Build a bookcase - Strong and Easy (how to)

This video will show you how to build a bookcase. Not only that, but I prove that even a beginner can build it, and it will be a very strong bookcase. This how to video will step you through the process. Those cheap particle board bookcases are fine as they are very low cost, but you can build a much stronger bookcase very easily and it will last for many years. This bookcase is intended to be college furniture for my son. The best thing about this bookcase is that it is strong and easy to build. Watch this video to see how to build a bookcase - Strong and Easy.
See how to easily build my jig I use to make straight cuts with my circular saw:
• Straight Cuts with Cir...
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Some of the tools I often use in my shop (or on my wishlist)
Kreg MKJKIT Mini Kreg Jig Kit
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Kreg R3 Jig Pocket Hole Kit
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Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320 with KHC-MICRO
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Kreg K5 Pocket-Hole Jig
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Armor Auto-Jig Pocket Hole System
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Jessem Doweling Jig
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Ryobi 18 Guage Nailer
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Ryobi Palm Router
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Ryobi Drill
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Ryobi Impact Driver
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Ryobi Quiet Strike impact driver (love love this tool)
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Ryobi 6 port charger with USB
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SawStop JobSite Tablesaw
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Rockler Doweling Jigs
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Rocker Locking Hinges
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HomeRight Sprayer and accessories
Super Finish Max Extra HVLP Paint Sprayer: amzn.to/2IRWUtx
Large Spray Shelter: amzn.to/2G1BQCZ
Medium Spray Shelter: amzn.to/2pHnihA
Small Spray Shelter: amzn.to/2G2Nvll
Rapid Clean for Finish Max Paint Sprayer: amzn.to/2IRzog6
Turn Table for Paint Spraying: amzn.to/2yp4O9d
A few people asked for plans. While I don't have plans, below are more detailed description. I hope with these written details and the video you can make your way through the project. It took a while to get these as my son had the bookshelf over 100 miles away, but I went to see him for his graduation...
Okay, I'm back from my son's graduation and I have measurements. He did not have great lighting so it was tough to see but I believe I have the measurements now. This will be a longer post as I'll give you the measurements, then my sugguestion to make your life easier.
My son wanted the overall dimensions to be 4' x 4' so here are the measurements as I built it. One thing you should definitely do is only you have the sides, top, and shelves cut, measure those for exact measurements for the face frame and back braces rather than go for my measurements. Plywood is not exactly 3/4". Same thing for once you get it assembled and ready to cut the face frame.
Also, I was able to maximize my plywood because I was painting it. If you are staining it you may not be able to maximize as much as you'll want to pay attention to grain direction to make it look nicer.
Feel free to to use the comments for any questions you may have.
Sides
48" x 14"
Bottom, top, and 2 middle shelves
46" x 12 3/4" (This allows for the 3/4" back brace and the 1/2" back panel)
Brace for bottom back
46" x 1 1/2" (about 4:11 in my video)
Braces for 2 middle shelves attached to back
46" x 2"
Face frame
1 1/2"
Sides: 48"
4 shelves: 44 1/2"
Definitely measure these to the actual assembled case as yours will certainly be different by a little
Back piece of 1/2" plywood (could use 1/4" just fine - I used 1/2 because I had it already)
46" x 47.25"
Sides and top
48" x 14"
Bottom and 2 middle shelves
48" x 12 3/4" (This allows for the 3/4" back brace and the 1/2" back panel)
Brace for bottom back
48" x 1 1/2" (about 4:11 in my video)
Braces for 2 middle shelves attached to back
48" x 2"
Face frame
1 1/2"
Sides: 48"
4 shelves: 46 1/2"
Definitely measure these to the actual assembled case as yours will certainly be different by a little
Back piece of 1/2" plywood (could use 1/4" just fine - I used 1/2 because I had it already)
48" x 48"
I truly did my best to give accurate measurements here. Good Luck and let me know how it goes!
DISCLAIMER: While being in the associates program will not cost you a penny more, BronkBuilt is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

[@jerryevans6646]

Thank you for not filming so fast! You are very clear, much appreciated.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks. You may not like some of my others where I do speed up the vid. Hopefully you'll like them anyway.

