How to Make a Wall-Mounted Bookcase From Plywood

Place the two 3/4-by-16-by-70 1/2-inch plywood panels parallel to each other with the 3/4-by-70 1/2-inch edges flat against a work surface. Space the outside edges of the panels 32 inches apart. These are the wall-mounted bookcase sides.

Butt one 3/4-by-16-by-32-inch panel across each end of the sides. These are the top and bottom of the wall-mounted bookcase. The 16-by-32-inch sides of the top and bottom should be flush against the 3/4-by-16-inch edges of the sides.

Center the 3/4-by-15 1/4-by-30 1/2-inch panel between the sides and parallel to the top and bottom. This is the center shelf of the wall-mounted bookcase.

Drive decorative-head wood screws though the sides into the center of the 3/4-by-15 1/4-inch edges of the center shelf every 2 inches to fasten the center shelf in place using a screw gun. Drive decorative-head screws through the top and bottom into the 3/4-by-16-inch edges of the sides where they join together every 2 inches to secure the top and bottom to the sides.

Align the 3/4-by-32-by-72-inch panel over the assembly and lay it in place. Drive decorative head screws every 4 to 6 inches through the panel into the edges of the sides, top and bottom using a screw gun. This is the back of the wall-mounted bookcase.

Brush two even coats of wood finish onto the assembly with a paintbrush. Allow the first coat to dry at least 4 hours before applying a second coat. Wait 24 hours before continuing with the project.

Select a location to mount the bookcase to the wall. Slide a stud finder along the wall in the selected location and mark the location of the wall studs with a pencil. Lift the bookcase up onto the wall with the help of another person. Drive four evenly spaced 3-inch wood screws through the bookcase back from inside of the bookcase into the wall at each stud above and below the center shelf using a screw gun.