Today I am going to share with you the details of my scrap wood wall mount book shelf. This is a relatively easy project, requiring a few basic tools. I modified the plans for Ana-White’s cabin plate rack, and really love how it came together. Here is the inspiration:
Apparently we love using scrap wood, because we also built our boys bunk beds out of scraps from our DIY addition build, also with plans from Ana’s site. Can’t beat free furniture- or almost! The lengths of wood available to me were the reasons for the modifications.
I used scrap 1×4’s, as well as some scraps that had been ripped down to about 2.5 inches.The boards weren’t much to look at to begin with, as they have been sitting outside for the last 1-2 years. The finished dimensions of this book shelf are roughly 53 1/2″ tall by 39″ wide. The shelves are about 13 1/4″ apart, with the fence board sitting 2″ above the top of the shelf.
I cut the boards down using a mitre saw, then sanded everything using my trusty Black and Decker Mouse. The boards were quite rough and splinter filled- so sanding was a must. I fastened the boards by first pre-drilling holes, then using 2 inch screws and wood glue. I used staples and glue to attach the front fences.
Some of these boards were definitely warped and wonky. This book shelf won’t win best in show, but it does function well. Nothing a little white paint can’t help…
I used 2 coats of Simplicity, a bright white chalk paint from Country Chic( they’re Canadian!) I had tossed around the idea of painting it green- but my 7 year old said “Definitely paint it white mom.” He was right. Once the pine is white washed it will feel so fresh and bright.
If you would like to build a book shelf you will need the following tools and supplies:
- mitre saw
- 2″ screws
- drill
- pre-drill bit
- 1×4’s ( apropriate for your dimensions)
- 1×2’s
- wood glue
You can follow these free plans.
I hope this inspires you to keep ticking those projects off your to do list.
Happy Friday!
-Miss Ash
See this project in the finished room here.
more scrap wood projects
Linked up: Remodelaholic
I love this idea and have a couple walls I am considering it for.
I’m planning to make a book rack just like yours except a little shorter. Can you share how do you secure the side boards to the wall please?
Hi Mag- there is a cleat that runs across the widthof the shelf and that is how I mount it to the wall. Hope that helps! -Ashlea