[@danielmutter7014]

Moving out of my parents house at 23 and I only had wall shelves. This tutorial is super amazing I’m gonna try to make it this weekend and see how it goes! Thanks so much!!

[@BronkBuilt]

Let me know how it turns out. Just take your time and you'll do fine.

[@conitorres9774]

I am a 67 year old woman and after watching you and hearing your clear instructions, I am somewhat tempted to try it. Great video

[@BronkBuilt]

67 years young! Jump in and give it a try. Just take your time and be safe.

[@magicrobharv]

Your videos are just the right length. I've seen so many that leave out important details. Your video is perfect the way it is. Much appreciated!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you very much for that.

[@PacketWrangler]

I've taken whole rooms down to studs and joists for remodels and built them back up, but stuff like this still intimidates the fire out of me. Thanks for making it easy to follow. I mentioned wanting to build one for the bedroom, and now my wife wants one for the back bedroom too. I guess I'm doing two.

[@BronkBuilt]

Just dig in. Good luck!

[@djohnson8323]

It’s the precision

[@BronkBuilt]

Just take your time and measure well. I make mistakes on just about every project. Just jump in. Even when the end product has mistakes, I'm still proud of what I built with my own two hands. Hope you feel that way as well with yours.

[@chubbieminami3274]

I am planning to make several bookcases and I am watching many video tutorials. I love yours very much. I want to put many books on my shelves and I was not sure if the pocket holes were strong enough. Your video answered my question. It is bad when you make something and you are constantly wondering if it is sturdy. There are too many things to worry already!! Luv from Japan

[@BronkBuilt]

Kon'nichiwa. I was worried as well but with the face piece it is strong. My son stacked it with books. If you are worried you could add even a ton more strength by adding a small strip of wood under the shelves on the sides but I really don't think it is necessary. It's been many years and my son still had it still loads out up. I have another book case video with my younger son. It is very strong as well and is a step up in build from this one.

[@bookworm81151]

Thank you. I just bought my first table saw and need to build a bookcase for many different sizes of books. You did a nice presentation, good humor, and great information.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. Welcome to a whole new world. Please be safe and let me know how your book shelf turns out

[@julieschneider5973]

What a great video! Clear and simple instructions, everything explained well. And FUNNY! You’re hilarious! That’s a beautiful bookcase and it looks indestructible! This comment is a few years after-how has it held up for your son? I bet he’ll be able to give it to HIS kid when they go off to college! I also love how even years later, you respond to people’s comments in great detail about measurements and such. What a great KZbinr you are!

[@BronkBuilt]

Oh my, you made my day. Thank you! This book case has survived many college parties, about 4 moves, and lots and lots of books. Still going strong.

[@PanHardin]

Im watching this video at 4 a.m and the attention span " squirrel" and the subliminal messages had me lmao! Thank you for this tutorial and for the laughs.

[@BronkBuilt]

You are welcome and thank you fur watching

[@fisherlady408]

Loved this video and yes the "squirrel " bit got me!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I know a lot of viewers don't like anything added at all and want content providers to simply get to the point and only show relevant content, but I make less than $100 a month USD on these so this is just fun for me. Making it more fun for me is sliding in my humor so I really appreciate comments like yours. Thank you again.

[@deemarie5054]

Right!! I liked you because of this I subscribed and liked it 😊

[@abe677]

Nice job. My adult son wants a bookshelf and maybe this will be the one.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks. He still has it and it is as good as it was day 1. Still no bend at all in the shelves and he has had very heavy items on each shelf. If you want to check out a little more advanced, but still not that difficult, check out this one I did with my younger son: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5mUqZVpqtOLoa8. Please come back and let me know how yours turns out. I really, really enjoy hearing about how you guys build what I did, as well as modify for your purposes.

[@johnw.peterson4311]

Great job dad!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks. He's been out of college about 5 or 6 years and he still had this and still in great shape after half a dozen moves.

