Build a Blair Tall Bookcase

An Easy to Build Knock-Off Plan

Hey there! We’ve got an awesome plan for you to build a super cool bookcase inspired by Pottery Barn Teen. It’s really easy to put together, so no worries there! The best part is that it has a really cool contrasting base and face frame.

To make this bookcase, you’ll need some plywood for the main structure, and for the base and frame, we recommend using solid wood. The front legs of the base frame are attached to the face frame and they’re stacked to be 1-1/2″ wide. As for the back legs, we suggest using 2x2s.

So, get ready to create your very own Blair tall bookcase with this simple and stylish plan!

build blair tall bookcase _ dimensions

This plan is an excellent weekend project, and is suitable for all skill levels!

Materials:

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

Lumber:

  • 3 – 1×2 at 8′
  • Scraps of 2×2 = 10″
  • 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
  • 2 – 4′ x 8′ sheets of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

  • 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 14-1/4″ x 61-1/2″ – Sides
  • 5 – 3/4″ plywood at 14-1/4″ x 25-1/2″ – Top, Bottom and Shelves
  • 2 – 1×2 at 12″ – Base
  • 1 – 1×2 at 24″ – Base
  • 2 – 2×2 at 3″ – Back Legs
  • 2 – 1×2 at 3″ – Front Legs
  • 1 – 1/4″ plywood at 26-1/4″ x 60-3/4″ – Back
  • 2 – 1×2 at 64-1/2″ – Face Frame
  • 2 – 1×2 at 24″ – Face Frame

build blair tall bookcase

Notes About the Project:

  • Sand all pieces before assembling
  • Apply edge banding to the exposed edges of the shelves with an iron

Step One

Cut the pieces for the sides, top, bottom and shelves. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in the shorter ends of each top, bottom and shelf piece. Secure the top and bottom to the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

build blair tall bookcase _ case

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the base. Assemble the base as shown, using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The outside faces will be flush with the outside faces of the legs. Secure the base to the bookcase using glue and 2″ brad nails through the bottom into the frame.

build blair tall bookcase _ base

Step Three

Secure the pieces for the shelves to the sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

build blair tall bookcase _ shelves

Step Four

Cut the piece for the back. Secure the back to the sides, top and bottom using glue and 2″ brad nails.

build blair tall bookcase _ back

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the face frame and drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter pieces. Assemble the frame using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Secure the face frame to the sides, top and bottom using glue and 2″ brad nails.

build blair tall bookcase _ face frame

Finish the bookcase as desired!

Have questions about the plans to build the Blair tall bookcase? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2022-04-19 08:00:20.