Basic Bookshelf
A five-shelf bookcase from plywood with a fixed center shelf and an anti-rack back. The workhorse of any study or living room.
Difficulty Beginner Category Furniture Time 150 min Cost $45 Primary wood Pine plywood
01Materials
- 3/4 in pine plywood, 1 full sheet
- 1/4 in plywood back
- Edge banding
- Wood glue
- 1-1/4 in screws
02Cut List
| # | Part | Dimension | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 2 × 3/4 ply | 10 × 60 in | sides |
| 02 | 4 × 3/4 ply | 10 × 28.5 in | shelves |
| 03 | 1 × 3/4 ply | 10 × 30 in | top |
| 04 | 1 × 3/4 ply | 3 × 30 in | toe kick |
| 05 | 1 × 1/4 ply | 30 × 60 in | back |
03Tools
- Circular saw with straightedge
- Drill/driver
- Pocket-hole jig
- Clamps
- Router or iron for banding
04Build Steps
- Break down the sheet. Cut the plywood sheet into the side, shelf and top panels using a straightedge guide for clean lines.
- Drill shelf pin holes. Mark shelf positions and drill 5mm pin holes down each side so shelves are adjustable except the fixed center one.
- Assemble the case. Glue and screw the top and toe kick to the sides, keeping the case square with clamps and diagonal checks.
- Install the back. Nail or screw the 1/4 in back into a shallow rebate or on the back face to stop racking.
- Band and finish. Apply edge banding to exposed ply edges, sand, and finish.
Safety First
- Support the sheet on the floor and set the blade just past the material.
- Clamp a straightedge before cutting — freehand rips wander.
05Pro Tips
- Use a rabeted back or a French cleat to keep the shelf flush to the wall.
- Keep the heavy shelf near the bottom for stability.
