Traditional Bookshelf with Modern Legs

By Charleston Crafted
img_5354
screenshot-2024-07-28-at-2-00-25-pm
img_5360
screenshot-2024-07-28-at-2-01-31-pm
Kreg Academy Kreg Academy

Looking to build a simple DIY bookshelf but want to give it a modern twist?! This bookshelf is a standard body construction but the legs give it that special element. Give this project a go next time you need storage for books or decor!

Difficulty easy

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Cordless Drill
    Cordless Drill
  • Sander
    Sander
  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw

Materials

Wood Products

  • 1 3/4" plywood , 4'x8'
  • 1 1/4" plywood , 4'x4'
  • 1 3/4" board , 3/4"x3 1/2" x 8'

Hardware & Supplies

  • 32 1 1/4" Kreg Screws
  • 1 1" brad nails
  • 1 Wood glue
  • 1 Paint or stain
See All Tools & Materials

Cut List & Parts

  • 1 Top , 37 1/2" x 12" x 3/4“
  • 1 Base , 36" x 11 3/4" x 3/4“
  • 2 Shelves , 36" x 11 3/4" x 3/4“
  • 2 Sides , 36" x 12" x 3/4"
  • 4 Legs , 3" x 2" x 3/4"
  • 2 Leg Spans , 10 1/2" x 2" x 3/4"
  • 1 Leg Middle , 32" x 2" x 3/4"
  • 1 Back , 36 3/8" x 36" x 1/4"
  • 2 Top/Bottom Face , 37 1/2" x 1" x 3/4"
  • 2 Side Face , 34 3/4" x 1" x 3/4"
screenshot-2024-07-27-at-12-15-42-pm
See Full Cut List & Parts

Directions

  • Build Frame

    - Drill three pocket holes on one end of each Side.
    - Drill three pocket holes on both ends of the Base.
    - Using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the two Sides into the bottom of the Top on the ends.
    - Using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the Base between the two sides so that it is 1/4" up from the bottom.

    Step 1

  • Drill Shelf Pin Holes

    Using a shelf pin jig, drill shelf pin holes up and down the front and back of both of the Sides.

  • Attach Back

    - If you want the Back to be inset and not visible from the sides and top, use a router to carve out a 1/4" deep groove around the inner back side of the frame.
    - If you don’t have a router or don’t care if the Back is visible, you can skip this.
    - Using wood glue and 1" nails, attach the Back into the frame.

    Step 3

  • Attach Legs

    - Drill two pocket holes in one end of each Leg.
    - Using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the Legs into each corner of the Base, making sure the pocket holes face the back.

    Step 4

  • Add Leg Supports

    - Drill two pocket holes in each end of the Leg Spans and the Leg Middle.
    - Using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the Leg Spans between the front and back Legs on each side, flush against the bottom of the Legs.
    - Using wood glue and pocket hole screws, attach the Leg Middle centered between the two Leg Spans.

    Step 5

  • Attach Face Frame

    - Using wood glue and nails, attach the Top Face flush along the front edge of the Top and Sides.
    - Using wood glue and nails, attach the Side Faces flush along the outside edge of the Sides. There will be a little overhang into the bookshelf.
    - Using wood glue and nails, attach the Bottom Face flush along the front edge of the Bottom and Sides.

    Step 6

  • Stain or Paint

    - Add whatever stain or paint you want for your aesthetic. Apply to the body and the shelves that haven’t been installed.
    - Add a coat of polyurethane to help protect the shelves from wear and tear.

  • Install Shelves

    - Select your desired height for your shelves and insert four shelf pins at level height in each corner.
    - Inserting at a slight angle, slide each Shelf into place on top of the shelf pins.

    Step 8

  • Enjoy!

    Enjoy your handiwork and tag @CharlestonCrafted on Instagram with a picture!

    Step 9