[@sheljustdoes]

This is the most wholesome and helpful woodworking tutorial that I've found on KZbin. Thanks for this!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you! I helped my younger son, who is high functioning autistic, build a bookshelf for himself. A little more advanced than this one, but if you are interested please check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5mUqZVpqtOLoa8 Either way thank you for the kind words. This was for my older son and it's been several years and he still has this bookshelf and uses it. Gone through several moves and lots of weight on it and it is still holding strong with zero bend in the shelves so you should feel very confident that it will be strong. Hopefully you will build one. If you do please let me know how it turns out.

[@lesliereynolds4148]

Like your sense of humor. And for someone who likes diy but am somewhat of a novice your segments go along at a good pace leaving time to "get it" as we go along.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. Please come back and let me know how yours turns out

[@zaimhazmin8851]

This is actually very nice and doable. Thank you so much!

[@BronkBuilt]

You are welcome. Still holding a bunch of books and not flexing.

[@monalee7687]

The bit with the attention span gave me a good chuckle.. that was so unexpected 😆 I want to build a bookcase for my daughter and I’m a beginner so your video was very helpful to watch. Thank you

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. You can do it! Take your time, measure well, and be safe. About the attention span bit, it is sa

[@patrickdunn8918]

Nice,,,it looks great. Your son is lucky.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks. So many years later and it is still in like me condition and had followed him in several moves.

[@maureenhiggins5715]

Just found your site & I love it! I like longer how to videos that you can follow & understand. Your humor is great too! Thanks

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I do appreciate the kind words.

[@scrapperof5255]

It looks like it came out great! Now to build my daughters. Hope it comes out just as good. Thank you for the video!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks. In about a week or two I should have another book shelf build where I teach my youngest son to build one.

[@juliabitmead5478]

I thought you your editing and filming was great! You made it very easy for us clueless people to understand what you were doing by make it easy to see and it was all very well explained as well. Also your jokes were funny :)

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I've learned a bunch since i started and still learn more with each project. I am having so much fun making these as well. Thanks again.

[@ladynagginghoe1649]

Haha. Loved your humor and your great way of explaining. Subscribed.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. Really appreciate it.

[@leahkristene8933]

You’re a great dad! Very cool project!

[@BronkBuilt]

Well gosh, thank you. Very kind to say.

[@tammyjohnson7401]

Well done, very easy to follow you. Your son should be proud of your carpentry skills.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you

[@veira6685]

had to do a school project u help me so much

[@BronkBuilt]

Glad this helped. Let me know how yours turns out.

[@veira6685]

@@BronkBuilt not as big as yours but turn out very strong and good looking got full marks thank you love your videos

[@BronkBuilt]

@@veira6685 That is awesome! Do you messaging me on my Facebook page with a picture so I can see it?

[@DIYMinded]

Great project! Thanks for taking the time to make and film it. Subscribed!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I do appreciate it!

[@neilmakes702]

Love your videos! Keep them coming!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks. I'm trying to keep them somewhat regular but real life and job are taking my time. I really have a lot of fun doing these. I actually have 3 projects completed that I'm just trying to find time to edit and get them out. Glad you like my videos!

[@jasondowns940]

Man I just loved this video! If I had one critique it would be….SQUIRL!!!!

[@BronkBuilt]

HA!

[@billszymanski4844]

Hits a nice sweet spot between utilitarian and over built.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks. It has held so much weight and still going strong

[@ChrisB5_]

I'm not finding the pre-built shelf that fits my situation, and the ones that I can MAKE work are terrible solutions. Using what you went over here and another video, I believe I found the perfect solution! Thanks for the video, it's really appreciated. It'll be fun to make my own shelf along with being able to make it exactly how I've envisioned all this time.

[@BronkBuilt]

I do love these comments. While you are excited to build your own book shelf, I'm just as excited to know I helped inspire you to do it. Please come back and let me how yours turns out.

[@jandroid1962]

This is great. Very helpful and entertaining. How lucky your son is!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks. I tell him that all the time :)

[@ChuckJ7777]

Great video, my next project is something similar to this and I was looking for a good way to make it sturdy . Love the jokes in it.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks and best of luck on your build

[@shanerod9708]

New subscriber. Really enjoy ur sense of humor and the lesson I plan on building a book shelf for my comics. Thank you.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. My kids do a lot of eye rolling at my humor. Good luck on your build.

