DIY Mid-Century Modern Plywood Bookcase / Shelf. FREE PLANS

Today on Modern Builds: How to build a mid century modern bookcase out of 3/4" maple plywood. I used limited tools to create this simple woodworking project so that it can be replicated and modified. If you're interested in building this bookshelf, follow the link to the written article on my website where I have free plans including a cut list and other helpful tips and measurements.
Special thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring this video. Go to www.squarespace.com/modernbuilds and use the code "MODERNBUILDS" to receive 10% off your first purchase.
STUFF I USED:
3/4" Maple Plywood
Multi-Square: (Amazon) geni.us/Ni0C4DT
Wood Glue: (Amazon) geni.us/vV9H5n
Kreg Jig Drill Bit: (Amazon) geni.us/mSpO
Screws: (Amazon) geni.us/03ezYk
Plugs: (Amazon) geni.us/Eg9t
Simple Finish w/ Wax:makerbrandco.com/collections/simple-finish/products/simple-finish-hardening-finish-with-wax-sealer-for-wood
Jessie's Bookshelf Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaDaeHR-g8ubh9U
Written article + FREE Plans:
www.modernbuilds.com/diy-mid-century-modern-bookcase
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Thanks for watching! -Mike Montgomery
MODERN BUILDS
www.modernbuilds.com/

[@foreverfashionista33]

I built this and it turned out great!! It did take a bit of time and me and my dad had to keep coming back to it to finish but everyone looooves it. It was a little harder than the mirror of yours I made and the coffee table I sort of customized because I couldn’t find a large piece of raw wood or whatever was needed but still wasn’t too hard if you have the tools. I love that you can always customize the pieces you show!

[@HenryRob]

I bought this as a gift for my friend kzbin.infoUgkxcZqgZ8Ynkiz5n_LxIWRlAicuzmz5kCHG who is just starting out in the world of wood work. He loves it!! There is a great section on different wood and what to use for what kind of job and a similar section for tools as well. The projects in it are things you probably would have a go at with clear instructions, pictures, videos and diagrams throughout. Great for a beginner/amateur wood worker.

[@ModernBuilds]

Today on Modern Builds I'm going to show you how to build this Mid Century Modern Plant Stand..... I mean Bookshelf. On Modern Builds ;)

[@eulaliaespinoza7362]

Thanks nice vid and its only using simple tools

[@JohnMadeit]

hahaha plant stand not good for the seo. looks great

[@jason_games1759]

Modern Builds do you live in Edmond

[@kiger363]

Looks great! May want to put at least one book on it.

[@ModernBuilds]

haha!

[@diyhuntress]

My face while watching this build: 🤤 That plywood base is insanely cool. I think I’m going to have to use that technique in a build soon. Thanks for the inspiration! ✌🏼

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

I really like he base and even more how easily you were able to design and cut it. I will definitely be coming back to this video to watch how you made it again when I make my own similar base.

[@EasterEggspert]

Thanks for this. I made one but changed it up a little from your design. Took 4 1/2 hours including danish oiling it. I made he base/legs smaller and a bit thicker and its strong as a tank! thanks again

[@lechateaudenikki]

So smart with the kreg bit

[@AmplifyDIY]

Really great tip on the mid century legs. I'll have to remember that!

[@pukitokiho6141]

I'm in love with your plant stand. I mean bookcase 😁

[@Rox123ify]

Really clever. It'd be cool to see what else you can come up with using only a single sheet of plywood

[@ModernBuilds]

Challenge Accepted!

[@elsplace896]

It's gorgeous.

[@marisotoserna]

that jazz music is so perfect for watching these videos

[@natelarge]

Nice to see you using the open air workshop.

[@ModernBuilds]

It's awesome!

[@MiroAcronymity]

Hi Mike, thanks for making this build so accessible. It is rare that I have the exact same tools and can just replicate what I saw in the video. You have given me another incentive to buy a Kreg pocket tool jig, too, as it comes with a 'free' bit :)

[@JeffreyMoon1974]

Regarding access to screws that you can't drive with your impact driver: consider using a flexible right angle drill extension. I bought one from Home Depot for a project a couple of months ago and it worked GREAT! You can swap out the bits and they are held magnetically to ensure that nothing slips while you drive home those screws. Great build, Mike!

[@fcschoenthal]

You can also get a right angle drill adapter at HD too.

[@ModernBuilds]

Right on! haven't tried one of the flexible right angle adapters. Cool to hear it worked well!

