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This is a small, genuinely simple wall shelf whose only tricky step is the very first one: cut the decorative top profile into one side panel, then use that finished side as a physical pattern to trace and cut the second one — a much more reliable way to get two matching sides than measuring and cutting each independently from a drawing.
Build the box from shelves screwed between the sides, then check the whole assembly for square before adding either the back supports or the front rails — the source calls this out for both steps specifically, since each of those pieces is what actually sets the bookshelf's final shape. Once they're on, the unit is locked into whatever shape it was in when they went on.
The front rails get their own simple arched cutout, a nice detail that's genuinely optional to shape however you like — a straight rail works structurally just as well as an arched one. A short length of base moulding along the bottom, mitered at the corners, dresses up the footer. Screw through the back supports into a real wall stud to hang it, or use a picture-hanging kit rated for the shelf's loaded weight — a small shelf like this still needs real support once it's holding books.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| 1x6, 12 ftSides. | 1 each |
| 1x6, 8 ftShelves. | 1 each |
| 1x2, 8 ft | 3 each |
| Base moulding, 3-1/4", between 1/2" and 1" thick | 40 in |
| Screws, 2" | 30 each |
| Wood glue | 2 oz |
| Wood filler | 1 each |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sides1x6, 12 ftTop profile cut with a jigsaw or bandsaw; cut one and use it as a pattern for the second. | 2 | 3/4" × 5 1/2" × 57" |
| Shelves1x6, 8 ft | 4 | 3/4" × 5 1/2" × 22 1/2" |
| Back supports and front rails1x2, 8 ft | 11 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 22 1/2" |
| Footer mouldingBase moulding, 3-1/4", between 1/2" and 1" thickMitered at the corners. | 1 | 3/4" × 3 1/4" × 40" |
Buy 7 boards at 8 ft.
3 boards
1 board
3 boards
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 →
Cut the top profile into one side panel with a bandsaw or jigsaw. Use that finished side as a pattern to trace and cut the second, keeping both identical.
Build the box by fastening the shelves to the sides with 2" screws — measurements are to the bottoms of the shelves.
Fasten the back supports to the sides and shelves with 2" screws and glue. Confirm the bookshelf is square before this step.
Cut the arch shape into the front rail pieces with a jigsaw, then fasten in place the same way as the back supports. Confirm the shelf is square before fastening, since this step sets the final shape.
Miter and attach the base moulding footer. Fill any holes with wood filler, sand, and finish. Screw through the back supports into a real wall stud, or use a rated picture-hanging kit.
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