Plans to Build an Open Shelving Bookcase

An Easy to Build and Stylish Piece

I absolutely adore this open shelving! The bookcase is incredibly versatile and offers endless possibilities. You can even add casters to the base, making it a breeze to move around. Plus, imagine having two of these bookcases placed side by side – that would give you an incredible amount of storage space! And the best part is, the plans to build this open shelving bookcase are super-easy and won’t break the bank!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 7 – 1×2 at 8′
• 2 – 1×3 at 6′
• 1 sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 2 – 1×3 at 12-1/2″ – Base Frame
• 2 – 1×3 at 47″ – Base Frame
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 12-1/2″ x 45-1/2″ – Base Panel
• 2 – 1×2 at 71″ – Legs
• 2 – 1×2 at 14″ – Upper Stretchers
• 2 – 1×2 at 20″ – Upper Stretchers
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 14″ x 21-1/2″ – Top
• 8 – 1×2 at 12-1/2″ – Shelf Assembly Frame
• 8 – 1×2 at 33-1/2″ – Shelf Assembly Frame
• 4 – 3/4″ plywood at 12-1/2″ x 33-1/2″ – Shelf Assembly Panel

Step One

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

Cut the piece for the panel. Insert into the frame and secure using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the legs. Position on the base as shown, then secure in place using glue and countersunk 1-1/2″ screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the upper stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the legs as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Cut the piece for the top. Insert into the upper frame and secure using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the shelf frames and drill pocket holes in each end of the shorter frames. Assemble the frames using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Cut the piece for the panels. Insert into the frames and secure using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Attach the shelf assemblies to the legs using glue and countersunk 1-1/2″ screws – two in each leg for each shelf.

Finish as desired!

This bookcase would be awesome in a kiddo’s room to hold books and toys, and would also be a great addition to a bathroom to hold clean towels and other toiletries! Have any questions about the plans to build an open shelving bookcase? Let me know at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!