[@jnez0108]

Thanks for the funny video. I thought it was just going to be another build video. Thanks. I wish I could build things like this.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. Just jump in, you can do it

[@desmond5593]

Amazing and an excellent job. If only I can buy this off the shelf ! Nice

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you very much!

[@deathy17]

Good video,felt compelled to subscribe nice job,I really like the way you used the face frame to.......oooh something shiny.......ooo something shiny

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I do appreciate it very much.

[@Drakenx88]

Great Video, gotta say that made me chuckle.....squirrel!..... but really great video

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you!

[@rpfcreates4476]

Excellent video man thanks for the inspiration!

[@BronkBuilt]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@siddhartha_1]

Best shelf video I've seen so far

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. If you are looking for another one with a bit more style, look up my video where my younger autistic son builds one for his room.

[@sthrnvoice3198]

Your comment at 5:00 was hilarious.... I enjoyed the video! Plain talk!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks. Just trying to have as much fun as I can.

[@computerterry618]

I love this. You've given me much inspiration and I'm gonna use your template.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. Please come back and let me know how you do. If you want a little more advanced book shelf look for the one I did with my younger son

[@bobdole4916]

This is grade-A ham on top of the nice instruction. Good job.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you

[@roberthenderson5408]

Great video. I'm about to purchase my supplies now at Home Depot. I've subscribed and I also clicked the "bell" to hopefully get ALL notifications. I'm a beginner so I need step by step instructions, like this until I become more advance. Thank you! Well Done

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks and let me know how yours turns out. I've been very busy at my day job so have not posted in a bit but have a few half done so hopefully will have others you'll like soon.

[@roberthenderson5408]

Can u show how to Brad nail trim around a ceiling

[@BronkBuilt]

You mean crown molding? Probably not going to help in time but we just started building out new house and the builder is going to let me do some things myself and that is one off them. Won't be for several months though as we just started grading the land

[@thiniceking12]

This videos made me more confident to make this. Also I’m loving all the dad jokes! 😂

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I love your comment. Go do it! Please come back and let me know how yours turns out

[@johnjacob1521]

Nice work Bronk build a giant shoebox storage box

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks. We have a pretty big closest and I was going to build a 36 inch square seating bench with shoe storage on all sides but we are going to down size so that cane of the list. Look fur my closet remodel videos. I designed in shoe storage into that.

[@ludditetechnologies]

That will last a hundred years. Ply is awesome. Good job good vid.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you

[@emmadalrymple4102]

Very nice finished product!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you! Really, thanks for saying that. It does mean a lot to me.

[@ladytrucker9288]

I didn't expect to be laughing while learning, you are a trip. Great video

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I do try.

[@benjiviews4300]

I really liked this video and I have watched a lot of videos about building bookcases recently, yours is the one I am going to try and copy, thank you :)

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. If you liked this you may like the one where I teach my adult son with autism how to build his bookshelf.

[@benjiviews4300]

@@BronkBuilt Thanks I will definitely have a watch of that

[@DanBronk]

Wow ... great project

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks!

[@brodydog8447]

Good video. Everything was explained well

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you

[@crusheverything4449]

Great video! It was as entertaining as it was informative. Nice job!!

[@BronkBuilt]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@rainypath96]

You’re a beast. You make it look easy 💯

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you!

[@trentyoung1135]

Squirrel had me laughing. Subliminal messages don't work but for some reason I felt like I had to subscribe. Great video.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I do try and have fun.

[@nickyfabella3236]

Thanks for the video!!! Around minutes 10:45 I got the sudden urge to subscribe!! I can't explain it but I did!! Really nice book case!!, definitely going to build it!!!

[@BronkBuilt]

Ha! Thank you. If you liked it you may also like the video where I teach my autistic son to build his own bookshelf.

[@alanfriedman3800]

Did the same thing. Down here in SC the builders are not so good. We just moved in paid the builder to go away. I have the pantry, and the master closet to do. Never did this before.

