How to Make Recessed Bookshelves

Sketch the design of the book shelf including any additional items such as cabinet doors. A standard book shelf measures no more than 42 inches long, no deeper than 18 inches and about 36 inches wide.

Remove the wall sheeting where the recessed shelves will be installed. Remove an area the size of the planned book shelves plus 2 inches in each direction. This space will be covered by trim boards at the conclusion of the project.

Cut about 1 1/2 inches from the visible wall studs using a reciprocating saw. Cut straight into the stud at the top and then vertically down the stud to remove the piece of lumber. Totally removing the stud may affect the home's integrity if the wall is a load-bearing wall or if you damage the wall materials on the backside of the studs.

Cut the materials for the shelf unit. For example, a shelving unit 48 inches high, 36 inches wide and 10 inches deep and including three shelves would require two end pieces 48 inches long, four shelves 34 1/2 inches long and three braces 13 3/4 inch long. Cut all materials from 1-by-10 inch lumber or from plywood cut to 10 inches wide.

Assemble the shelf unit. Fasten the bottom shelf piece 3 1/2 inches from the end of the end pieces using 2-inch screws. Place a 34 1/2 inch 2-by-4 inch board on edge under the piece recessed back from the front of the shelf about 4 inches. This serves as s support for the shelf, and trim can be fastened to it to match the rest of the room trim.

Place one of the shelf braces at the center point of the first shelf. Fasten it in place with 2-inch screws through the bottom shelf. Add the next shelf on top of this brace. Level it in place with a carpenter’s level and fasten with two 2-inch screws through each end piece and into the brace.

Add the next brace and shelf, fastening each in place as listed in Step 6 until you reach the top of the shelf unit.

Place the shelf unit into the previously cut recess into the wall. You may need to notch the back of the bottom of the shelf ends to fit over the bottom plate of the wall. Use a jig saw or reciprocating saw to make this cut that will be hidden from view.

Cut trim boards for the side and top. Nail in place using finishing nails.