Introduction: Small Adjustable Bookshelf

The purpose of this bookshelf is to store books, plants, and decorations. It is adjustable so it can fit objects of many heights!

Supplies

  • Table saw
  • Pieces of wood
    • I got two 1 x 8 pieces of wood from Home Depot that were really about 9 1/4 inches wide, 3/4 inches deep, and 8 feet long
    • I also used scrap pieces of wood that were about 8 5/8 inches wide, 5/6 inches deep, and 2 feet long to make the little planks that the adjustable shelves rested on.
  • Wood stain (The stain I used was "Special Walnut 224" from Hobby Lobby)
  • Paintbrushes for staining
  • Wood Glue
  • Brad nailer (a nail gun)
  • Brad nails (2 inch and 1 1/2 inch)
  • Optional: 4 corner clamps

Step 1: Mark and Cut Wood

I cut the two pieces of wood I got from Hobby Lobby into 6 pieces of wood to make the bookshelf frame. The size of these pieces were:

Sides of Bookshelf (2):

36 inches long, 9 1/4 inches wide, and 3/4 inches deep

Top, Bottom, and Size of Bookshelf (4):

22 3/4 inches long, 9 1/4 inches wide, and 3/4 inches deep

I also cut the little planks that hold the adjustable shelves out of a separate piece of wood, and the dimensions of those were:

Planks (8):

8 5/6 inches long, 1 1/4 inches wide, and 5/6 inches deep

I cut these items using a table saw with an adjustable sled.

***Pro tip: when measuring the cuts on the wood, make sure to leave space in between the cuts because the saw does take up some space when it cuts. Also, I would measure the shelves to be a little bit longer than my dimensions so that if the pieces of wood are not all the same length, you can cut them again and shave off the extra.

Step 2: Stain the Wood

Paint the stain on the wood and let it dry in the sun. Make sure to block out a large portion of time, as it takes awhile to dry!

Step 3: Attach the Planks Onto the Sides of the Bookshelf

I put the little planks at 9, 17, 20, and 27 inches down the sides of the bookshelf. However, feel free to place then wherever you wish!

I attached the little planks with wood glue and 1 1/2 inch brad nails with a brad nailer.

Step 4: Attach the Top and Bottom of the Bookshelf

I used wood glue and 2 inch brad nails (using a brad nailer) to attach the top and bottom of the bookshelf to the sides.

***Pro tip: Wood glue takes a long time to dry! Make sure that you can leave the project in one location while it dries. Also, it is helpful to use corner clamps to make sure that the pieces are attached at right angles.

Step 5: Add the Adjustable Bookshelves and Have Fun!