How to Build an Inexpensive, Sturdy & Strong Storage Bookshelf

Measure the height of the wall with a tape measure and determine how high you want your bookcase to stand. Measure the width of the room and determine how wide your want your bookcase.

Cut two pieces of 1-inch-thick-by-12-inch-wide hardwood boards with a table saw to the height you want your bookshelves. These boards are the vertical supports for the bookcase. If you do not require a 12-inch-deep shelf, you can opt for narrower wood. For example, 6-inch-wide boards serve well if you plan to fill the shelves with DVD movies.

Divide the height of your shelf by 12 inches to determine how many shelves you need. Cut the necessary amount of shelves with your table saw out of the same lumber you used for the vertical supports. Cut the shelves 2 inches shorter than the width you want for the bookcase to compensate for the width of the vertical supports. If you do not require 12-inch spaces between each shelf, you can raise or lower the number you divide by.

Place the vertical supports side by side so you can see the 12-inch faces. Measure up from the bottom 12 inches (or your adjusted measurement) and place a mark on each board. Place a contractor's square on the side of the board at the mark and scribe a straight line across the board. Measure up 1 inch and repeat the process. The 1-inch gap shows you where you will install the bottom shelf. Repeat this as you work your way up the board. When it's completed, you'll have scribed lines for each shelf on your bookcase.

With a 1/4-inch drill bit and hand drill, drill four evenly spaced 1/4-inch holes across the face of each board in between each 1-inch gap. Flip the boards over and drill a 1/2-inch hole over each 1/4-inch hole to create a recess for the screw head. Drill the holes approximately 1/4 inch deep.

Place the vertical boards on their sides with the 1/4-inch holes facing each other. Position the shelves in the 1-inch gaps and then secure the vertical supports to the shelves with 2-inch-long-by-1/4-inch-wide wood screws.

Place a dab of wood glue into each 1/2-inch hole, and then tap wooden dowel plugs into the holes with a hand drill.

Cover the wood with your choice of wood stain, and then wipe the excess stain off with a rag. Allow 24 hours drying time.

Place the shelf against the wall and then place a corner bracket on the top shelf on each end. Mark the mounting holes onto the top shelf and the wall.

Drill a 1/4-inch hole through each marked location on the shelf and then secure the corner brackets to the shelf with 1/4-inch bolts and 1/4-inch nuts. Use a wrench to tighten the nuts.

Drill a pilot hole large enough for wall anchors at each marked location on the wall. Drive the anchors into the wall with a hammer and then secure the corner brackets into the wall with the screws supplied with the anchors and a screwdriver.