Read the sequence from the top before cutting, painting, or moving pieces.
Hi, it’s Amy from Hertoolbelt with another build plan for you. If you missed last week’s Glass Message Board you will want to check it out here. The inspiration for this week’s project is this cute and slightly rustic bookcase, from the Netherlands. Do you love it too?
How to Build a Divided Bookcase
open this to Get a Free Printable Version of this Building Plan
Here are the overall dimensions of our version of the divided bookcase.
Materials
- 4 – 1″ x 10″ x 8′ pine boards (If your store carries 1 x 10 x 10′ boards you only need 2 – 1 x 10 x 10′ and 1 – 1 x 10 x 8′ boards.)
- 1 – 1/4″ x 4′ x 8′ plywood
- 1 – 1/4″ x 4′ x 4′ plywood
- 1 sheet 1/8″ hardboard or 1/8″ plywood for back, optional
- 36 – 1 1/2″ – 2″ nails or screws
- 1 1/2″ – 2″ brad nails
- wood glue
- wood filler
- stain or paint and primer
- sandpaper
Cut List
| Quantity | Thickness | Width | Length | Material | Description |
| 2 | 3/4″ | 9 1/4″ | 54″ | Pine board | Sides |
| 2 | 3/4″ | 8 3/8″ | 26 3/4″ | Pine board | Top & bottom |
| 4 | 3/4″ | 8 3/8″ | 26 3/4″ | Pine board | Middle Shelves |
| 6 | 3/4″ | 1 1/2″ | 26 3/4″ | Pine board | Shelf Fronts |
| 55 | 1/4″ | 8 3/8″ | 10″ | Plywood | Dividers |
| 1 | 1/8″ | 26 3/4″ | 51 3/4″ | Plywood | Back |
Step 1
Cut 2 of the 1 x 10 (actual 3/4″ x 9 1/4″) boards to 54″ long, set aside for later.
Cut 6 of the 1 x 10 boards to 26 3/4″ long. Trim the edges of the boards to 8 3/8″ wide. We need to make dado grooves for the dividers to slide into. The dado’s are 1/4″ wide and 1/8″ deep. When making the dado cuts always measure and cut from the same end, so if there is variation, all of the boards are the same. You may want to mark which end you are measuring from.
Make the following dado cuts on 2 of the 26 3/4″ boards. These are the top and bottom pieces. Make sure the 1/4″ plywood will fit in the dado slot, adjust as necessary.
On the other 4 boards that are 26 3/4″ long, make the dado cuts on both sides.
Step 2
Cut out 55 – 1/4″ x 10″ tall x 8 3/8″ deep dividers. Dryfit the dividers and shelves together, make adjustments as necessary.
Step 3
The shelves and dividers will be inset 3/4″ from the front of the sides. The lowest shelf will start at 1 1/2″ from the bottom. Glue and nail or screw the bottom shelf to the sides.
Lightly glue the dividers into place on the bottom shelf and add the next shelf. The next shelf is installed 12″ from the bottom of the sides. Glue and nail or screw the next shelf into place.
Repeat for all of the shelves and dividers.
Step 4
Cut 6 – 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x about 26 3/4″ pieces of wood. Trim to fit these pieces to fit on the front of each shelf. Glue and secure the shelf fronts with 1 1/2″ – 2″ brad nails. Nail and secure the back plywood into place.
Step 5
To finish the divided bookcase, fill the nail holes and cracks with wood filler. After the filler is dry, lightly sand the wood until smooth. If staining, apply wood conditioner and stain as directed. If painting, prime and paint with your go-to color. Apply a top coat.
There are a lot of great uses for this fun divided bookcase. Let kids use it for a post office, or to sort and display their go-to treasures. It can be used to organize your craft supplies. Turn this bookcase onto it’s side, and you have a paper sorting station, do you remember your teacher using one in school? You can add decorative legs to the bottom, or place it on a desk.
Enjoy your new divided bookcase!
How to Build a Small Open Shelf
25 Handmade Shelving options
