Build a Pacific Two-Shelf Bookcase

DIY Furniture Plans: Inspired by Pottery Barn

Hey there! Have you been looking for a simple and affordable bookcase to add to your home? Look no further than the Pacific two-shelf bookcase! This beauty has open sides and spacious shelves, making it the perfect addition to any room. Plus, it’s a breeze to build using 2x2s (or 2x4s ripped in half) and plywood. You can easily tackle this project over a weekend without breaking the bank. Happy building!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
• 2-1/2″ screws
• 1-1/2″ brad nails
• Edge banding (<– affiliate link!)
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies

Lumber:

• 2 – 1×3 @ 6′
• 4 – 2×2 @ 8′
• 1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
• 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood
• 1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 4 – 2x2s at 26″ – Legs
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 20″ x 34″ – Base
• 2 – 1x3s at 17″ – Bottom Frame
• 2 – 1x3s at 34″ – Bottom Frame
• 4 – 2x2s at 17″ – Framing
• 4 – 2x2s at 31″ – Framing
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 17″ x 31″ – Shelf
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 20″ x 34″ – Top
• 1 – 1/4″ plywood at 27-1/2″ x 32-1/2″ – Back

Notes About the Project:

• Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood prior to assembly
• Sand all pieces before assembly

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs and the base. Secure the legs to each corner of the base, with the edges flush, using glue and countersunk 2-1/2″ screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the bottom frame. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter frame pieces. Also drill pocket holes along one long edge of each frame piece. Assemble the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Position the frame on the underside of the base with the back edges flush (the front will over hang by 1-1/2″) using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the framing. Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of each piece. Secure the framing to the legs as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the piece for the shelf. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material, and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Secure the shelf to the center framing, with the top face flush with the top edge of the framing, using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the top. Secure in place using glue and 1-1/2″ brad nails.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the back. Position over the back of the bookcase and secure using glue and 1-1/2″ brad nails.

Fill the holes and finish as desired.

Here are a couple of other plans to build bookshelves:

• Squared Bookcase
• Corner Bookcase using an Old Door

Have questions about the Pacific two-shelf bookcase? Leave a comment below!