How to build a bookcase — 30" × 12" × 36"

Cut list

Step by step

1. Smooth the plywood

   Sand the prepared plywood parts before assembling the bookcase.

   • Support each prepared panel on a clean bench.
   • Sand the faces and exposed edges with 120-grit abrasive.
   • Ease the sharp edges lightly with 180-grit abrasive.
   • Remove the sanding dust with a vacuum.

2. Join the outer shell

   Screw the bottom and top between the sides with their front edges flush.

   • Support both sides on their rear edges on a padded level surface.
   • Mark the bottom underside 3" above each side bottom.
   • Clamp the bottom and top between the sides.
   • Mark three screw centers per shelf end, 1 1/2" from the front and rear.
   • Drill 1/8" pilots into the shelf ends through 3/16" side clearance holes.
   • Drive the twelve #8 × 2" screws into shallow countersinks.

3. Install the fixed shelves

   Screw both intermediate shelves between the sides to create three equal openings.

   • Mark shelf undersides 13 3/4" and 24 1/2" above the side bottoms.
   • Clamp the shelves on their marks with front edges flush.
   • Mark three screw centers per end, matching the outer shell pattern.
   • Drill 1/8" pilots into the shelf ends through 3/16" side clearance holes.
   • Drive the twelve #8 × 2" screws into shallow countersinks.

4. Square and attach the back

   Square the carcass and fasten its back to both sides and every horizontal panel.

   • Lay the bookcase front-down on a padded level surface.
   • Adjust the carcass until its corner-to-corner diagonals match.
   • Clamp the back flush with the outside edges.
   • Mark screw lines centered on the side and shelf edges beneath.
   • Drill 3/32" pilots through 9/64" back clearance holes.
   • Drive the twenty-eight #6 × 1" screws flush with the back.

5. Apply the clear finish

   Apply a clear indoor finish to the assembled bookcase and allow it to cure.

   • Remove dust from every face and exposed edge.
   • Brush on a thin coat of water-based clear finish.
   • Allow the coat to dry for the label's recommended time.
   • Smooth raised grain lightly with 180-grit abrasive.
   • Apply another thin coat to the cleaned surfaces.
   • Allow the finish to cure before handling or loading.

6. Secure before loading

   Position the bookcase and install a suitable anti-tip restraint before adding books.

   • Move the empty bookcase to its final location with a helper.
   • Check the floor contact for rocking.
   • Identify suitable wall structure for the restraint.
   • Install the furniture restraint according to its manufacturer's instructions.
   • Place heavier books on the bottom shelf.