Simple Book Rack Plans

Simple book rack plans
Difficulty
Starter Projects
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Build a book rack with free plans from Ana-White.com. This simple bookrack or bin stores books face forward, can be placed on a floor, nightstand or shelf, is large sized for lots of books.

This is a DIY project using cedar fence pickets and 2x2 and 1x2 boards.  It is easy to build, makes a great gift or item to sell at craft fairs or markets.  

Our free plans include photos, shopping list, cut list, and step by step diagrams - everything you need to make your own bookrack.

Designed and built by Family DIYnamic

Simple book rack plans
Simple book rack plans
Simple book rack plans

Why We Built this Book Rack

It's hard to find a unique and special gift, that is affordable and in stock these days.  This bookrack was built as a gift to organize all the books.

Modifications to this Book Rack

We love this book rack as is, but there are so many ways it could be modified to make it just right for your space and needs -

  • Add a divider to section off different sized books
  • Customize the depth so it fits on top of or inside a shelf
  • Increase the height for a floor reading station
  • Measure book sizes and customize the size to fit your books
  • Paint or stain any color of your choice
  • Make it extra special by adding a custom name to the front

Free Plans to Build Your Own Book Rack

We are glad to be able to provide these plans to you completely free.  Please share a photo if you build, we love seeing your work!

Dimensions
wood book rack dimensions diagram
Wood Book Rack Dimensions

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 1 - 2x2 @ 6 or 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x2 @ 6 feet long
  • 3- 5-1/2" wide cedar fence pickets, not dogeared
  • 1-1/4" self tapping wood screws or brad nails 
  • wood glue
  • medium grit sandpaper
  • wood stain
Cut List
  • 4 - 2x2 @ 14" - legs
  • 3 - cedar fence picket @ 28" - front and back
  • 4 - cedar fence picket @ 14" - sides
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 27-1/2" - measure and cut to fit - inner cleats
  • 5 - 1x6 or cedar fence pickets @ 14" - bottom slats

 

Cutting Instructions

Sand the cedar fence pickets before cutting with medium grit sandpaper.

Pieces can be painted or stained before assembly.

Tools
Tape Measure
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Build two of the side panels as shown, by attaching the cedar fence pickets to the 2x2s.

If using brad nails, glue is recommended.

Step 2

Attach the front and back pieces to the side panels to create the shape of the book rack.

Step 3

Inside the book rack, add 1x2 cleats as shown.  

Nails or screws can be at a slight angle if needed to fit the drill or brad nailer inside for attaching.

Step 4

Cut the bottom pieces and then mark the outer pieces to fit around the 2x2 legs.  Cut out with a jigsaw.

Fit and screw or nail down.

Step 5

Add remaining pieces.  Space gaps evenly between the boards. Nail or screw down.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill any exposed holes with wood filler. Sand well with medium grit sandpaper, working in the direction of the wood grain.
Finish Used
Apply a wood stain with a foam applicator brush. Wipe off excess with a paper towel.
Dispose of staining tools as directed by the stain instructions.

This project can also be finished with paint. Use a primer and then paint light coats, lightly sanding between coats.
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