Simpson
10. How to Build a Chic Book Tower in Under 4 Hours!
Love books but tight on space? This DIY vertical bookshelf takes just an afternoon and costs around $25.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Basic woodworking tools (chop saw, circular saw, drill)
- 2×4 board (8ft)
- MDF board (4ft x 8ft)
- Screws & wood glue (optional)
- Paint & stain (optional)
Steps:
- Plan your shelves: Mark 12-16 inch intervals on your 2×4 for shelf placement. Use a scrap board to ensure consistent spacing.
- Create dado cuts: Adjust your chop saw to cut halfway through the 2×4, creating notches for shelves. Test depth on scrap wood first!
- Finish the spine: Cut dado trenches using your chop saw and scrap board guide.
- Cut shelves & base: Use the circular saw to cut 5 shelves (9x5in) and 1 base (15x18in) from the MDF board. Test the fit in the spine.
- Paint & stain (optional): Add a personal touch with your favorite colors!
- Assemble the shelves: Wedge shelves into the spine and tap them down with a rubber mallet.
- Secure with screws, pre-drilling to avoid splitting.
- Attach the base: Pre-drill and screw the base to the spine from both sides and underneath.
- Secure to the wall (optional): For extra stability, add a toggle bolt through the top of the spine into the wall.
Tips:
- Use a level to ensure your tower stands straight.
- Bigger books go on the bottom, smaller ones on top.
- Tuck book titles inward for a neat look.
