How to Build Custom Built-In Bookcases
I’m a firm believer that one can never have enough storage within their home. Especially, when you’re talking about a multi-purpose room. A lot of people (myself included) have one room that has to function as many spaces. For us, the guest room has to function as a room to store books, crafts supplies, and plants. Today I’ll show you how you too can build a custom built-in bookshelf. Don’t fret, this is a DIY project anyone with a few tools can accomplish.
First off, let’s take a quick look at the basic structure that will make up the bookcase. (My plans have dimensions, but you should alter the plans to fit within the spatial constraints of your own home.) The basic frame of the bookcase can be built using 1×12’s, along with a small platform that is made using 1×3 boards. I have a large double window in this room so the best place to install the bookcases are on either side of the window (flanking the window).
One of the easiest ways to assemble your bookcase frames is by using pocket holes.
Using a pocket hole jig will make easy work of your assembly. Once all your lumber is cut to length, you’ll need to drill pocket holes at the top and bottom of each side.
Position and secure the jig in place using a clamp, then using the supplied drill bit, go ahead and drill your pocket holes.
Now decide how many adjustable shelves you want above and below the fixed shelf, and utilizing a shelf pin jig, go ahead and drill the holes for your shelf pins.
Since you’re about ready to install the frame, now would be a good time to prime as much of your bookcase as you can.
With the basic structure of your bookcase assembled, it’s time to prep the area where you’ll be installing them. You may need to cut out the existing baseboard in order to install the bookcase flush against the wall. If your space requires this kind of prep, consider using an oscillating cutting tool. It will make light of the work and will help with the custom built in look.
Next, position your platform in place and secure it to the wall, preferably into a stud. Then, place the bookcase frame on the platform and secure it as well. (In my configuration, I was able to secure one side to the wall using screws and had to secure the opposite side to the window casing using nails.)
In order to give the bookcase frame a built-in look, you’ll need beef it up a bit by adding 1×2 facing strips, baseboard, and crown molding.At the top of the bookcase, bridge the gap from the top of the bookcase frame and the ceiling with a piece of 1×6 ripped to the appropriate width.
(This will allow for more surface area to nail in your crown molding)
Now would be a great time to add a few coats of paint!
Lastly, you’ll need to caulk any gaps. I find that taping off on both sides of the area you’re caulking will result in a much cleaner caulk line.
With the custom built-in bookcases complete, the only thing left to do is to turn the room back over to the owner and let them fill up those shelves!
In this case I had them filled up in no time flat and was already deciding how many extra shelves I need. Eventually we would like to complete this area by installing a window seat with even more storage!
Built-In Amazing! What a great project for anywhere in your home and what a fabulous performance from the DIY Village! Stay tuned for more Rockstar DIY Series!
Pin for later!
Do you know – I’m brave enough to have a crack at this – but definitely not neat enough to pull it off.
Thanks for all the brilliant tips and photographs.
A brilliant tutorial 🙂
<3
Pia
No sweat Pia… as they say, “caulk and paint make what a carpenter ain’t.” 😀
It is absolutely beautul, but, you need all those special tools to build it. Not everyone has them. Thank you anyway for the tutoral.
Janine, I’m a big proponent of using what you have. It’s true that some tools make a DIY project easier, but before I had a lot of tools I used hand saws. Instead of the shelf pin jig, you can measure and mark or use a scrap of pegboard.
Thanks for the excellent blog post! I am glad I found your blog and I look forward to reading the other posts you have! As I am just getting started in the blogging arena, your site is going to be a great resource for me!
Thanks!
These are fabulous & so sharp looking as well. Great tutorial