Crate and Barrel Inspired Brey Bookcase

DIY Plans for the Third Piece in the Collection

The Crate and Barrel inspired Brey Bookcase is a very easy build with minimal materials and it will be completed in no time! The bookcase features a wood frame and Plexiglas panels for the shelves, and coordinates nicely with the other pieces. We’ve covered the Desk, as well as the File Cabinet and now we’re on to the bookcase!

Materials:

• 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Five pieces of 3/8″ Plexiglas or acrylic measuring 14-1/2″ x 28″
• Finishing supplies

Lumber:

• 4 – 1×2 at 8′
• 4 – 2×2 at 8′
• One sheet of 1/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 4 – 1×2 at 76-1/4″ – Legs
• 10 – 2×2 at 14-1/2″ – Side Stretchers
• 10 – 2×2 at 27″ – Front & Back Stretchers
• 1 – 1/4″ plywood at 27-3/4″ x 74″ – Back

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs and the stretchers. Drill pocket holes in each end of each piece. Using a router with a 1/2″ rabbeting bit, cut a rabbet (3/8″ deep) in the top edge of each stretcher piece. The rabbets will hold the plexiglas shelves in place. Position the stretchers as shown, then attach in place using glue and 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the piece for the back. Attach to the back of the bookshelf using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Three

Finish the wood frame as desired before adding the shelves. The frame can be stained or painted – your choice! Cut the pieces of Plexiglas to fit in the shelf frames. As a side note, 1/4″ plywood can also be used as the shelf material in place of the Plexiglas.

Make sure the bookcase is secured to the wall to avoid a tipping hazard. An anti-tip kit (<– affiliate link!) is a great way to make sure the bookcase stays upright!

If you’ve built anything using my plans, please share photos! I would love to feature your hard work on DbSC! Send me an email at designsbystudioc [at] gmail [dot] com!

Originally posted 2012-11-30 08:00:51.