NotchLoading plan…
Loading plan…
This wide bookcase is really two identical narrow shelf units built independently, then screwed together and topped with one continuous board so the seam disappears under a shared 1x2 top trim. Building the pair as separate, simpler units first — rather than trying to assemble one wide case in one go — is what makes a piece this size manageable without extra hands.
The shelf-front trim is called out as 1x4 rather than the narrower 1x2 shown in some reference photos, specifically to close the gap between the shelf edge and a mattress pushed up against it — a detail worth keeping if this bookcase sits beside a bed, and one you can size down if it doesn't.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| 1x2 board, 8 ft | 2 each |
| 1x4 board, 8 ft | 2 each |
| 2x4 board, 8 ft | 2 each |
| 1x10 board, 8 ft | 3 each |
| 1x12 board, 8 ft | 1 each |
| 1/4" plywood, quarter sheet | 1 each |
| Wood screws, 1-1/4" and 2" | 60 each |
| Finish nails, 1-1/4" | 40 each |
| Wood glue | 4 oz |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Sides1x10Two per unit, two units total. | 4 | 3/4" × 9 1/4" × 31 1/4" |
| Shelves1x10One per unit. | 2 | 3/4" × 9 1/4" × 40" |
| Base supports2x4One per unit. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 40" |
| Top trim1x2 | 1 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 83" |
| Side and center trim, vertical1x2 | 3 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 29 3/4" |
| Shelf and base front trim1x4 | 4 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 39 1/4" |
| Backing1/4" plywoodCovers only the visible upper portion — the lower back isn't seen once the unit is in place. | 1 | 1/4" × 12" × 83" |
| Top1x12 | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 83" |
Buy 10 boards at 8 ft.
1 board
1 board
3 boards
2 boards
2 boards
1 board
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
You'll build two of these. Attach the shelf and the 2x4 base support to the sides using glue and 2" wood screws, predrilled and countersunk.
Attach the two shelf units together using 1-1/4" wood screws, predrilled and countersunk — at least two screws at the top, two above the shelf, two below the shelf, and two at the base.
Attach the top trim with 1-1/4" finish nails and glue. Attach the three vertical trim pieces the same way. Attach the shelf-front and base-front trim using the wider 1x4 stock — it closes the gap between the shelf edge and a mattress better than a narrower board would.
Attach the plywood backing to the upper portion of the shelf unit with 1-1/4" finish nails — the lower portion doesn't need backing since it won't be visible once installed, which also saves material for another project.
Attach the shared top across both units, sand every surface, and finish as desired.
No reviews yet
Sign in to review this plan or share your build.
No reviews yet. Be the first to build this.