[@joshcosta423]

I'm loving this with the idea of making cubbies for certain bins! The wife loves it too for our soon to be baby room 😲

[@RCW-Designs]

Good looking shelf Mike. I think I'd have to cover the edges with hardwood myself. I tend to lean towards the Chris method of working with plywood, but either way I glad to see you back doing a furniture project.

[@felixfromnebraska8648]

Great project, Mike, I loved it without the base, but then when you added it, WOW, that really set it off for me. Thanks again for all the work you do, and for sharing it here.

[@FrankColesMadeEasy]

Love those legs. I’m going to adapt it for a banquette base with storage.

[@rawlsawh2804]

why does no one use bookshelves for books anymore? love the video Mike. sleek design

[@WhtsUpYoung]

Kindle.

[@natelarge]

We are to busy building bookshelves.

[@ruben-wb7bt]

Do you really have so many Books that you need a bookshelve ?

[@rawlsawh2804]

lenny lewis so many*

[@jayal5771]

Books are expensive, I just buy a copy on ebook. Cost $1.

[@pedromeza2398]

Very good information video, and I like that you justify your sponsor, because they too have a lot to offer.

[@SkewToob]

You gotta get a right-angle adapter for your drill. I have one from a black and yellow company that starts with a D, but I'm sure other companies make them as well. Really handy when you need one.

[@ModernBuilds]

Haha! Yeah, the wrench / bit combo isn't fast

[@sportstertaco]

I like it. Very customizable.

[@TheLastSebastian]

Keeping it simple 👍🏼 Haven't got an excuse not to try this out.

[@amy733462]

Instead of making that wonderful and intricate base, do you think installing taper legs to the base with angled leg mounting plates would be sturdy enough to hold the entire thing up if it is mostly filled with books? Thanks! Love the video

[@CorsoWorkshop]

Looks great! Simply design, but still looks stylish. Great project man!

[@garagemonkeysan]

Clever. Customizable. Love the color of the outdoor workshop. 😊

[@balconygarden3902]

I learn something new every time I watch your videos! Terrific tip on the Kreg drill bit. Love the shelving unit, simple and strong.

[@ModernBuilds]

Thanks a lot!! :)

[@happysmile-kids]

wow,,,u r smart person mike,love it ur design

[@ChetsChannel]

Excellent bookcase, now you need to add some books to it

[@GabeSchultz1]

Duuuuuuuuuuuude!! This looks amazing!!!!!!

[@rchavez5056]

Great tip on the Kreg bit.👍👍

[@sapelesteve]

Very nicely done & I really like how that base turned out. I would have used either iron on Maple veneer or hardwood strips to cover the edges. I also would have put a back on it, but that's just me................ :)

[@Duran-Richardson]

Awesome video and build Mike! Really inspiring for us amateur diy carpenters!

[@brickdaddiy]

Have you actually tested this full of books to see if the legs hold up under the weight of books?

[@briannamarcus5287]

I was wondering this myself. The legs come to a pretty sharp point and are only one inch thick. I could see the pressure of several hundred pounds of books causing the ply to delaminate. I hope it holds up!

[@jtotheb-ip2hh]

great design, mike. very simple and very cool. i have made legs like the ones you made here, but using solid wood and a bunch of little pieces and weird angles -- and they're riddled with mistakes! the way you made them is so much better. you could've also cut notches and attached them crisscross for another little design element. anyway, very cool project in total. thanks for the inspiration! rock on.

[@AEXdesignhouse]

Neat man! I liked it - it kinda reminds me of an old TV

[@sabrinab5819]

Great job!!! And i appreciate the michael scott reference 😂😉

[@susanthalakshitha9927]

Thank you

[@sierrae1233]

Home depot NEVER cut my lumber accurately. Each cut is whatever unique measurement that the associate feels like cutting that day 🙃

[@RainbowQuasarsMD]

Sam! except this one time it took a guy 45m to cut 4 boards once bc he was being OCD level accurate...

[@natebrooks7015]

Best video you’ve done! Thanks.

[@rs42sport]

Awesome another great video, have a great holiday Mike

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Great project

[@codykenison5062]

Love your videos

[@shantayprueeissen8914]

I bought plans from woodprix and I made it very fast.

[@shantelguetgen4157]

That is awesome!

[@ntsjames9523]

Share it with me

[@alashourybrack]

Interested. And valuable information, thank you very much.

[@jtklop]

Great build man!

[@iveranswer]

u can get a dewalt angle bit holder in homedepot(ur sponsor), tight space will no longer problem for screwing

[@JonnyBuilds]

Awesome!

[@snoww2009]

Very nice looking bookcase. Is plywood a better choice than real wood (those you can find in Home Depot or Lowe’s) for making shelves and furnitures?

