a circular saw with a blade that bevels. Other than that, this one is pretty easy to build! Can't wait to see your brag posts!

Dimensions

Dimensions:

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

3 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long
2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
6" of 1x6 scraps
1/2 sheet of 1/4" plywood for back

2 inch screws

1 1/4 inch finish nails

1 1/4 inch pocket hole screws

Tools:

measuring tape

square

pencil

safety glasses

hearing protection

Kreg Jig™ [3]

drill

compound miter saw

nailer

sander

countersink drill bit

Cut List

Cut List:

4 - 1x12 @ 27” (shelves and sides)
1 - 1x12 @ 12” (divider)
1 - 1x12 @ 28 1/2” - both ends BEVELED at 22 1/2 degrees off square, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel (middle floor)
1 - 1x2 @ 27" (footer)
2 - 1x12 @ 16 1/4” - both ends beveled at 22 1/2 degrees off square, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel (lower roof)
1 - 1x12 @ 18” - both ends beveled at 22 1/2 degrees off square, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel (loft floor)
2 - 1x12 @ 10” - both ends beveled at 22 1/2 degrees off square, long point to long point, ends NOT parallel (upper roof)
2 - 1x6 @ 2 1/4” long point, cut at 22 1/2 degrees off square (optional loft siding)
Back plywood is 45” x 28 1/2” overall.

FENCE
2 - 1x2 @ 27"
4 - 1x2 @ 6 3/4"

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

Start by building the bookshelf base. You can use 2" countersunk screws and glue or 3/4" PHs/1 1/4" PH screws and glue, but nails are not recommended because there is no face frame.

TIP: If using PHs you may wish to add the top (step 2) first to fit the drill in there, and then add middle shelf second.

Step 2

Now add the top.

Step 3

Now add the divider. You can just nail or screw this guy in.

Step 4

And the footer - glue and nails will do the trick here.

Step 5

Now mark the lower roofs on the inside edge 13 3/4" down from the short point. Make a line. Line this line up with your top shelf top. Attach with screws and glue. You may need an extra hand here to hold the board in place while you attach. If you don't have an extra hand, you can attach the lower roofs first with 3/4" PHs and 1 1/4" PH screws to the loft floor (step 6) and then attach the entire roof section to the bookshelf that way.

TIP: Dry fit the roof pieces first to ensure everything fits good and angles match up.

Step 6

Now add the loft floor. Easiest way is 3/4" PHs and 1 1/4" PH screws from underside.

Step 7

Glue and nail the remaining roof pieces in place. The next pieces will strengthen everything up.

Step 8

Add the roof pieces to secure top roof. Use glue and finish nails.

Step 9

Finally, add the back to the entire project with 1 1/4" finish nails and glue.

Step 10

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions:

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Barn Bookshelf

Toys [4], Kids and Toys [5], Intermediate [6], Children's [7]