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How to make a kids’ bookcase

By Bunnings magazine /

Finished crafted bookshelf for kids room

Overview

A space for stories

Inspired by Montessori-style furniture, where pieces are designed for children to use on their own, Bunnings Workshop member Rufaro (@diy_hausdesigns) built an easily accessible bookcase to display his daughter’s growing library of picture books. “Our daughter has a keen interest in books, which we want to nurture. So, I designed something she could use,” he says.

Made from budget-friendly plywood, this D.I.Y. bookshelf has simple, clean lines and an attractive natural finish. It transforms any bedroom corner into a cute reading nook. Rufaro used a trim router to round over the edges of the bookcase and engrave his daughter’s initials into the front. “The routed edges make it safer and celebrate the layers of plywood in a lovely way.”

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Cutting list:

  • From a plywood sheet, use a circular saw with a straightedge to cut two 1200mm x 900mm pieces.
  • From one piece, cut two side panels 900mm x 600mm.
  • From the other, cut a 900mm x 280mm lower, middle and top backing panel, plus three 900mm x 120mm shelf slats.
  • From the offcut, cut a 600mm x 150mm front panel.

2Measure and mark the timber

On a side panel, 30mm from the top, mark a 135mm x 50mm handle cutout 30mm in from the back edge. Mark a curved edge from above the handle, out to the side 300mm up from the base, down to 70mm in from the front edge. Along the base, mark 50mm up and 150mm in from either side for the base curve.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: We used a strip of flexible plastic tongue to shape the curves.
Piece of wood with sketched curve line

3Cut the curves

Use a jigsaw to cut the curves. To make the handle, clamp the plywood to the bench and drill into the corners with a 10mm bit, then cut with the jigsaw. Position on top of the remaining side panel, base and back edges flush, to transfer the curves and handle; repeat the cuts.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Work off the bench to ensure the blade is unimpeded
Ryobi drill cutting a rectangular shape into piece of wood with clamp attached

4Drill holes in the bookcase’s backing panels

On the back of all backing panels, mark a line 5mm up from the base using a combination square, then use a countersinking bit to predrill five holes 50mm from the ends and 200mm apart. On the front of the lower and middle panels, mark a line 90mm down from the top to predrill five holes. Sand over all pieces to remove breakout.
rectangular piece of wood with five evenly drilled holes sitting beside a drill and metal ruler

5Use woodworking adhesive to fix panels in place

To assemble the shelves, apply adhesive along a slat, position and clamp it against the lower panel to secure through the holes with 30mm screws. Apply adhesive to another slat and position against the back of the lower panel, clamp and secure with screws. Repeat to attach the middle panel, the remaining slat and top panel.
Wooden pallets sitting as a shelf, held by a navy blue clamp

6Use your trim router

Run a trim router with round-over bit around all edges of the side and front panels, along the front of the shelf assembly and top of the backing panels. Mark initials onto the front panel and clamp it to the bench. Change the router to a straight bit, check the depth is less than 10mm, then cut the initials.
Grey trim router on top of wooden panel with pencil sketches

7Mark the side panels

Position the shelves on the outside of both side panels, checking the distance from the edges, and mark around them. Predrill three holes each panel, two each slat. Install screws at the top and lower panels to protrude 3mm. Apply adhesive and position the shelves on the screws, secure and install remaining screws. Predrill, centre and secure the front panel.
Curved wooden panel on a flat white drop sheet with pencil sitting on top

8Sand and varnish the bookcase

Sand over the sides to remove pencil marks and breakout around the screws. Wipe all over the bookcase with a damp cloth to remove dust, then apply two coats of clear varnish with a mini roller, leaving to dry after each.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Seal the back first, then flip the bookcase right-side-up to finish.
Yellow mini roller applying varnish onto the inside of the wooden bookshelf

9Keep in mind…

  • When using power tools to cut and sand, always wear the recommended safety equipment and work in a well-ventilated area.
  • This bookcase is for displaying books only and is not suitable for climbing.
  • *Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

Ready to get started?

Find out more about this woodworking D.I.Y. project at workshop.bunnings.com.au/kids-bookshelf.

 

Photo Credit: diyhausdeisigns, Natasha Dickins

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.