DIY Built-In Bookshelf Wall
Do you need to house a large book collection but think built-ins are too expensive or require a professional skill level to make them yourself? You can build your own with a simple design, inexpensive wood, and basic tools. Learn more about this DIY built-in bookshelf wall in this Lowe’s video:
Here is the design plan in a nutshell:
- Create a frame around the edges
- Install columns
- Install shelf pins to set the shelves on
- Add facing to the front of the columns to polish them up
You will use 3/4-inch pine planks for almost everything.
1. The frame is the foundation of the whole bookshelf, so you want to make sure you’re hitting as many studs as possible. Your primary tool is a pocket hole jig; it creates a strong joint between two pieces of material while hiding the fasteners. You can fill any visible holes later with caulk or put in wood plugs and sand them smooth.
2. Cut and install the columns. It’s important to get your columns evenly spaced and perfectly level.
3. Drill out 1/4-inch holes for the shelf pins, then insert the shelf pins (the shelves will just rest on those).
4. Cut your shelves. You want them to fit snug, so double-check your measurements before you make the cuts. Install the shelves.
5. Install 1×2 wood pieces on the columns. These will keeps the shelves in place, cover all the joints and help give the bookshelf a unified look.
6. For an added touch, install accent lighting with inexpensive plug-in lights. Start by making a six-inch header board and installing across the top of the shelves. Find the center of each shelf and mark it on the header, then install the hanging hardware. Drill out a one-inch hole behind each light for the cord to run through, and then drill out another one-inch hole in each of the columns for the cords to run through and unify on an extension cord. Make a dog ear cut on each of the shelves where the extension cord is running up so it will hide behind there. You can add a touch activated on-off switch. Finish by spray painting each light with an antique brass spray.
7. Now you’re ready to paint. Remove the shelves, pins and light. Tape the edges and caulk the holes. Paint the shelves, columns and dry wall. Let dry.
8. Reassemble your bookshelf, then accessorize any way you like.
