DIY Furniture Plans to Build a Zen Bookcase or Media Stand

Get Organized with This Easy to Build Bookcase/Media Stand

Looking for an easy to build piece to help with organization? The DIY furniture plans to build a Zen Bookcase or Media Stand is constructed using off-the-shelf boards. The bookcase (or media stand!) sits on a 1×2 frame to elevate it off the floor a little, and features recessed shelves. This fantastic piece can be completed from start to finish in a weekend!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 1-1/2″ screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Nail-on Teflon furniture feet (felt bottomed feet can also be used)
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 2 – 1×2 at 6′
• 2 – 1×10 at 4′
• 3 – 1×12 at 8′
• 1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 2 – 1×2 at 6-3/4″ – Base
• 2 – 1×2 at 44″ – Base
• 1 – 1×12 at 48″ – Bottom
• 4 – 1×12 at 28-1/2″ – Dividers
• 1 – 1×12 at 48″ – Top
• 4 – 1×10 at 12″ – Outer Shelves
• 2 – 1×10 at 21″ – Center Shelves
• 1 – 1/4″ plywood at 29-1/4″ x 47-1/4″ – Back

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the bottom and the base. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter 1×2 base pieces. Assemble the base using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Secure the base to the bottom piece using glue and 1-1/2″ screws. The pocket holes in the base frame will face the bottom piece.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the dividers and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the dividers to the bottom using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the piece for the top. Secure the top to the top of the dividers using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the outer shelves and drill pocket holes in the side edges. Secure the outer shelves to the dividers using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The back edge of the shelves will be flush with the back edge of the dividers.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the center shelves and drill pocket holes in the side edges. Secure the center shelves to the dividers using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The back edge of the shelves will be flush with the back edge of the dividers.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the back. Center the back piece on the bookcase and secure in place with glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

This piece can also be constructed out of a sheet of 3/4″ plywood with edge banding covering the exposed edges. Have any questions about the DIY furniture plans to build a Zen Bookcase or Media Stand? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2016-01-04 08:00:50.