[@BronkBuilt]

I've been out of KZbin land for almost a year now as we have been building our new house. Well, we designed it and hired a builder to build it. We had them leave all built-in areas empty. Pantry, closets, etc. Even had them NOT install a mantel on the fireplace and a few other things. That and my day job took all my time. We moved in about a week ago and now I'm starting all my projects and bookcases/shelving units are on the list as well as many others. I did film a lot so hopefully I'll get time to edit things as I probably have enough for about 6-8 videos as well as all my new projects on my list. I did finish our powder room vanity and mirror. Did those in walnut. Not perfect but still love them. We are in GA and as of about 3 months ago our builder and I are no longer talking. Just turned out, in my opinion, to not be very customer focused and would not take responsibility for anything. Happy he is out of the picture now.

[@EdTravelingEast]

Nicely done!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you

[@SkycladStudio]

Throw some LED strips in there, dude! :o) Nice job!!!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks. I'm sure if my son son would have loved LED's but since he didn't ask for them he didn't get them.

[@Vinnehkins]

"This is for my son's books" Me, seeing the pic at the end: Those are my favorite kind of books! Honestly, though, I'd love to build this for my games and movies. Curious to know how much it cost in materials, especially since I'd have to actually have things precut without a saw of my own and y'know, being pretty sure my neighbors wouldn't be too happy with me sawing on the patio below them (oh apartment living~!)

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks for watching. I did this with one sheet of 4x8 3/4 inch plywood at about $55. I used about $30 for the face. I already had the 1/2 inch plywood fur the back so if I needed to buy it I would get a 4x4 1/4 inch plywood which would run me around $15-$20. Misc screws and paint probably another $10, which I already had. I'm in the Atlanta, GA area shou prices may be different where you are. I worked think as long as you are considerate about what time of day you use the power tools it should be fine even on your apartment patio. You could do this all with just a circular saw which is pretty cheap.

[@Melody246ful]

Just when I was about to hit subscribe, you started talking very slow like the guy on the Clear Eyes commercial. Nevermind. Then you yelled 'squirrel!' Subscribed!!! Thanks for the detailed tutorial and a laugh! 👍🏾

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I do try. ;)

[@mariojhorge23]

Good job. Well done.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you

[@manjubhujanganavar5512]

nice explanation. i liked it .. keep on uploading videos .. i love to watch .. ☺

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I am trying to get more out. I have a lot of fun with them.

[@zafardurrani9544]

Super, lovely, Excellent and nice invention, I like it Although I am not a professional woodworker but I am very fond of woodworking and enjoying the construction process, you are great wood worker, Thank you for providing me the best knowledge and amazing video, Your big fan from Quetta Pakistan

[@BronkBuilt]

Incredibly nice of you to say. Thank you.

[@eln74]

You got it bro, tnx for sharing it...!!!

[@BronkBuilt]

U r welcome. Thx for watching.

[@torey6675]

Beautiful

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you very much!

[@ericlange4531]

Nice video, informative and entertaining(funny), great job

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you

[@shashikanthbc5493]

Really super work bro👍👌🙏

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you

[@gorangrubisic5681]

excellent work, excellent video!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I do appreciate it.

[@stevepickering5978]

Nice work mate

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I do appreciate it.

[@wolfyaway424242]

Just a great video, I like the build but you really made it fun to ... Squirrel!!!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I do try and have fun.

[@centenntrucker8496]

Great video man.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you!

[@mytosismisco554]

Teaching the right way! Squirrel!

[@BronkBuilt]

Ooooooooh... I hate squirrels

[@warkasp3030]

Hahaha, "squirrel" that was fantastic.

[@BronkBuilt]

Oooh, I hate squirrels :)

[@sexton610]

You're funny! Made me laugh. Thank you! Great video!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. I get eye rolls from my kids with my humor, but I am just having fun.

[@beencraftn6612]

Beautiful, bruh!

[@BronkBuilt]

HA! Thanks. If you like this one, check out the book case my autistic son created. Fairly recent video on my channel.

[@beencraftn6612]

@@BronkBuilt so AWESOME and will do!! Thank you!! :)

[@julianglasgow868]

Wow good job

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you. Still holding lots of very heavy text books of my son and his roommates with no problem at all. Thanks for stopping by and the nice comment.

