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Storage & Shelving

Traditional Bookshelf with Modern Legs

Step-by-step build — 9 steps. Also available as a print sheet.

  1. 1Build Frame

    - Drill three pocket holes on one end of each Side. - Drill three pocket holes on both ends of the Base. - Using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the two Sides into the bottom of the Top on the ends. - Using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the Base between the two sides so that it is 1/4" up from the bottom.

    Traditional Bookshelf with Modern Legs — step photo 4

  2. 2Drill Shelf Pin Holes

    Using a shelf pin jig, drill shelf pin holes up and down the front and back of both of the Sides.

  3. 3Attach Back

    - If you want the Back to be inset and not visible from the sides and top, use a router to carve out a 1/4" deep groove around the inner back side of the frame. - If you don’t have a router or don’t care if the Back is visible, you can skip this. - Using wood glue and 1" nails, attach the Back into the frame.

    Traditional Bookshelf with Modern Legs — step photo 5

  4. 4Attach Legs

    - Drill two pocket holes in one end of each Leg. - Using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the Legs into each corner of the Base, making sure the pocket holes face the back.

    Traditional Bookshelf with Modern Legs — step photo 6

  5. 5Add Leg Supports

    - Drill two pocket holes in each end of the Leg Spans and the Leg Middle. - Using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the Leg Spans between the front and back Legs on each side, flush against the bottom of the Legs. - Using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the Leg Middle centered between the two Leg Spans.

    Traditional Bookshelf with Modern Legs — step photo 7

  6. 6Attach Face Frame

    - Using wood glue and nails, attach the Top Face flush along the front edge of the Top and Sides. - Using wood glue and nails, attach the Side Faces flush along the outside edge of the Sides. There will be a little overhang into the bookshelf. - Using wood glue and nails, attach the Bottom Face flush along the front edge of the Bottom and Sides.

    Traditional Bookshelf with Modern Legs — step photo 8

  7. 7Stain or Paint

    - Add whatever stain or paint you want for your aesthetic. Apply to the body and the shelves that haven’t been installed. - Add a coat of polyurethane to help protect the shelves from wear and tear.

  8. 8Install Shelves

    - Select your desired height for your shelves and insert four shelf pins at level height in each corner. - Inserting at a slight angle, slide each Shelf into place on top of the shelf pins.

    Traditional Bookshelf with Modern Legs — step photo 9

  9. 9Enjoy!

    Enjoy your handiwork and tag @CharlestonCrafted on Instagram with a picture!

    Traditional Bookshelf with Modern Legs — step photo 10