Make your own built-in bookcase unit.
Built-in bookcases add a seamless feel to a room's decor and look more sophisticated than standalone bookshelves. Building built-in bookcases is very similar to building other bookcases and is the kind of project that most do-it-yourself enthusiasts will find enjoyable. Basic woodworking knowledge is necessary to construct a built-in bookcase, but you don't have to be a master carpenter to pull off a professional-looking unit.
Instructions
1. Measure the area where you want to install the bookcase. You need the height of the bookcase and the width. The width shouldn't be more than 40 inches so that the shelves will hold up without sagging under the weight of the books or other objects you'll place on them. Decide on the distance between the shelves; it typically measures between 7 and 14 inches.
2. Take 6 inches off the height of the shelves and divide it by the distance you decided on between shelves to get the number of shelves. For example, if your bookcase is 76 inches high, and you want 7 inches between shelves, divide 70 by 7 to get 10 as the number of shelves you'll need.
3. Cut two lengths of the 1-inch by 12-inch lumber to the height for the sides of the bookcase. Take an inch off the width measurement. Cut two pieces to this length for the bottom and top of the bookcase, and as many pieces as needed for the shelves as well.
4. Measure the exact thickness of the lumber, as the actual thickness is often slightly less than the stated thickness. Set the router to cuts 1/2-inch deep and a fraction wider than the real thickness of the lumber. Place the two side planks flat on a work surface, side by side.
5. Measure in 3 inches from either end of the side planks, and then use the router to make a cut across both planks at this point. Make subsequent cuts across the planks at the desired distance between every shelf. These cuts will hold the shelves and top and bottom of the bookcase.
6. Sand all the components of the bookshelves at this point. Paint or varnish them as well, and leave them to dry before assembly.
7. Position the two side pieces on their sides, with the cuts facing each other. Apply a line of glue to each cut on the sides, and then slot the top, bottom and shelves into the cuts on the sides. Check that the shelves are perpendicular to the sides with the square, then clamp the unit together and leave it to dry for an hour.
8. Secure the shelves and top/bottom in place with the 2-inch nails through the side panels into the abutting ends of the shelves. Stand the bookcase upright in position. Toe-screw --- angle the screw --- the bookcase to the wall, floor and ceiling through the corners and sides of the bookcase.
9. Cut the molding to two pieces that are the height of the bookcase and two that measure the width. Use the miter box and saw to cut the ends to 45-degree angles. Position the molding around the bookcase like a frame, with the mitered ends forming corners. The molding on the top and bottom will cover up the 3-inch gap between the ends of the sides and the top and bottom panels.
10. Secure the molding in place with finishing nails around the perimeter. Apply wood putty to the nail holes in the molding, and then retouch with paint/varnish as necessary to finish the built-in bookcase.
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