Osborne Builder's Studio: Traditional-Style Bookcase

For this build, the main structure of the bookcase will be made with ½” sanded plywood. Rip the plywood to its final width of 14” for the sides, top, and bottom. This width can be adjusted to 10-12”, depending on how deep you want the bookcase to be.

Using a miter saw or a circular saw, cut the panels to their final length of 70” for the sides and 40” for the top and bottom.

Once all four pieces are cut to size, assemble the box using wood glue. When assembling the box, it is important to ensure that all four pieces are flush. To add some extra strength to the structure of the bookcase, pre-drill holes and install wood screws into each panel.

Measure each corner to ensure the box is square, then take measurements for the face frame stiles and rails.

Cut four pieces of 1x2” lumber to size for the rails and stiles of the face frame, then add pocket holes on the top and bottom of each rail to make things easier during assembly. Then screw all of the face frame pieces together, to allow for one solid assembly to attach to the box.

Once the face frame has been assembled, add some wood glue to the front of the box and attach the frame. Use finish nails to attach the frame as well.

Cut a 3 ½” rail to size to add to the top of the bookcase for some more detail. Add pocket holes in the railing for attachment. If desired, add a curved detail to the railing.

Cut beadboard backing for the back of the bookcase. This beadboard backing can often be cut using a sharp razor blade instead of a power saw. The cut line can be scored over a few times using the razor and then break the beadboard over a sharp edge to remove the excess material. Repeat this process for the lengths of the backboard, in order to ensure it is the same length as the bookcase.

To install the backboard, center it on the back of the case and tack it in using some finish nails. In order to fully secure the backboard, pre-drill several pilot holes around the back of the case and install some small wood screws. When using this method, it is important to ensure the pilot holes and the screws line up in the center of the bookcase, for a proper fit.

Make marks at 14 ½” throughout the inside of the bookcase, to place shelf supports. Markings can be adjusted depending on the size of the project and how many shelves are desired.

Cut the 1x2” material to length, at 39” for the back supports and 14 ¼” for the side supports. Before installing these supports, rip them in half on the table saw, in order to help hide them a bit better behind the shelves.

Cut the four shelves to size using the leftover ½” plywood from the case. Cut the shelves to 39x14 ¼”, but the size can be adjusted depending on the dimensions of the case.

To install the shelf supports, add some wood glue to the back of them, then line them up along the pre-made marks. Tack them in place using a finish nail, making sure to adjust the length of the nail, depending on the material.

If desired, to add some more strength to the shelf supports, pre-drill and add a wood screw to the supports on the outside of the case. These holes can be filled in using some wood putty before finishing.

Once the supports have been installed, add the shelves into place, making sure they fit snugly into each spot. To attach the shelves, nail them into the support strips using a proper length brad nail.

Using more of the 1x2” lumber, cut four rails using a miter saw, to finish the front edges of the shelves and to give the shelves a thicker appearance. Secure the rails into place by adding some wood glue to the front edge of the shelves and then attach using a brad nail.

Begin cutting the trim for the bottom (Part #893166). Use a miter saw to cut these pieces to the same length as the front and sides of the case. Attach them to the case using wood glue and a finish nail. The moulding is available from Osborne in Beech wood.

Begin cutting crown moulding for the top of the bookcase (Part #74632). Install the crown moulding using some wood glue and a finish nail, repeating a similar process as to the bottom.

Pre-drill holes in the top side of the bottom panel in order to attach the furniture feet. Attach the feet (Part #4106) using a wood screw. Other methods are also offered to attach furniture feet.

To finish the bookcase, sand all the puttied areas and apply a few coats of paint and primer to the bookcase. Once the paint has dried, take a closer look and apply any extra paint to spots that may need more.