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Classic Bookcase

You can complete this project in a day, give it a fun paint treatment and then use it to store books, toys or your favorite keepsakes.

Project Tools

Pocket Hole Joinery

The Kreg Jig R3 pocket hole system is a great tool for beginner woodworkers and many types of projects.


Corner clamps

Corner clamps can act as a third hand during project assembly.


Instructions

General

Cut and label the parts as needed, using the Cut List and Cutting Diagram as guides and adjusting for fit.

 

1. Build the face frame.

a. Drill two pocket holes in each end of the (01) stiles as shown in Figure 1.

 

b. Attach the (01) stiles to the (02) top rail and to the (03) bottom rail using glue and pocket hole screws (see Figure 1).

 

2. Build the case assembly.

Note: For helpful tips on assembling the case, go to LowesCreativeIdeas.com/SkillSet to watch a step-by-step video on building a box.

 

a. Apply glue to the ends of the top (04) shelf, and position it between the (05) sides. It should be flush with the top of the (05) sides as shown in Figure 2. Clamp in place with corner clamps, and attach with nails.

 

b. Position the bottom (04) shelf between the (05) sides. The top edge of the bottom (04) shelf should be 2 1/2 inches from the lower edges of the (05) sides. Clamp in place.

 

c. Temporarily place the face frame on the case assembly to check that the top edge of the bottom (04) shelf is flush with the top edge of the (03) bottom rail. Make a mark on the (05) sides for the placement of the bottom (04) shelf.

 

d. Attach the bottom (04) shelf to the (05) sides with glue and nails.

 

e. Position the center (04) shelf centered between the top and bottom (04) shelves, and attach it to the (05) sides with glue and nails.

3. Attach the face frame and back.

a. Lay the case assembly on its back, and attach the face frame to the case assembly front with glue and nails.

 

b. Flip the case over, and attach the (06) back with glue and wire brads.

 

Note: If you use a different paint color for the (06) back, it’s best to sand, prime and paint it before attaching.

 

4. Add finishing touches.

a. Fill all nail holes, sand, prime and paint the assembly.

Classic Bookcase Illustration

Classic Bookcase cutting diagram

Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.

Project Resources

Project Details

  • Lumber (Availability varies by market)
    • 3 boards, 1 x 2 x 2
    • 1 board, 1 x 3 x 2
    • 2 boards, 1 x 12 x 6
    • 1 sheet of plywood, 1/4-inch x 2- x 4-foot
  • Hardware & Supplies
    • 1 box of 6d finishing nails
    • 1 box 1-1/4-inch Kreg pocket-hole screws, fine thread
    • 1 box (#18 x 3/4-inch) wire brads
    • Wood glue (Titebond II)
    • Paintable wood filler (PL)
    • 1 quart of primer (Valspar Interior Latex High-Hiding Primer)
    • 1 quart of paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Organic Garden 6005-6B, semi-gloss)
    • 1 quart of paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Paramount White 7006-22, semi-gloss)
  • Tools
    • Circular saw with a straightedge guide
    • Handsaw with miter box (or miter saw)
    • Drill/driver
    • Sanding block (or power sander) and various grits of sandpaper
    • Kreg Jig R3
    • Hammer with nail set (or pneumatic nailer)
    • Corner clamps
    • Tape measure
    • Paintbrush or roller
    • Pencil

About This Article

  • Publish Date: 01/01/2009
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