Plans to Build an Open Shelving Bookcase

An Easy to Build and Stylish Piece

I love this open shelving – the bookcase has so many possibilities! Casters can be added to the base to make it easier to move, and two can be built placing them side by side which would add up to a ton of storage! The plans to build an open shelving bookcase are super-easy and very inexpensive to build!

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

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

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!