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This bookcase reads as more architectural than most shelf builds because of two details: one end is closed off with its own small shelf and trim, breaking up what would otherwise be one long open box, and the whole thing sits on a recessed 2x2 base that's set back from the outer edges so the case appears to float slightly above the floor.
Decide up front whether your shelves will be fixed or adjustable on shelf pins — both options are given at each shelf step, and it's worth choosing once for the whole piece rather than mixing approaches, since a fixed shelf also serves as extra structural bracing that an adjustable one doesn't.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| 1x10 board, 5 ft | 1 each |
| 3/4" plywood (for staining) or MDF (for painting), ripped 15-1/2" wide, 8 ft sheet | 1 each |
| 2x2 board, 8 ft | 2 each |
| 1x2 board, 8 ft | 4 each |
| Wood screws, 2" (or 1-1/4" pocket-hole screws) | 40 each |
| Finish nails, 2" | 40 each |
| Wood glue | 4 oz |
| Edge bandingOnly needed if staining rather than painting. | 1 roll |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Top3/4" plywood/MDF | 1 | 3/4" × 15 1/2" × 47 1/4" |
| Bottom3/4" plywood/MDF | 1 | 3/4" × 15 1/2" × 46 1/2" |
| Middle divider3/4" plywood/MDF | 1 | 3/4" × 15 1/2" × 24 1/4" |
| Closed end3/4" plywood/MDF | 1 | 3/4" × 15 1/2" × 25 3/4" |
| Long shelf3/4" plywood/MDF | 1 | 3/4" × 15 1/2" × 37" |
| Small shelf sides1x10 | 2 | 3/4" × 9 1/4" × 26 1/2" |
| Small shelf3/4" plywood/MDF | 1 | 3/4" × 15 1/2" × 8 3/4" |
| Side trim1x2 | 4 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 37 3/4" |
| Closed end trim1x2 | 4 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 23 1/2" |
| Small shelf trim1x2 | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 17" |
| Floating base sides2x2 | 2 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 46 1/2" |
| Floating base ends2x2 | 2 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 12 1/2" |
Buy 9 boards at 8 ft.
2 boards
3 boards
Measure and mark all the joints on every board. If using a pocket-hole jig, drill 1-1/4" pocket holes; if using 2" wood screws, predrill. Add glue and screw together.
Decide between shelf pins (drill holes matched to your pins for an adjustable shelf) or a fixed shelf attached with glue and screws the same way as the box.
Use 2" finish nails and glue to attach the small shelf sides to the open end of the bookshelf, leaving 3/4" of clearance under the bottom shelf.
Add the small shelf with screws and glue for a fixed shelf, or drill shelf-pin holes for an adjustable one.
Attach the closed end trim to the closed end (and to the shelf too, if it's not fixed). Use 2" finish nails and glue. If using a pocket-hole jig, build the face frame separately first, then nail the whole frame on as one piece.
Attach the top and bottom trim to the small bookshelf section the same way — build the face frame separately if using a jig, then attach as one piece with 2" finish nails and glue.
Attach the small shelf side trim with 2" finish nails and glue. If your shelves are fixed, also nail into them here for added support.
Use 2" screws and glue to attach the floating base sides to the bottom, then attach the floating base ends to finish the base — set back from the outer case edges so the bookcase reads as slightly elevated off the floor.
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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 →