[@Ericamann24]

Great video, I always love how you make it funny. I've seen a lot of youtubers in need of a good diy backdrop for their videos. I think you could make a great one that somehow was able to switch out backdrops really easily. Keep up the great work!

[@russianbear2]

Perfect beginner project

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks. It truly is. Doesn't need to be as large for sure (mine is basically 4' x 4') but is very straight forward to build.

[@torey6675]

Hmm. We will see.. I'll give it a shot

[@BronkBuilt]

@@torey6675 Please do. It is a very forgiving project as well.

[@MusiqTruth]

Helpful and hilarious lol thank you!

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you! I do try. 😀

[@ericawilliams5726]

Great video

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you

[@savedbygrace463]

I just couldn't help but think 'Dang! Your son must be extremely hard on furniture.' lol It is beautiful though and yes, real wood is always best.

[@BronkBuilt]

Yes, he is :) Not only him, his roommates as well. This was in a public area of his apartment/dorm and they were going to weight it down with A LOT of weight. I remember going over one time and seeing every shelf (including the top) loaded with text book and the 2nd to bottom shelf had several 5 pound weights on it. No sag. He still has it today and it has survived at least 4 "I'll buy pizza if you help" moves where you know his buddies were not super careful with packing and moving.

[@savedbygrace463]

@@BronkBuilt real wood is great and I love the smell of it. My grandfather got me hooked on it (he was a builder). I personally wouldn't have choose black neither but hey whatever they want, right? Lol. I have college student(s) as well and have been through it.

[@lostboi3974]

Good job

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you

[@dennislopez3126]

Funny video and very informative, thank you

[@BronkBuilt]

Your welcome and thank you for the kind words.

[@hansvonstetten3236]

nice video, thanks

[@BronkBuilt]

You are welcome. Thank you for the comment.

[@jasonwoodland474]

Awesome build. I'm so glad I found this video as I was looking for a 4ft bookcase build. The only change being an additional shelf. Do you have plans and/or a materials list?

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you for watching. Sorry i don't have plans and the bookcase is 100 miles away with my son. From memory sides and shelves were from a single 4x8 3/4" sheet. I had a 1/4" half sheet already for the back. Memory is not great these days so may be wrong.

[@jasonwoodland474]

@@BronkBuilt Hey thanks...with this and the video I should be good to go.

[@brandoncarter4318]

Paint the back first! I wish I had watched this a week ago before I built my own project. My back was killing me!

[@BronkBuilt]

Yeah, i think that did save me a good bit of work. I'm sure your work was worth it and it came out great.

[@trentyoung1135]

I wish I had thought about staining before assembling my tv stand I built.

[@BronkBuilt]

It does make things easier sometimes

[@BronkBuilt]

Glad yours is. Ours is showing no wear at all.

[@olgajoachimosmundsen4647]

I've seen a lot of plywood-furniture from the 70's. Usually it holds up really well! Plywood is a very good material for making furniture, much more than particle board! If you also have thick plates they tend to stay straight. This cabinet will last 30 years easily

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks!

[@tanishabussey7208]

Hi I just found your video and really like it! I’m new to woodworking and want to build my own bookshelves and you made this seem really easy so thank you! Would it still be strong if I made it taller with the same width and an extra shelf or two?

[@BronkBuilt]

Yes it would. The face frame on the front of each shelf and the same on the back of the shelf is what really gives it its strength. On top of that, glueing the back "face" frame to the back panel really locks in the strength. If you make these as deep as I made mine you should be good, but if you go much taller then you should probably thing about anchoring it to a wall or making sure all heavy items are on the bottom shelf and nothing but light ones up top. You definitely don't want it tipping over on someone. Let me know how yours turns out.

[@emmycon4514]

I subscribed because of the great content I think😂

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you! I have know idea why i had a jump in subs after i published this video. ;-)

[@emmycon4514]

BronkBuilt hahahahaha

[@RDMANGLEYT]

That attention span bit was perfected by the ad placement

[@BronkBuilt]

Cool. I don't place the ads. The KZbin figures out where they should go.

