Cut your bookshelf bottom and shelves.
- Rip a strip of 3/4" plywood 11⅞" wide to make the shelves.
- Rip a second strip 12 1/8" to make the top and bottom shelves.
- Cut the other two strips into 30½-" pieces to make the top, bottom and two shelves.
How wide should a bookshelf be?
How wide can you make a bookshelf? Bookshelf width is typically no more than 12 inches. If the space is limited, the shelf can be reduced to 9 inches. Single bookcase units with two sides, top and bottom should be no wider than 36 inches without a center support. Click to see full answer.
What is the standard height for a bookshelf?
Mar 14, 2006 · 3/4" plywood will do 30" no problem. Once you close in on 36" you'll be pushing it, unless the books are paperbacks. If you kick the solid edging up to 3/4", it will help stiffen the shelves.....especially if you rabbet the back edge when joining.
What is the average space between shelves on a bookshelf?
You can also find classic bookcases in standard sizes of 24 inches wide, 36 inches wide, and 48 inches wide. Standard heights are usually 36 inches, 48 inches, 72 inches, 84 inches, or roughly 90 inches tall. The average depth of a bookshelf is between 11 and 12 inches, though it can be shallower for media storage. Built-In Bookshelves
How deep is the average bookcase?
Feb 12, 2021 · Bookshelf width is typically no more than 12 inches. If the space is limited, the shelf can be reduced to 9 inches. Single bookcase units with two sides, top and bottom should be no wider than 36...
How wide should a bookshelf be?
The standard width is 31 inches. The depth will range from 12 to 13 inches. However, it's not hard to find a two-shelf bookcase as tall as 36 inches. Two-shelf bookcases are the right size for small book collections, or to serve as bookcases dedicated to encyclopedias and large photographic books.
How far can a shelf span without support?
Span Limits The span limit is defined as the maximum distance apart that you can place the shelving supports. Glass, particleboard, solid lumber, plywood, and other common shelving materials can have span limits that can range from 18 inches to almost 5 feet.Apr 16, 2021
Is it cheaper to build or buy a bookshelf?
The DIY cost to build a basic bookcase is $275 compared with $978, the cost of hiring a carpenter. Before you decide to buy a bookcase consider the cost of building it yourself and compare the carpenter cost with doing it yourself.Aug 24, 2021
How deep can bookshelves be?
A freestanding bookcase should be at least 10 - 12 inches deep. Each shelf should allow 8 - 12 inches of height for optimum storage. When choosing or building your bookcase, consider how many and what size of books you're looking to store.Jan 13, 2021
How wide can a bookshelf be without sagging?
Bookshelf width is typically no more than 12 inches. If the space is limited, the shelf can be reduced to 9 inches. Single bookcase units with two sides, top and bottom should be no wider than 36 inches without a center support.
How far apart should shelves be in a bookcase?
For bookcases, shelves are usually 8 to 12 inches from one another. Overall, maintaining a space of 12 inches between shelves is the sweet spot.Sep 15, 2021
How much should a built in bookcase cost?
Pre-made bookshelves units typically start at $150 per linear foot, while custom built bookshelves can range in price from $150 to $1,200 per linear foot or more, depending on the design and materials.Mar 3, 2022
How much does a DIY Bookshelf cost?
The cost of built-in bookshelves ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, with the average homeowner paying around $3,500 to install 5 linear feet of built-in bookshelves made from solid wood....Custom Wood Bookshelves Price.Wood TypePrice per Linear Foot (Installed)Birch$600 - $900Maple$700 - $1,0002 more rows•Mar 30, 2022
What is the cost for built in bookcase?
The cost to have built-in bookshelves installed averages $2,779 or between $1,298 and $4,279 for a carpenter to do the job. If you buy the materials yourself, you can usually get a handyman to install them for $30 to $130 per hour. For high end custom work, expect to spend $150 to $1,200 per linear foot.
How shallow can a bookcase be?
Remember, you want to have a little bit of extra space on the shelf so that the book can sit comfortably on the shelf. Likewise, if you own a lot of mass paperback books that do not measure about four inches, you could get your bookcase down to about six inches.
How tall should Built in bookshelves be?
72 to 80 inches tallHowever, if you're going to fill the shelves with books, movies, and board games in a basement playroom, you'll want shelves that are easily accessible. In that case, bookshelves that are 72 to 80 inches tall will make them most functional.Feb 13, 2020
What is standard shelf depth?
16 to 20 inches deepThe standard depth of most shelves is 16 to 20 inches deep. The highest shelf should be shallower, like 12 inches deep, to make those items easier to access. If you find that stuff seems to get pushed to the back and forgotten about, you should consider even shallower shelves.Oct 16, 2017
How wide is a bookcase?
You can also find classic bookcases in standard sizes of 24 inches wide, 36 inches wide, and 48 inches wide . Standard heights are usually 36 inches, 48 inches, 72 inches, 84 inches, or roughly 90 inches tall. The average depth of a bookshelf is between 11 and 12 inches, though it can be shallower for media storage.
How many shelves does a bookcase have?
It’s worth noting that bookcases with adjustable shelves will usually have one or two stationary shelves. A shorter bookcase will likely have one fixed shelf, and taller shelving will have two or three . You can also find classic bookcases in standard sizes of 24 inches wide, 36 inches wide, and 48 inches wide.
How wide is the IKEA shelf?
If you plan to store books or display home decor and other accessories, then a wider shelf is best. The IKEA shelf above is 31 ½” wide and comes in the same height options as the slim shelves.
