How To Make A Bookshelf

You can learn how to make a simple rustic bookshelf that is strong, functional and inexpensive if you need a wooden bookcase and are not concerned with lots of details or expensive woods. This is a good woodworking project for a beginner, as there is not much to the structure, and the tools needed are minimal.

What You Need
Lumber (two 2- x 10-inch pieces cut as high as you need for the sides; four 2- x 10-inch pieces cut as long as you need-top, bottom and two shelves)
4 "I" brackets
4 "L" brackets
Thin hardboard (cut to the total height and length of the bookshelf)
Screws
Screwdriver
Hammer
Brads
Sandpaper
Paint or stain

Directions
Sand the edges. To make the bookshelf smooth and fitted, sand all the cut edges of the boards. Wipe away any sawdust with a damp rag, and let the pieces dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Paint or stain. Before building the bookshelf, apply a paint or stain of your choice. It's much easier to get the wood the color you want before it's assembled. Give the pieces two coats of paint, letting them dry thoroughly in between. The stain can be light with one coat or darker after two coats are applied.

Attach two "I" brackets. The brackets should go along the bookcase sides for the upper shelf using the screwdriver and screws. Then, attach the shelf to the sides. Repeat this step with the lower shelf. At this point, you'll have a structure that resembles a capital letter "H."

Fasten the bookcase to the base with L brackets. You'll want to put a bracket toward the front on each side, and then secure a bracket on each side toward the back.

Attach the top board using "L" brackets secured underneath and on the inside.

Nail the hardboard to the back of the bookcase with the hammer and brads.

Use paint or stain for any touch-up and to cover up brackets and nails.

Finer Details
To add more refinement to the basic bookshelf, consider adding crown molding, hinged doors and even moveable shelves to make the piece of furniture more versatile. There are also more advanced bookcase woodworking projects available online for free.