Compact Bookcase

Cut one Back to size from 3/4" plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in the Back, as shown.

• Cut one Left Side and one Right Side to size from 3/4" plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram.
• Then, with your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in the Sides, as shown.
• Then, drill holes for adjustable shelf pins, as shown. The easiest way to do this is with a Kreg Shelf Pin Jig. NOTE: The setback spacing (distance from the edge to the shelf-pin holes) shown matches the first-generation Kreg Shelf Pin Jig. The second generation model, released in March 2022, has different setback spacing. The vertical distance between the pin holes, though, matches the dimensions shown here—1 1/4". You can create the shelf-pin holes accurately using either the first- or second-generation jig.

Attach the Sides to the Back using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws. Make sure that that the parts are oriented in the proper direction before assembly.

Cut two Rails and two Stretchers from a 1x2 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in the Rails and Stretchers, as shown.

Attach each Stretcher to each Rail using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws. Make sure that that the pocket holes in the edges of the pieces are all oriented in the proper direction before assembly.

Attach Rail/Stretcher assemblies using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws. Make sure that the pocket holes in the edges of the Rails and Stretchers are oriented so that you'll be able to attach the bookcase top and bottom later.

• Cut one bottom to size from 3/4" plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram.
• Also cut Bottom Edging to length from a piece of screen molding.
• Then, attach the Bottom Edging to the Bottom using #18 x 3/4" brads and wood glue, as shown.

• Cut one Top to size from 3/4" plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram.
• Also cut Top Side Molding and Top Front Molding to size from a piece of base cap molding (which you can get at a home center). Note that the Molding pieces are mitered to wrap around the front and sides of the bookcase Top.

Now you can attach the Top Side Molding and Top Front Molding to the Top using #18 x 1 1/4" brads, along with wood glue. Make sure that the molding fits flush with the upper face of the Top, and that the mitered joints fit tightly.

Attach the Top and Bottom assemblies to the bookcase using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.

• Cut one Left Side and one Right Side to size from 3/4" plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram.
• Also cut Shelf Edging to length from a piece of screen molding.
• Then, attach the Shelf Edging to each Shelf using #18 x 3/4" brads, as well as wood glue, as shown.

• Now you can cut two pieces of Front Edging and two pieces of Side Edging to length from screen molding, as shown in the cutting diagram.
• Then, glue and nail them on to cover the exposed plywood edges, as shown.
• Once the glue dries, you'll be set to stain or paint your shelves and load them up!