DIY Built In Bookcase
I am so excited to show you how I built this DIY Built In Bookcase.
How to Build a Built-In-Bookshelf
- Buy Plywood
For this project, I used 3/4 inch birch plywood from the Home Depot.
- Cut Wood
Head over BuildSomething.com to download my free building plans. The cut list as well as step by step instructions are included there. Then come back here for the step by step process.
- Drill Pocket Holes
Use a pocket hole jig to drill pocket holes. (I love my Kreg Jig- find it on Amazon or at Home Depot)
- Build Carcass
Using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the top and bottom shelves to one of your side panels of your bookshelf. This will create three sides of your bookshelf carcass. I used this right angle square to keep my boards square and level.
- Assemble Shelves
Using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the remaining shelves to the side panels of your bookshelf.
- Finish Assembly
Once the shelves are assembled, add your next side panel. I used my right angle clamp to make sure my bookshelf stayed square.
- Install Bookshelf
Once you have your bookshelf built, you will install it into your space. Once installed, you can trim it out to create the look of a built in. Follow my step by step guideline for how to trim out a bookshelf.
Find my free bookcase building plans, here: Free Boookcase building plans
If you used this tutorial in your own home, I would love to see photos and share them here on my blog! Please email completed photos to Nat@thecreativemom.com
I would also love if you would share this project, or save it to your Pinterest board for later! You can hover your mouse over the image below and click the “save†button, or share this on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
If you liked this project, you might like some of my other DIY projects:
Thanks for the easy to follow instructions. I plan on building three of these for a library wall. Curious if I need to build three independent bookcases and join them together or if I can use one piece of plywood for each of the middle vertical pieces, I.e the shelves would share one piece of plywood. My concern is that those middle pieces might be taking a lot of weight from the shelves on either side of them, if that makes sense? Perhaps I could combat this with a bit thicker plywood? Plus the pocket holes would need to be staggered?
Love love love this!!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I greatly appreciate it!! I’m trying to pick up a hobby before I go completely insane and I would love to try to build this bookcase. I do wish u would share the total cost of each project when you post them. I have absolutely no idea cost savings compared to building and I would love to know. I’m hoping it wouldn’t be too much trouble to add doors to this bookcase or barn door maybe….? Trying to create something for a craft room. Thank you once again!!
I was just thinking that I need something to store my materials. And this is the perfect idea 🙂 I think I already know what I will do this weekend. Thank you for sharing.