[@RDMANGLEYT]

@@BronkBuilt weell ended up being perfected

[@isabelb00]

Thank you! What tools do you absolutely suggest I have to get this project done. If I was to get the wood cut at a home improvement store what should I ask for? Do you have a tools and materials list? I don’t want to buy more than what I need. First timer over here

[@BronkBuilt]

First, thank you for watching. As far as a cut list go to the description area of my video and scroll WAAAY down. I've had a few people ask for a cut list and while I didn't have one I took measurements on one of my visits to my son's house. Now, for building your own for just getting started into woodworking and not having tools... The problem with having the big box stores cut your work is they are not always the most accurate and the cuts are not always the cleanest. Also, I'm not sure they would make this many cuts for you. But you can certainly ask. Just bring my cut list. I want to ask that with any tool, even hand tools but especially power tools please read how to use them, use them properly, and wear proper safety equipment. I don't know your budget or your comfort level but here are a few tools that you may want to get... Oh, and don't let any of the tool bigets tell you what brand to get. I use Ryobi and get some haters saying it is junk. I completely disagree. I love my Ryobi tools. They have tons of equipment that run on the same battery and they have not changed their battery format in 30 years. They are inexpensive and every Home Depot carries them. Find the tools in your budget. As you get more into the hobby you can then decide which tools do you want to spend more on. First is a drill. Weather you want cordless or corded is up to you. Cordless are very convenient but you have the cost of batteries and chargers. Corded are generally far less expensive. Next for me would be a circular saw. Through in miscellaneous clamps and with that you can build a ton of stuff. If you are comfortable with it and have the budget, then a tablesaw. Also, a pocket hole jig can be incredibly useful. They can be as cheap as $30 all the way to to $150 or more. Until just about a week ago I used my $30 version which I have had for years. For your first project here is what I recommend. I would first make it 2 feet wide instead of 4. Instead of doing it all in plywood, only use plywood for the back piece. For that the big box store should cut no problem for you. Next I would use all pine 1 x material from the big box store. The sides, bottom, and shelves I'd make 1 x 12. For the face frame I'd use you could try and cut from another 1 x 12 but I think I'd buy pine 1 x 2 boards. Now you have your back piece already cut and even if the big box store didn't cut exactly to your size you cut your boards to fit the back piece. You can use your circular saw to cut the boards to size and simply screw them together. Oh, you'll need a tape measure. You can get wood putty to cover all the screw holes if you want for paint. This way you are getting used to using your drill and your circular saw while using inexpensive wood. If you make a mistake, that's okay. Oh, another I forgot. Sand paper! You can buy orbital sanders if you want of simply fold the sand paper around a block of wood sized nicely for your hand. I feel I've gone on and on. There are some good videos out there for starting your shop on a budget that go over their opinion on what tools you should buy first. Check those out as well. If you want more details then feel free to message me on my facebook page and I'll try and work you through it. Just have fun and be safe!

[@channelremoved1917]

Cool bookshelf. My attention span thanks you as well.

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks

[@matthewprince6157]

Weird. I wasn't thinking about subscribing but i got the strange compulsion to do so. I just can't explain it.

[@BronkBuilt]

Strange how that can happen :) Thanks for watching, and subscribing!

[@raider762]

Nice shelf. I need to build a 2"x12" shelf. 5 shelves tall. Should I use a dado blade or router to notch the sides?

[@BronkBuilt]

I don't have a dado blade so I use a router. Much less expensive also.

[@marymendez4178]

I would of loved to own a piece that this but not so wide and not in black, for my taste I would of added legs to it to make it more feminine. I need selves like this to place it in my dinning rm for tea cups and plates, plants. Thank you so much for taking your time to explain the details. If you wasn't so far, I would place an order, is better than buying it at the store's you mentioned, Thank you!

[@BronkBuilt]

So very kind of you to say. Thank you. I agree that this was wider than I would have done for myself, as well as all black would not be my choice. But these were the measurements and color my son wanted so that is what he got. For more of a tea and china shelving unit I totally agree that putting on legs and probably only about 2 feet wide instead of 4 would look great. I think I would also make it no where near as deep either. It's been a while but I think these shelves were 14 inches deep. For what you are wanting I'd think 8 - 10 inches would be better.

