How to Build a Simple Bookcase Without Power Tools
Bookcases are an ideal addition to just about any space.
If you are interested in adding a bookcase to your room, you have two options. Option one is to purchase a ready-built bookcase, and option two is to build a bookcase via a DIY project.
This post is for those who choose to make a bookcase from scratch. Why? Well, it details how to build a simple bookcase without power tools.
How To Build A Simple Bookcase Without Power Tools
When building a bookcase through a DIY project, it is essential that you start the right way. That said, beginning the right way involves having the right tools or materials at hand.
Some of the tools and materials you'll need when building a simple bookcase without power tools include:
- Hack Saw
- Sandpaper
- 1 Piece of Birch Plywood (Preferably 3" x 4")
- 5 Pieces of Pine Shelving (Preferably 1" x 12")
- 1 Piece of Board (Preferably 1" x 4")
With all these items in place, we can now shift our attention to details on building a simple bookcase without power tools.
Step 1: Secure The Shelves
The first thing you ought to do when building any bookcase is to secure the shelves. Securing the shelves of a bookcase involves working on the two upright boards you have.
These two upright boards are basically the pillars of your bookcase.
Working on these two upright boards involves cutting dado slots. You'll need to do this on both boards to create room for both shelves. Furthermore, it helps create the perfect balance.
Measurement is very important here, considering that the dado slots you create are where the shelves widths will be. That said, your dado slots should measure ¾ inch wide and ¼ inch deep.
If you are going for a slightly bigger bookcase, remember to adjust the measurement as per the boards you are working with.
The measurements shared above are perfect for the pine shelving and birch plywood shared above.
Step 2: Put The Shelves In
The second step is arguably one of the easiest steps when it comes to how to build a simple bookcase without power tools.
So what does it involve? Well, putting shelves in place. While there are several ways you can go about this, using glue is highly recommended.
Simply apply wood glue on the dado slots you created and put the shelves in place.
In order to apply the wood glue the right way, you'll need to use a brush. With a brush, you will cover a wider area and cover just about every corner of the dado slots.
Equally important to note, when putting or sliding the bookcase shelves in place, you might be required to force them in.
You can choose to force them in using a hammer or your hands. If you are unable to force it in using your hands, a hammer will be required.
Worth noting, if you decide on hammering, it is important that you are careful. To avoid damaging the shelves, place a scrap piece of wood where you'll be hammering.
You should also monitor the strength you use when hammering the shelves in.
Step 3: Clamp The Shelves
Once you've hammered them on the shelves, it is time to clamp them together. Clamping blocks are ideal when clamping your shelves together.
They allow you to do two things at once, press both the centers and the ends of the shelves at once.
Once you are confident that the shelves are clamped together, let it dry. Ideally, you should let it dry overnight and start working on your bookcase DIY project the following day.
Step 4: Drill Holes
The first thing you ought to do when you wake up is drill holes on the sides of your bookcase. An ideal drill for this project is one with a countersink.
Why do you ask? Well, it allows you to drill holes that can be plugged on later easily. When drilling the holes, make sure that you get the right length.
If you get the length and width wrong, you might end up with a loose screw. Even worse, you might end up with exposed screw ends.
Step 5: Screw The Sides
Once you are done drilling holes, it is time to screw the sides. It should be an easy-to-do step with the right tool. Again, make sure that you use the right screw size.
It will help firmly screw in the shelves in place.
Step 6: Glue In Place The Bottom & The Top
With the shelves in place, it is time to glue the bottom and top of the shelves in place. Ideally, you should give more attention to the top part.
The bottom part is, for lack of a better word, for aesthetic purposes. It really doesn't do much but give your bookcase a more appealing finished look.
Step 7: Plug-In Holes On The Sides
The next step is plugging in holes on the sides. However, to plug in the holes, you'll need to cut out the plugs that cover the screw ends first.
While a dowel can do the job when cutting out the plugs, you should use a dedicated plug cutter. Why? Well, not only is it convenient, but it is also beneficial in the long run.
Furthermore, it will not leave any ingrain when you are cutting the plugs.
If you do this step correctly, you should have perfect plugs. If there are some plugs that are sticking out, you can deal with them, sawing them off. A flush-cutting saw should do the trick with this step.
Step 8: Nail The Back In Place
Nailing the back of your bookcase in place is a straightforward process yet very important. With the back in place, you'll give your bookcase the proper stability.
In other words, it helps prevent your bookcase from rocking side to side. It is why plywood is preferred as the material to use on the back of your bookcase. In addition to nailing the back in place, you should sand the structure of your bookcase.
Step 9: Finish Off Your Bookcase
Probably the easiest step, finishing off your bookcase is and should be fun. It is where you'll be adding your special touches.
Maybe you want a specific paint, look, design, or finish; this is the step where you get to show your artistic side. When settling on a color, make sure it matches the wood you used to create your bookcase.
How To Build A Simple Bookcase Without Power Tools? – Conclusion
As mentioned already, the process of building a bookcase is simple. Better yet, there is no need for expensive or power tools.
You can build a bookcase with simple tools in a short time. If you have trouble building your bookcase, it is okay to seek service or opinion from a professional.
You also let a professional do all the work as you give them input on how you want your bookcase to look (but where is the fun in that!).
How to Build a Simple Bookcase Without Power Tools
Source: https://homesteadandprepper.com/build-simple-bookcase-no-power-tools/