Home / Furniture / Five-Shelf Bookcase

How to build a five-shelf bookcase

Finished size: 1.8 m high × 800 mm wide × 300 mm deep.

DifficultyIntermediate
Time6–8 hrs
Cost£80–£140
Size1.8 m high × 800 mm wide × 300 mm deep

Steps

  1. Rip sheets to 300 mm strips.
  2. Cut sides 1.8 m and five shelves at 764 mm.
  3. Mark shelf positions on both sides together so they line up; glue and screw.
  4. Square the case and pin on the back panel; this is what stops it racking.
Tip: Anchor any bookcase over 1 m tall to the wall with an anti-tip strap.

Materials

  • 2 × 18 mm plywood or MDF sheets
  • 1 × 6 mm hardboard back
  • Wood glue, 40 mm screws or pocket screws
  • Primer and paint or oil

Tools

  • Circular saw with guide rail
  • Drill/driver
  • Pocket-hole jig (optional)
  • Clamps

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