A tall bookcase with five shelves, anchored to the wall. Finished size 30 × 11¼ × 60 in. About 4–5 hours for a first build, 6 boards to buy.
Quick facts
| Plan | PS-11, in The Garage Starter Collection |
| Level | 3 of 3 (Advanced beginner) |
| Finished size | 30 × 11¼ × 60 in |
| First build | About 4–5 hours |
| Parts / boards / screws | 20 parts, 6 boards to buy, 64 screws |
| Wood | Pine or poplar 1x12, 1x4 and 1x2 (indoor) |
Parts list
| Part | Name | Qty | Board | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Side | 2 | 1x12 | 60" |
| B | Shelf | 5 | 1x12 | 28 1/2" |
| C | Shelf cleat | 10 | 1x2 | 9 3/4" |
| D | Back rail | 2 | 1x4 | 28 1/2" |
| E | Toe kick | 1 | 1x4 | 28 1/2" |
Lengths are finished lengths. Boards are listed by nominal size; see the actual lumber sizes. The plan also gives the shopping list by board length and a cutting diagram.
Materials and tools
Hardware
- Wood screws #8 x 1-1/4 in x 20
- Wood screws #8 x 1-5/8 in x 41
- Wood screws for studs, 3 in x 2
- Anti-tip kit (optional, instead of the stud screws)
- Wood glue
Tools
- Miter saw, circular saw or hand saw
- Drill/driver with a pilot-hole and countersink bit
- Tape measure, speed square and pencil
- Clamps (two or more)
- 80 and 120 grit sandpaper
What the plan includes
- Shopping list by board length and a cutting diagram, so you buy once
- Dimensioned drawings and an exploded view with lettered parts
- Step-by-step assembly, with a 3D view of every step
- Square Checks: the exact numbers to measure as you build
- Cut tags and a maker’s label to print
- A Letter edition to print and a Phone Edition to read in the garage
Before you build
- Always anchor the bookshelf to the wall. Tall furniture can tip over and cause serious injury, especially to children.
- Put heavy books on the lower shelves. Never climb on the shelves.
- Before drilling into a wall check for wires and pipes.
- Wear safety glasses and hearing protection when cutting, and a dust mask when sanding.
- Always pre-drill before driving screws near the end of a board, to avoid splitting the wood.
- Clamp or firmly hold the workpiece before cutting and keep your hands out of the cut line.
- This plan has been modeled and cross-checked in 3D, but it has not yet been physically built and tested. Dry-fit the parts before you drive screws and use the Square Checks as you go.
Our plans are modeled and checked in 3D and have not yet been built and tested. Dry-fit before you drive screws.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Five-Shelf Bookshelf take to build?
We estimate 4–5 hours for a first build.
How many boards do I need for the Five-Shelf Bookshelf?
The shopping list in the plan is 6 boards, listed by length, with a cutting diagram.
What wood is the Five-Shelf Bookshelf made from?
Pine or poplar 1x12, 1x4 and 1x2 (indoor).
What size is the Five-Shelf Bookshelf?
The finished size is 30 × 11¼ × 60 in.
Get the Five-Shelf Bookshelf plan
The Five-Shelf Bookshelf is plan PS-11 in The Garage Starter Collection: 12 beginner plans, 4 guides and a Start Here guide. One payment of $27, instant download, 14-day money-back guarantee.
See the collectionNew to this? Try the free Box Ledge Shelf plan first, or read how to read a cut list.