Building Bookcases

A wooden bookcase is the perfect way to showcase valued books and objects.  WINDOWS MEDIA VIDEO Click the icon above for a brief video about building a bookcase.

Materials:

Cabinet grade plywood
Protective eyewear
Dust mask
Sand paper 120 to 150 grit and 220-grit
Wood glue
Pneumatic nailer
Standards
Finishing nails
Cloth
Optional: sander, decorative trim

Steps:

1. Use a table saw to rip 11 ½" pieces of hard wood plywood.
2. Cut pieces to length for the two cabinet sides and shelves.
3. Cut the plywood back to the desired width and length.
4. When using a table saw, cut the wood with the finished side up. If you're using a circular saw, cut the wood with the finish side down.
5. Sand any rough edges smooth.
6. Measure 2" in on both sides of the cabinet for the dado cuts.
7. Cut the wood with a dado bit ¾" wide and 3/16" deep.
8. Use 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out the groove along the wood.
9. Apply glue to the edges of the base, and assemble the pieces together with a pneumatic nailer.
10. Next, apply wood glue to the edges of the cabinet structure. Secure in place with the nailer.
11. Apply glue to the base and attach to the cabinet using a ¾" spacer block.
12. Nail the bottom shelf to the top of the base.
13. Place the plywood back on the cabinet to make sure all the edges are flush.
14. Use a pneumatic nailer to secure the back in place. Tip: When using a pneumatic nailer, be sure to hold it vertically so that a nail doesn't slip out to the side.
15. To make a pattern for the decorative trim aprons that fit along the top and bottom edges of the cabinet face, find the center with a tape measurer. Mark the location with a pencil
16. Measure 27" from that mark along the bench, and hammer a nail into that point.
17. Hook the tape measurer to the nail and use a pencil to draw a curve with the tape measurer.
18. Clamp the two pieces of wood together to cut out the curved aprons with a band saw.
19. Sand the rough edges smooth.
20. Cut the aprons to length and miter the sides on a 45-degree angle for a formal finish.
21. Attach one apron flush with the bottom shelf with glue and a pneumatic nailer.
22. Repeat the same process for the apron along the top.
23. If you have a slight gap and you know that you are going to stain the piece, be sure to use stainable wood putty.
24. Measure the perimeter of the bookcase and cut the decorative trim to length using a miter saw for angled corners.
25. Apply glue to the front edge of the cabinet, and use the pneumatic nailer to secure the trim in place.
26. Fill in any remaining gaps with stainable wood putty.
27. Use a 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out the wood, working with the grain.
28. Wipe down the bookcase with a damp cloth.
29. Stain the wood once the putty has dried completely. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, wear protective gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area.
30. Apply a clear polyurethane to protect the wood. Brush the polyurethane on lightly with the grain.
31. Tack the standards in place and hang shelves.