What is a leaning shelf?
Leaning shelves provide ample storage while taking up less visual space in the room. The design helps your space feel uncluttered. You can store more oversized items toward the bottom and things like books and picture frames toward the middle. Then, the top shelf is perfect for media storage.
Choose the Wood Type
One of the first steps in how to build a bookshelf is choosing the wood. The type of plywood you pick affects the price, weight and durability of your finished product. Pine, birch and oak are three common woods used for building homemade bookshelves.
Gather Supplies
When you’ve chosen the wood you’d like to use for building bookshelves, it’s time to gather your materials.
Prepare and Cut Lumber
After gathering your materials for how to build a bookshelf, prepare the lumber. Use a tape measure and pencil to mark the lumber according to the following cut lists. Then cut the lumber with a table saw or circular saw. After you cut each board, label its purpose with your pencil.
Measure and Mark the Side Panels
Lay the two side panels side-by-side, flush against one another. Check that they’re even on the top and the bottom. Then, mark both sides from the bottom to the top. These marks show where you’ll install the shelves. Set aside the side panels once you’ve marked them.
Pre-Drill Holes in Shelves
Using the outer edge of the jig as a space, drill using the innermost hole of the jig.
Assemble the Bookshelf
Attach the shelves with wood glue and screws, starting with the top and bottom shelves first. The top shelf lays on top of the bookshelf frame and should be nailed into the side supports from above. The rest of the shelves are screwed in at the pocket holes.
Add the Face Frame
Use clamps to hold the frame in place while driving in the nails. The longer sides of the face frame are sandwiched between the top and bottom frame pieces. The outer edges of the frame should be flush with the top and sides of the bookshelf.
How to add strength to a bookcase?
Another way to add strength to bookcases is by adding a back. For economy and efficiency, use either 1/4-inch hardboard or 1/4-inch hardwood plywood for the back. Apply glue around the perimeter of the bookcase unit and the back of the shelves.
What is the strongest bookcase?
Bookcase shelves that include face frames are the strongest. Build any bookcase using 3/4-inch plywood or hardwood solids. Stay with the correct spacing, and the bookcase shelves will not sag, but if you attempt to slide or move the bookcase, it can weaken joints on the frame.
Why do bookshelves sag?
Bookshelves sag because they were incorrectly designed, poorly built, improperly installed, or the wrong material was used. Building sturdy bookshelves isn't rocket science; almost anyone can do it. Follow a few recommendations to build bookshelves that will not sag no matter how heavy the reading material.
What type of laminate is used for bookcases?
There is one exception to this rule, however; medium-density-laminate – which has a particleboard core – can be used effectively. This type of composite material has a slick, plastic laminate on both sides that gives it sufficient strength. It's affordable and is used for utility-style bookcases and shelves.
Can you cut a book shelf with a table saw?
It can be cut with any table saw and is available in almost any species of hardwood. Other options include hardwood solids. Single pieces of hardwoods that are wide enough for a bookshelf are sometimes available , but this application is not recommended due to the propensity of single pieces to split or crack.
What is a rope shelf?
Suspended Rope Shelf. Rope is an excellent all-purpose craft material —it can be used in making stair railings, lampshades, and even privacy screens. A sturdy length of knotted rope is also great for suspending a shelf that lends a nautical charm to any room.
Can you paint a worn bookcase?
Whether it needs stripping and sanding, a layer of lacquer, or a fresh coat of paint, a worn bookcase can be made as good as new with a little effort.
Why is a shelf considered unsatisfactory?
That is, a shelf will be deemed “unsatisfactory” because it bends too much (often 1/4" deflection is considered too much) long before it will break from too heavy a load.
How to reduce deflection on a cabinet?
Depending on shelf and cabinet design, deflection can be greatly reduced by screwing the back of the shelf to the rear of the cabinet. As noted above, a solid wood nosing on a composite shelf will also stiffen. Wood composite material typically has lower E-values than solid wood.
How to build a shelf with wood?
Cut wood for your interior frame. Cut three 4-inch pieces of wood from one of the 2"x 3" wood planks. When you begin building your shelves, you will attach these 4-inch pieces to your remaining 2" x 3" wood plank. These pieces will serve as the internal support frame and should end at your shelf’s front edge.
How to measure wood for floating shelf?
How to Measure and Cut the Wood for Your Floating Shelf. Before you can assemble your floating shelf, you need to measure and cut your wood. You can cut your wood to whatever size you desire, but the example below is for a 2” x 3” floating shelf. Decide the length of your shelf.
How to build a floating shelf?
To build a floating shelf, you’ll need these materials: Two 2" x 3" wood planks. You’ll need to cut one of these planks into four different pieces for the interior frame and front. The remaining plank will serve as your shelf. 1" x 6" wood plank.
What is floating shelf?
What Are Floating Shelves? Floating shelves (also known as wall shelves) are pieces of wood attached directly to your wall, so that no hardware is visible holding them up, making them appear like they are “floating” against your wall.
What is a level for shelves?
A level is a tool that helps ensure your shelves are horizontal to the ground so that objects won’t slide off. A stud finder. To ensure that you anchor your shelves securely, you need to drill them into your wall studs—thick boards that make up the “skeleton” of your wall and give it structural support.
What do I need to cut wood?
A circular saw. You’ll need a saw to cut your wood to size; while a circular saw is the cheapest and most straightforward, a miter saw, or table saw also work. If you don’t have a saw, you can take your wood to a home improvement store and have it cut to size. A drill.
