Power Tools Rater: DIY House Frame Bookshelf Plans

Hi, it’s Amy from Hertoolbelt back with another build plan. There is a cute shop in South Africa called In Good Company that sells all types of cute goodies. Through a few shop tours posted online, we caught a glimpse of their adorable house display shelves and had to make some. These house frame bookshelf plans are a simple design, but the addition of the roof line make these shelves over the top cute. I added an optional chimney to one set for a little more whimsy. You can easily modify the dimensions of these shelves to fit your space.

How to Build DIY House Frame Bookshelves

Materials (for 2 bookshelves)

1 sheet 3/4″ plywood (4’x8′)
15 – 2″ x 2″ x 8′ boards (actual 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″)
- if you can rip down 2×4 boards into 2×2’s, it is cheaper to buy 8 – 2×4’s and cut them into 2×2’s.
1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
2 1/2″ pocket hole screws
wood glue
sandpaper
2″ brad nails
- Approximate cost for 2 bookshelves – $65

Cut List (for 2 bookshelves)

8 – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ x 65 1/2″
20 – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ x 27″
10 – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ x 14 1/2″
8 – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ x 21 1/4″ with 45 deg miter on each end, facing each other
1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ x 8 1/8″ with one end mitered at 45 deg – optional chimney
1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ x 4 5/8″ with one end mitered at 45 deg – optional chimney
1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ x 5″ – optional chimney
8 – 3/4″ x 15 7/8″ x 26 7/8″ plywood

Step 1

Cut all of the wood according to the cut list above.

On 16 of the 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ x 27″ shelf support pieces, we need to cut a groove for the shelf to inset into. I used a table saw with the blade height set at 3/4″ and set the fence at 3/4″, made one pass, flipped the board and made another pass to remove the corner. (Alternately the plywood shelf can sit on top of the shelf support if you can’t cut the groove.)

Drill pocket holes for 3/4″ material in the ends of the 16 shelf supports on the bottom face.

Drill pocket holes for 1 1/2″ material in the 4 remaining 27″ shelf supports and 8 of the 14 1/2″ side pieces.

Step 2

On the 65 1/2″ pieces measure and mark 2″, 17 1/2″, 33″ and 48 1/2″ from the bottom. Use wood glue and 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws to secure the shelf supports to the 65 1/2″ pieces. The top 27″ piece should be flush with the top of the 65 1/2″ pieces and does not have a groove, use 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws for these. Repeat for the other 3 sets.

Measure and mark 6 1/2″ and 53″ from the bottom. Use wood glue and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws to assemble a front and back together. Repeat for other bookshelf.

Step 3

Use wood glue and 2″ brad nails or screws to assemble two 21 1/4″ pieces together to make a roof peak. Secure the roof peak to the bookshelf with wood glue and 2″ brad nails or screws.

Attach a 14 1/2″ piece to the roof peak with wood glue and 2″ brad nails or screws. Assemble and attach another roof peak to the other end of the 14 1/2″ piece and the bookshelf.

The chimney piece is optional. Attach the 5″ piece to the 8 1/8″ and 4 5/8″ pieces with wood glue and 2″ brad nails or screws. Attach the chimney to the roof line where ever it looks good to you.

Place the 3/4″ plywood shelves into place. Trim the shelves as necessary.

Step 4

Remove any excess glue. Fill any cracks or blemishes with wood filler and allow to dry. Sand the shelves, finishing with 120-150 grit paper in the direction of the grain. Finish the bookshelves however you want, paint or stain, top coat. I left mine all natural pine.