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A minimalist four-shelf bookshelf on bare 2x2 legs with a plywood back, built from about $30 of lumber — genuinely the cheapest bookshelf build in this catalog.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legs | 4 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 69" | 2x2, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Bottom leg supports | 2 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 8 1/4" | 2x2, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Top | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 31" | 1x12, 12 ft | ☐ |
| Shelves | 4 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 28" | 1x12, 12 ft | ☐ |
| Back | 2 | 1/4" × 16 1/2" × 30 1/2" | 1/4" plywood panel, 48" x 48" | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 2x2, 8 ft | 4 each | ☐ |
| 1x12, 12 ft | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1/4" plywood panel, 48" x 48" | 1 each | ☐ |
| Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" and 2-1/2" | 30 each | ☐ |
| Brad nails, 3/4" | 30 each | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 3 oz | ☐ |
| Wood screws, 2-1/2" (wall anchoring) | 2 each | ☐ |
| Primer and paint, or stain and poly | 1 set | ☐ |
Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 2x2, 8 ft, Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" and 2-1/2", Wood glue
Drill a single pocket hole on each end of the bottom leg support pieces. Rotate legs so pocket holes face the back. Attach to the legs at the bottom with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws and glue.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 1x12, 12 ft, Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" and 2-1/2"
Attach the top with screws from above, or with pocket holes on the backs of the legs and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 1x12, 12 ft, Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" and 2-1/2", Wood glue
Drill a pocket hole 3/4" in from each end of every shelf. Attach to the legs with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws and glue.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1/4" plywood panel, 48" x 48", Brad nails, 3/4", Wood glue
Check for square by comparing diagonal measurements and adjusting until they match. Attach the plywood back panels to the shelves and legs with 3/4" brad nails and glue.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: Wood screws, 2-1/2" (wall anchoring), Primer and paint, or stain and poly
Sand all surfaces and apply primer and paint or stain and poly. On final installation, anchor to a wall stud to prevent tipping.