Looking to build a simple DIY bookshelf but want to give it a modern twist! Check out this tutorial and grab the plans to build it!
This post was sponsored by Kreg Tool. All opinions are our own and our opinion is that we love Kreg products. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Charleston Crafted possible!
Sometimes you build furniture because you need it and sometimes you build it because somebody else needs it. In this case, my dad asked me for a bookshelf.
He lives in a different state, so I had to trust him with all the measurements and planning (that doesn’t fit with my personality). But he had the idea, so I trusted him!
Turns out, he just wanted a standard, straightforward bookshelf for his binders and other work things. But he didn’t have a design for the legs. So I decided to come up with a modern leg set that would make this a little bit different and unique.
How to build a simple bookshelf with modern legs
This is an easy build to replicate yourself and works in a lot of applications. You can build the bookshelf and legs separately and then attach them together. But this traditional bookshelf is perfect for storage of any kind and anyone can build it!
Materials and tools needed
Here’s the materials and tools you need to make this build! To get the full list of exact materials, make sure you download the FREE woodworking plans for this project!
- 3/4″ plywood
- 1/4″ plywood
- Kreg 720 Pro pocket hole jig
- Kreg Shelf Pin Jig
- Drill
- Stain or paint
Step one: drill pocket holes
When I build projects, I like to start by making all my cuts and then drilling all my pocket holes first. Some people like to do it as they go, but I think it’s easier to batch my work and get all this done before sanding and assembly.
For this project, I used my Kreg 720 pocket hole jig to drill all the pocket holes. This is my favorite jig for a lot of reasons (read my full review of the Kreg 720 Pro here), but I love it in this case because it can handle big pieces like the shelf sides, or small pieces like the legs with no problem.
The AutoMaxx clamping system on the Kreg 720 is also great for holding pieces into place while I drill and make it easy to move the pieces around easily.
Step two: assemble frame
Next I assembled the frame, which was just attaching the top and bottom of the bookshelf to the sides of the bookshelf. These were standard butt joints with Kreg pocket hole screws and wood glue pulling them together.
Then, I drilled shelf pin holes using the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig. My dad originally told me where he wanted two shelves to go, but I thought it would be better to make the shelves adjustable in case he wanted to change up what he wanted on the shelves.
You can read more about the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig here, but it works super well to clamp on and drill holes, then use a pin to hold it in place on the last hole to give perfectly evenly space holes all the way up and down all four sides of the bookshelf.
I also drilled a ton of shelf pin holes on this DIY toy storage bookcase with attached animal zoo!
Step three: attach back
I debated about whether or not to attach a back to this bookcase. I kind of like an open back on bookcases and side tables (that’s what I did for these bedside tables with arches).
But, Morgan told me in this case it didn’t look finished without a back. Also, without the back and without a permanently fixed shelf, I was worried the bookshelf would wobble.
So I routed out a groove on the bookcase and nailed in a 1/4″ backer board to hold everything in place and make it look more finished.
Step four: build and attach legs
Next I built and added the leg set. I didn’t want to do just four classic legs, but wanted to make something a little more interesting and substantial for the size of this bookshelf.
The legs are four small pieces that do go vertical from the bookshelf to the floor, but there’s also a board that connects the front and back legs and then a board that connects that board all the way across the middle.
This modern leg structure is very solid and adds a little interest to a pretty standard and traditional bookshelf.
Step five: attach face frame
Finally, I cut and added a face frame around the front to hide the plywood edge when looking at the bookshelf from the front. You can use a solid board here to make sure there’s no plywood showing.
Step six: stain or paint
Finally, I chose to stain the bookshelf with Varathane Early American (learn more about that classic stain here) because it matched the desk that my dad has in his room that this would go next to.
The best part about furniture is that you can choose any stain or paint on earth that makes you happy and make a piece like this your own!
DIY bookshelf with modern legs
This DIY bookshelf with modern legs was exactly what my dad was looking for and it fit perfectly into his spot in his office. The adjustable shelves were immediately what he wanted for separating binders and books.
I personally think a good bookshelf has a wide range of books, decor and plants to break up the way each shelf looks, but to each their own.
DIY bookshelf with modern legs woodworking plans
This DIY bookshelf with modern legs is really easy to make yourself! If you’re looking for a straightforward bookshelf, this is a great option for you to build and doesn’t require difficult joinery!
I’ve teamed up with my friends at Kreg Tool to bring you the woodworking plans for this bookshelf for free! You can get the full printable plans with material list, cut list and step-by-step instructions on their Projects and Plans website!
I’ve put up a bunch of plans on their site and there’s also lots of other bookshelves to give you inspiration for the future too! Grab your Kreg jig and get to work!
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Hey there, I’m Sean, the woodworking enthusiast and builder behind CharlestonCrafted.com! Since 2012, I’ve been sharing the magic of turning raw materials into beautiful creations. I love teaching others the art and satisfaction of woodworking and DIY. I try to inspire fellow crafters to make something extraordinary out of nothing at all.