How to Build a Built-in Bookcase With a Base Cabinet

Preparing the Base Cabinet

• 1

  Measure the area where you plan to install your built-in bookcase the tape measure. Take the length and depth of the area so you know the dimensions you need to look for when selecting a base cabinet.

• 2

  Select a cabinet to use as the base for your bookcase. Find cabinets at thrift stores and garage sales for a fraction of the cost of purchasing one new.

• 3

  Draw up a sketch of your built-in bookcase using the measurements you took earlier. Use the dimensions of the cabinet you just selected to form the base of the bookcase and draw in the side panels and top panel on top of the cabinet. Plan to build your bookcase using the same length and depth dimensions as the cabinet.

• 4

  Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall. Mark the positions of the studs lightly on the wall in pencil.

• 5

  Slide the cabinet into the desired position against the wall. Open the cabinet doors and drill pilot holes through the back panel of the cabinet. Drive 3-inch wood screws through the pilot holes into the wall studs beyond to secure the base cabinet to the wall.

Constructing the Bookcase

• 6

  Cut three pieces of 1-by-2-inch hardwood to construct a support frame for your bookcase. Use a jigsaw to cut one piece of hardwood to the length of the cabinet minus 1 1/2 inches. Cut two more pieces to the depth of the cabinet, minus 1 3/4 inches.

• 7

  Position the pieces you just cut on top of the base cabinet. Center the longest piece lengthwise about 3/4-inches away from the back edge of the cabinet top. Lay the remaining two pieces of hardwood perpendicular to the first, butting the ends up against the flat front of the first piece. These two pieces of hardwood should be spaced approximately 3/4 of an inch from the sides of the cabinet.

• 8

  Secure the support frame in place by driving 2-inch wood screws down through the hardwood into the cabinet top.

• 9

  Cut four sheets of 3/4-inch plywood for the back, side and top panels of your bookcase. Cut the back panel using the length and height dimensions of the bookcase. Cut the two side panels using the height measurement and the depth measurement minus 3/4 inches. Cut the top panel using the depth measurement and the length measurement, minus 1 1/2 inches.

• 10

  Stand the back panel upright on the base cabinet, sliding it into the space between the hardwood support and the wall. Secure the panel by driving 2-inch wood screws through the plywood into the wall studs. Drive additional screws at an angle through the top of the 1-by-2-inch hardwood support into the back panel.

• 11

  Position the two side panels upright and perpendicular to the back panel on the cabinet. The back edge of these panels should be flush with the face of the back panel and the inside bottom edges should be flat against the shorter hardwood supports. Drill 2-inch wood screws through the panels into the 1-by-2-inch supports. Drive additional screws at an angle through the side panels into the back panel.

• 12

  Slide the top panel into place between the side panels and so it lies flat against the ceiling. Drive 2-inch wood screws through the plywood into the ceiling studs to secure it in place.

• 13

  Measure and mark the position for the shelves on the side panels of your bookcase. Cut your shelves out of 3/4-inch plywood using the depth measurement and the length measurement of the cabinet, minus 1 1/2-inches.

• 14

  Install the shelves in your bookcase by sliding them horizontally between the side panels at the desired intervals. Drive 2-inch wood screws through the side panels into the shelves. For added support, drive additional nails at a downward angle through the top of the shelves into the back panel.

• 15

  Paint or stain the plywood bookcase you just constructed to match the base cabinet. Once the paint or stain has dried, you may choose to cover it in a protective coat of clear varnish or polyurethane to match the finish on the cabinet.