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Lack-Inspired Bookcase

A minimalist bookcase of five evenly-spaced 2x12 shelves between two tall sides — clean, chunky, and dead simple. A great first case build.

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L	Material	✓
Sides	2	1 1/2" × 11 1/4" × 72"	2x12	☐
Shelves	5	1 1/2" × 11 1/4" × 36"	2x12	☐

Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.

Drill / Driver
Drill Bit Set
Predrill the thick stock so it doesn't split.
Level
Miter Saw
Square crosscuts on the wide 2x12s; a circular saw and guide also work.
Pencil
Random Orbit Sander
Speed Square
Tape Measure

1. Build the box
Tools: Drill / Driver, Miter Saw, Speed Square. Materials: 2x12 board, 12 ft, 2x12 board, 16 ft, Wood screws, 2-1/2", Wood glue and finish
Build the outer box by attaching the top and bottom shelves sandwiched between the two sides with 2-1/2" screws. Check for square. Skip the pocket-hole jig here — face-screwing through the sides into the shelf ends is simpler and plenty strong.
2. Add the middle shelves
Tools: Drill / Driver, Drill Bit Set, Tape Measure. Materials: 2x12 board, 16 ft, Wood screws, 2-1/2"
On the sides, measure up 18" for the center of the first shelf, 36" for the middle, and 54" for the third. Predrill your holes at those marks — the thick stock splits without it — and screw the shelves in.
3. Anchor and finish
Tools: Drill / Driver, Level, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: L-brackets, Wood glue and finish
Attach two L-brackets on the bottom wall-side of the shelves and screw the case to a wall stud — a tall narrow bookcase tips, so this is required, not optional. Sand and finish.