What Are the Best Tips for Making DIY Bookshelves?

Bookshelves can take many different forms, so this type of do-it-yourself (DIY) can project present a wide range of possibilities. The best tips for putting together DIY bookshelves can depend on the skill level of the person doing the project, the available budget, and what types of tools and materials are on hand. One of the easiest ways to make DIY bookshelves is to simply lay boards on top of cinder blocks, or other objects that are both heavy and uniform, though this is not always the most aesthetically pleasing choice. Another simple way to put up DIY bookshelves is to locate the studs in a wall, screw in some brackets and then lay down a board, or sheet of shatter proof glass. Other tips are to consider cutting up a hollow cored door to create floating shelves, or repurpose some old drawers by attaching them to a wall.

For DIY bookshelf projects that have little or no budget, severe time constraints, or no real tools available, there are a number of tips that can help put together a serviceable result. One common option when putting together DIY bookshelves is to use cinder blocks and boards. This method simply involves laying the cinder blocks in place, setting a board over them, then adding another set of blocks, a second board, and so on. It is also possible to create bookshelves in this same way by using milk crates and other objects. Since this is a low cost method that involves no permanent constructions, it is often a good temporary measure until other shelves can be built, and might also serve well in a garage or workshop setting.

Other DIY bookshelf designs typically require more technical expertise, tools and materials. One easy option is to obtain wall brackets and screw them into the studs in a wall. A board or sheet of laminated glass can then be laid over the brackets, creating simple bookshelves. Another similar idea is to attach strong L-brackets to the studs so that the part that is mounted to the wall is pointing up. A glass sheet can then be placed on the brackets, and when books are set on the sheet they will appear to float in the air.

A particularly unique way to make DIY bookshelves is to take a hollow cored door, cut it in half, and then use the pieces to make floating shelves. This involves attaching a board to the studs in a wall with lag screws to act as a cleat, then sliding the hollow cored door over that board. The shelves are then glued and nailed to the cleat, resulting in a strong shelf that appears to extend directly of of the wall. It is also possible to repurpose old drawers into a DIY bookshelf by removing the hardware, cleaning them up, and then attaching them to a wall.