Simple Bookshelves with Front and Back Face Frames
These simple easy to build bookshelves are inexpensive and can work in any room of your home. Fully framed with 1x2s on the front and back, we love them as accent tables, side tables, nightstands and more. It's easy to customize the size, from wide to tall, to make this bookshelf a piece you can use throughout your home. with diagrams, shopping and cut lists from
Specifications
| Project type | Nightstands |
|---|---|
| Room | Storage Solutions |
| Style | Farmhouse Furniture |
| Difficulty | Beginner Projects |
| Estimated cost | $20 - $50 |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
- 1 – 12′ 1×12 Board
- 3 – 1×2 Boards
- 1/4 - Sheet of 1/4″ Plywood (at least 24″ x 30″)
- 2″ Screws (Drywall screws for MDF or Wood Screws for Wood)
- 1 1/4″ Nails
- 2″ Nails
- Glue
- Wood Filler
- Finishing Supplies
Cut List
2 – 1×12 @ 28 1/4″ (Sides)
2 – 1×12 @ 20 1/2″ (Shelves)
2 – 1×2 @ 11 1/2″ (Bottom Shelf Supports)
4 – 1×2 @ 30 1/4″ (Legs)
4 – 1×2 @ 19″ (Shelf Trim)
1 – 1×12 @ 24″ (Top, Back)
1 – 1×2 @ 24″ (Top, Front)
1 – 1/4″ Plywood or MDF (Some retailer actually use cardboard) @ 22″ x 29″ (Back)
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- hearing protection
- drill
- circular saw
- nailer
- sander
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
Build the Box. First mark on both the insides and the outsides of the sides the joints, as shown above. Remember that your boards are 3/4″ thick. Then fasten the shelves to the sides, as shown above. You can place the middle shelf at any height. Use glue and 2″ screws.
Step 2
Supports. As shown above, fasten the supports to both the sides and the bottoms of the bottom shelf.
Step 3
Legs. Using 2″ nails and glue, fasten the legs to the sides and shelves as shown above. The legs will sit flush with both the top edge of the sides, and the outside edge of the sides.
Step 4
Shelf Trim. As shown above, fasten the shelf trim with 1 1/4″ nails and glue to the faces of the shelf edges. Then use 2″ nails and glue to fasten through the sides of the legs into the ends of the shelf trim. Keep top edges flush.
Step 5
Step 6
Top, Front Piece. Attach the front top piece as shown above. Minimize the gap between the front and back pieces.
Step 7
Back. As shown above, glue and nail the back on.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/simple-bookshelves-front-and-back-face-frames