How to Assemble a Bookcase

A bookshelf is not only a great place to store your books, but it is the perfect storage for other items as well. In addition, a bookshelf is easy to assemble as long as you have the right parts and materials.

What You Will Need

• Framing square


• Drill


• 1/16-inch drill bit


• 4 penny finish nails


• Wood glue


• 3 penny finish nails


• 2 penny box nails


• Damp cloth


• Parts for bookshelf

1. Place the sides for the bookshelf on a flat work surface.


2. Mark the places where the shelves will be located on the two sides.


3. Place your framing square on the shelving marks and draw a line across the sides for each shelf.


4. Drill two pilot holes on each drawn line with a 1/16-inch drill bit. If the shelf will be more than 12 inches deep, drill three pilot holes.


5. Draw a mark 3/8 inches from the pilot hole at both above and below the pilot hole.


6. Place your framing square on the marks and draw a line across the width of the side.


7. Add glue to the each end of a shelf and place the shelf between the lines previously drawn.


8. Secure the shelf with 4-penny finish nails through the pilot holes.


9. Clean up any excess glue with a damp cloth.


10. Repeat steps 4 through 9 for each shelf.


11. Place the shelf support rails between the back of the shelves and the sides of the bookcase.


12. Secure the shelf support rails with 3-penny finish nails.


13. Glue the supplied backing material to the exposed edges of the bookshelf.


14. Secure the back of the bookshelf with 2-penny box nails.


15. Wipe away excess glue with a damp cloth.