DIY In-Wall Bookshelf
- 1). Use a measuring tape to take the length, depth and height measurements of the space you intend to fill with your in-wall bookshelf. In order to make the best use of the space you have, build your bookshelf all the way from floor to ceiling.
- 2). Draw a sketch of your bookshelf to determine the shelf arrangement you prefer. Include the measurements you just took and decide at which height you want to install the shelves.
- 3). Remove any trim or baseboard from the wall along the ceiling or floor in the area where your bookshelf will be installed. To remove trim and baseboard, carefully pry it away from the wall using the curved end of a hammer.
- 4). Cut four sheets of 3/4-inch pine, or another type of hardwood, using a table saw. The first two sheets of pine should be cut using the length and depth measurements of your bookshelf. Cut the second two pieces using the depth measurement and the height, minus 1 1/2 inches. These boards will serve as the top, bottom and side panels for your bookshelf.
- 5). Construct the base for your in-wall bookshelf by cutting four pieces of 2-by-4-inch hardwood using the table saw and arrange them in a rectangle shape. Cut two pieces to the length of the bookshelf and the other two to the depth, minus 4 inches. Drive 3-inch wood screws through the longer pieces into the shorter ones to secure the frame.
- 6). Slide the frame you just constructed up against the wall in the desired position for your bookshelf. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall, then anchor the frame by driving 3-inch wood screws through it into the studs.
- 7). Lay the bottom panel flat on top of the frame you just installed against the wall. Nail down the bottom panel by driving nails from a nail gun through the panel into the frame. Install the top panel flush against the ceiling directly above the bottom panel by driving nails through the panel into the ceiling studs.
- 8). Sandwich the remaining two sheets of 3/4-inch hardwood between the ends of the top and bottom panels. Align the back edges of the side panels with the wall. Secure these panels by driving 1 1/2-inch wood screws through them into the top and bottom panels and by toe-nailing nails through the joints with the wall.
- 9). Cut additional sheets of 3/4-inch hardwood to the length and depth dimensions of your bookshelf. Measure and mark the desired position of your shelves, then slide the sheets of hardwood into place. Attach the shelves by driving 1 1/2-inch wood screws through the side panels into the shelves. For extra support, toe-nail nails through the shelves into the wall studs.
- 10
Fill in all nail and screw holes using wood filler and allow to dry completely before sanding smooth with fine-grain sandpaper. Paint or stain the in-wall bookshelf to match the existing color scheme in the room.