How to Build Custom Bookcases

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I’m a firm believer that one can never have enough storage within their home!  Especially, when you’re talking about your wife’s craft room!  When we purchased our current house, we agreed that Jacque would convert one of the bedrooms into a room where she could let her craft “freak” flag fly.  Looking back on that decision, I question my sanity, but nonetheless, fast forward three years.  Jacque has accumulated quite the inventory of supplies and has come to the conclusion that the only storage solution would be the addition of matching built-in bookcases.  So, journey with me as I give you an insider’s look into how to build custom bookcases.  

First off, let’s take a quick look at the basic structure that will make up the bookcase.  (I won’t be including any dimensions, as you’ll need to work 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 from 1×3.

One of the easiest ways to assemble your bookcase frames is by using pocketholes.

Using a pockethole jig like a Kreg R3 (found HERE & HERE) will make easy work of your assembly.  With all of your lumber cut to length, you’ll need to drill pocketholes 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.

When assembling the frame, I find that using a corner clamp (found HERE) will keep your pieces of wood from shifting.  From this point, simply put together the frame.

Now decide how many adjustable shelves you want above and below the fixed shelf, and utilizing a shelf  jig (found HERE), 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 (found HERE)

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. (using this nail gun found HERE)

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!

Jacque has a knack for filling up these shelves pretty quickly, but I’m okay with it, they tend to look pretty good!

 

To see a tutorial of our murphy bed project head over —> HERE

If our written tutorial on our Custom Bookcases wasn’t quite enough check out our Video tutorial on the Homedotcom YouTube Channel!

Thanks to Lowe’s for their continued support in having us as members of their Lowe’s Creative Ideas bloggers!  For more tips and inspiration for home projects, be sure to check out what the rest of the amazing DIY experts with the Lowe’s Creators & Influencers have come up with!

Disclosure: As a Lowe’s Creative Ideas Handyman, I was provided a gift card to cover the cost of materials for my project, but I was not told what to write.  All the ideas and words found here within are honest and my own!