[@cattaleyaaa.n01]

i’m trying to build multiple book shelves for my mums store & i think this video was very informative. i don’t have all those tools sadly but i can always improvise. what are the measurements for every wood you cut? that’s something i couldn’t keep up with 🥰

[@BronkBuilt]

Thanks for watch... My son wanted the overall dimensions to be 4' x 4' so here are the measurements as I built it. One thing you should definitely do is only cur the sides, top, and shelves. Measure those for exact measurements for the face frame and back braces rather than go for my measurements. Plywood is not exactly 3/4". Also, I was able to maximize my plywood because I was painting it. If you are staining it you may not be able to maximize as much as you'll want to pay attention to grain direction to make it look nicer. Sides 48" x 14" Bottom, top, and 2 middle shelves 46" x 12 3/4" (This allows for the 3/4" back brace and the 1/2" back panel) Brace for bottom back 46" x 1 1/2" (about 4:11 in my video) Braces for 2 middle shelves attached to back 46" x 2" Face frame 1 1/2" Sides: 48" 4 shelves: 44 1/2" Definitely measure these to the actual assembled case as yours will certainly be different by a little Back piece of 1/2" plywood (could use 1/4" just fine - I used 1/2 because I had it already) 46" x 47.25" Now that I have shown what I did, if doing it again I would see if the width would be okay to be a bit over 48" wide. Say about 49 1/2". The reason is it will save you a ton of cutting as the playwood is already 48" wide. In the above all those 46" lengths means you are cutting the 48" plywood to 46". If you make the inside dimentions of the bookcase 48" then you don't have to cut those to size. So, doing it again, this is what I'd have for measurements: Sides and top 48" x 14" Bottom and 2 middle shelves 48" x 12 3/4" (This allows for the 3/4" back brace and the 1/2" back panel) Brace for bottom back 48" x 1 1/2" (about 4:11 in my video) Braces for 2 middle shelves attached to back 48" x 2" Face frame 1 1/2" Sides: 48" 4 shelves: 46 1/2" Definitely measure these to the actual assembled case as yours will certainly be different by a little Back piece of 1/2" plywood (could use 1/4" just fine - I used 1/2 because I had it already) 48" x 48" I truly did my best to give you accurate measurements here. Good Luck and let me know how it goes!

[@Dirtyboxer1]

I think I'm going to build this. I have an Ikea bookcase at work that is really sagging in the middle because it's a few years old and we overloaded it from the start. I'll probably build one the same width, but I'll use the same procedure.

[@BronkBuilt]

Awesome! Let me know how it turns out.

[@Dirtyboxer1]

@@BronkBuilt Will do. I looked at your suggestion of making 48" shelves. I like it, but I can't shoehorn in a shelving unit that large. I have a Billy that's about 31" wide. It's in pretty sorry shape. I plan to make the new one 36" wide, otherwise the dimensions are the same.

[@BronkBuilt]

Cool. I'd still add the trim to the front and back of each shelf. The face trim makes it look much better and both add a ton of strength.

[@jackharrison4249]

good video

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you

[@JesusChrist-sm4bm]

I was wondering. I am makeing a shelf around 1 1/2 to 2 feet. Would I or would you recommend still adding the face frame.

[@BronkBuilt]

If you use 3/4 inch plywood and you are not going to load it a bunch of weight then not needed. I wouldn't go longer than that though. Definitely would not need the added frame on the back of the shelves but in my opinion the face frames make it look a lot nicer.

[@phillnavin1212]

I don’t know why, but I had an urge to subscribe 🤷‍♂️

[@BronkBuilt]

Sometimes we just get cravings for no reason at all. ;)

[@davewilliams355]

Ha ha Squirrel,,,,,, and no subliminal ads don't work, now subscribed by the way......

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you for the sub! Yeah, I don't know how some companies stoop to even trying subliminal ads. I don't believe they work either but very unethical to even try. I'd never stoop that low ;)

[@rrhopewell]

Nice

[@BronkBuilt]

Thank you!