How to Make a Bookcase Without Glue
- 1). Measure 2 inches in from each side of the two 80-inch planks and draw a line down the length at each 2-inch mark. There should be 2 lines running parallel to the 80-inch edges of both the planks.
- 2). Position the two planks side by side lengthwise on the work surface. Measure and mark across both planks every 5 inches, crossing the lines you marked earlier. The cross points of the lines mark the position of the peg holes for adjustable shelves. Marking them across both planks at the same time ensures both sides of the shelves will be at the same height.
- 3). Drill a 1/2-inch-deep hole, sized to fit the shelf pegs at each cross point of the lines marked onto the 80-inch planks. You should be left with 2 lines of holes on each plank.
- 4). Stand the 80-inch planks on a 2-inch edge, with the peg holes facing each other. At each end of the planks, insert a 36-inch plank between them, forming a rectangle frame. The ends of the 36-inch planks should be on the inside of the 80-inch planks, making the corners.
- 5). Drive four wood screws, evenly spaced, through the sides of the 80-inch planks into the ends of the 36-inch planks to secure the frame together. Insert one more 36-inch plank in the middle of the frame for a structural support shelf and secure it with four wood screws into each end, like you did the first two 36-inch planks.
- 6). Sand the bookcase frame, as well as the remaining 36-inch planks, which are the shelves for the bookcase. Once sanded, paint or varnish the bookcase with the paintbrush or roller. Follow the varnish or paint manufacturer's directions on application, coats needed and drying times.
- 7). Stand the bookcase upright in the position you want it, then pop a shelf peg into the each hole on the inside of the 80-inch sides of the bookcase. Insert the six shelves as desired in the bookcase, resting on the shelf pegs.
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