What you’ll need
Tools
- Circular sawSKIL PWR CORE 20 Brushless 20V 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Kit with 2.0Ah Battery and Charger (CR6413B-11)View on Amazon
- Drill/driverDEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo KitView on Amazon
- Drill bit for pilot holes
- Tape measureSTANLEY FATMAX Tape Measure, 25-FootView on Amazon
- SquareSWANSON 7" Speed SquareView on Amazon
- Pencil
- Eye protectionDEWALT Dominator Safety Glasses, ANSI Z87.1+, Clear Lens, Black FrameView on Amazon
Materials and supplies
- 2x12 pine board, 8', vertical orientation for 2 parts
- 2x12 pine board, 8' for 20 parts
- 1/4 plywood sheet, 4' × 8' for 1 part
- 31 × #8 × 1 1/4" flat-head wood screwsThe Hillman Group 35054 Flat Head Phillips Wood Screw, 8 x 1 1/4-Inch, 100-PackView on Amazon
- 50 × #8 × 2" flat-head wood screwsPower Pro 153 Pc Interior Wood Screws (#8 x 2) Star Drive Flat Head Fastening ScrewsView on Amazon
- 30 × #8 × 2 1/2" flat-head wood screws#8 x 2-1/2" Gold Star Wood Screw, T-20 Torx Drive, Flat Head (5 Pound Box) ~600 Screw CountView on Amazon
- 2 × 120-grit 9" × 11" sandpaper sheets3M Pro Grade No-Slip Grip Advanced Sandpaper, 120 Grit, 9" x 11" Sheets - 20-Pack for Wood, Metal, and Paint SurfacesView on Amazon
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Cut list
| Part | Qty | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Side left | 1 | 11 1/4" × 72" × 1 1/2" |
| Side right | 1 | 11 1/4" × 72" × 1 1/2" |
| Shelf | 5 | 21" × 11 1/4" × 1 1/2" |
| Front stiffener | 5 | 21" × 1" × 1 1/2" |
| Cleat left 1 | 1 | 9 3/4" × 1 1/4" × 1 1/2" |
| Cleat right 1 | 1 | 9 3/4" × 1 1/4" × 1 1/2" |
| Cleat left | 4 | 9 3/4" × 1 3/4" × 1 1/2" |
| Cleat right | 4 | 9 3/4" × 1 3/4" × 1 1/2" |
| Back | 1 | 24" × 72" × 1/4" |
Step by step
Sand the parts
Smooth the cut parts before assembling the bookcase.
- Sand the faces and cut edges with 120-grit paper.
- Ease exposed edges without rounding the mating surfaces.
- Remove sanding dust from every part.
Attach the front stiffeners
Fasten one front stiffener beneath each shelf.
- Set each stiffener beneath its shelf's front edge.
- Align the stiffener ends and front face flush with the shelf.
- Mark 4 evenly spaced holes, 3/4" behind the front edge.
- Drill and countersink clearance holes and pilot holes.
- Drive 4 × 2" screws through each shelf into its stiffener.
Attach the side cleats
Fasten matching shelf cleats to the inside of both sides.
- Mark shelf undersides at 1", 18 3/8", 35 3/4", 53 1/8" and 70 1/2".
- Align each cleat top on its mark, 1 1/2" behind the front edge.
- Drill 3 clearance and pilot holes through each cleat into its side.
- Drive 3 × 2 1/2" screws through each cleat into its side.
Install the shelves
Set and fasten the shelves on their matching cleats.
- Clamp the sides upright with the cleats facing inward.
- Seat each shelf on its matching cleats with the stiffener at the front.
- Square the case and drill 3 holes through each shelf into each cleat.
- Drive 3 × 2" screws through each shelf into each cleat.
Attach the back
Square the case and fasten the plywood back to its sides and shelves.
- Lay the case face down on a clean, level surface.
- Square the case by matching its diagonal measurements.
- Align the back flush with the sides and ends of the case.
- Drill clearance and pilot holes into both sides and every shelf.
- Drive 8 × 1 1/4" screws into each side and 3 into each shelf.
Prepare for jars
Place and restrain the bookcase before loading jars.
- Place the case on a firm, level indoor floor.
- Arrange a restraint suited to the verified wall construction.
- Verify the installed restraint with its installer before loading.
- Distribute jars evenly with the heaviest jars low.
- Stop loading if a shelf sags or a joint loosens.
Questions
How many steps does it take to build a bookshelf for canning jars?
The plan has 6 steps and 23 parts. How long it takes depends on your tools and experience.
What tools do I need?
Circular saw, drill/driver, drill bit for pilot holes, tape measure, square, pencil and eye protection.
What materials do I need?
2x12 pine board, 8', vertical orientation, 2x12 pine board, 8', 1/4 plywood sheet, 4' × 8', #8 × 1 1/4" flat-head wood screws, #8 × 2" flat-head wood screws, #8 × 2 1/2" flat-head wood screws and 120-grit 9" × 11" sandpaper sheets.
How big is it?
As designed: width 11 1/2", height 72" and length 24".
Can I change the dimensions?
Yes. Tap “Make one for my space” to open this design in Fixie, and Fixie designs a version for your space, tools and needs, with its own cut list, materials and steps. Your first design is free.
This design was generated with AI and has not been checked by a person. Review measurements, materials and instructions before building, and follow the safety guidance for your tools.