DIY Modern Bookcase

Lay the three boards flat on a work surface. Measure each board and mark the center point of one 18-inch side of each board using a tape measure and pencil.

Adjust the table saw dado blade to cut a 1-inch deep cut. Lay the 1-by-18-inch edge of each board flat on the table of the saw. Guide each board along the table of the saw to cut a 1-inch-deep by 2-inch-wide notch at the center pencil mark on each board. These will be the shelf boards.

Sand the cut edges of the notches with a fine-grit sanding block until they are smooth. Set the shelf boards aside.

Place the 2-by-2-inch by 48-inch board on a work surface with the 2-by-48-inch side resting flat. Draw a tape measure from end to end and mark each 12-inch point on the board with a pencil.

Make a 1-by-1-inch notch at each pencil marking on the 2-by-2 by 48-inch board in the same manner that you made the notches in Step 2. This is the back for the bookcase. Sand the notched edges with a fine-grit sanding block until they are smooth.

Apply a bead of wood glue to the notches in the shelves and bookcase back. Lay the back of the bookcase flat on a work surface with the notched side facing up. Align the notched sides of the shelf boards with the notches in the back of the bookcase. Fit the shelves into place so that they interlock with the back. Press the parts together. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.

Hammer two evenly spaced finish nails through the back of the bookcase into the back edge of the shelves at each joint.

Spray an even coat of lacquer onto the assembly. Allow the lacquer to dry for at least four hours. Apply a second coat of lacquer and allow it to dry 24 hours.

Drill a hole through the back of the bookcase 2 inches in from each end using a drill equipped with a 1/8-inch drill bit. These are the mounting holes for the bookcase.