[@WatchMeDIYIt]

Nice, Mark!

[@Unlovable]

love the base!

[@ModernBuilds]

Thanks a lot!!

[@rnmaa1914]

This is an awesome build. This is going to be my first project. When we are locating the holes for kreg drill, what's the guide, how far away from the top and left, right should we offset What's the small little tool you used for tapping the predrill? For the modern feet, you had to get a second sheet of maple? and the kreg screws are the same 1-1/4?'

[@SangTrailKitchen]

I love it, I want to make it

[@adaytoremember592]

Definitely going to take a crack at this, and maybe apply the base/legs tips to a dog bed project

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Very nice design and build. I can think of at least one book that might be stored upon your bookcase/plant stand, (HomeMade Modern: Smart DIY Designs for a Stylish Home)? Great job Mike, I hope you have a Merry Christmas.

[@FlokrollProjects]

Looks great. keep up the good job

[@CharlieHayward]

i love this design!

[@alashourybrack]

interested. And valuable information, thank you very much.

[@SlowNorwegian]

WOw. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@TranTheClever]

Awesome DIY....one question I have . ...I am thinking of making this for my books? Rope bookshelf sort off ....Will it handle a good amount of weight? 5:39

[@goemaerefabian6998]

excellent bravo

[@TapelessDrywallFinishing]

Awesome

[@TheGoodContent37]

Would to see your aproach on building a cabinet with a door for displaying collectibles. Say 1/64 diecast cars or figurines. That would be so popular among collectors like myself :)

[@rosahoneywood6778]

how much did this project cost? (ie for the wood etc)? I want to do it but I'm a student and can't if it is too expensive sadly :(

[@PaulTranDIY]

Great tips! Love this

[@HairKingBlake]

Thanks for the inspiration! Very green here. What grit sand paper did you use to get rid of pencil markings?

[@RogerCurran]

Is this not really wobbly when pushed from the side? Maybe a couple of pieces in vertical orientation needed for rigidity?

[@splicerparade8795]

This is amazing! Do you think it would be achievable by a beginner, or is it more of an advanced, know-what-you're-doing thing? I'm moving soon to a larger place and I'd like to make some simple furniture, but my building experience is limited to making warhammer terrain out of foamboard lol.

[@Manny-117]

There is absolutely nothing advanced about this you can do it 👍

[@ziyaaddocrat5185]

Nice build

[@mpunce]

If you use 2 drill bits instead of Kreg's one, you should first drill the big hole half way and than the small hole. This way the big drill won't jump arround the small hole.

[@Warssawwa]

Nice design! But I sure would have changed things up a bit with a hardwood base, and possibly a change up in shelf colors. But yours do work great, and keeps cost low

[@johnfisher4910]

Thanks so much for the video. Will you please provide a link to the angle clamp you're using?

[@dane8122]

Can you post the link for the plans on this bookcase? I plan to incorporate this into a closet design. Thanks!

[@TJSWOODWORKINGSHOP]

It is very awesome my brother, I like it it's a very good project to later :)

[@rnmaa1914]

How do I manage Kreg drill bit tear out on the plywood? The drill is causing a bit of tear outs.

[@TranTheClever]

SUPERBE RANGEMENT MERCI DU PARTAGE A+ 1:22

[@Guiller369]

Love it...

[@NIMNEZZY]

awesome! but where did you get your boots and jean? mad fly

[@conqwiztadore2213]

i dont know about the base.. looks great

[@ronnakeil3313]

Nice

[@ppahl2166]

At 1:07, what is that little metal tool you use to mark where you will place your screws?

[@dinorahrosallis-goncalves734]

What size sheet would you recommend? You mentioned 3/4", but by what L and W?

[@johnnyesleo]

Sir can you tell me about that boots please? I want to get a pair, btw will be doing that shelf, really good job!

[@ModernBuilds]

Nice, They're these: amzn.to/2QGyRoT

[@johnnyesleo]

@@ModernBuilds Thanks!

[@jw1731]

@@ModernBuilds thanks, been wondering for years i think lol

[@samococo]

a bit random but, where are your boots from? They look good!

[@TranTheClever]

LMAO that was sweet. Can't thank you enough awesome teacher. Thanks again sweet 2:41

[@davidsinclair4589]

Freaking love this

[@descargasdenia3161]

Buen trabajo

[@neural9]

What grade plywood? b or bb?

[@claytonblubaugh6550]

What kind of boots do you wear?

[@melikegursoy1927]

kinda in love with him

[@JULIO400M]

Have you posted the plans for this? I really wanna do it

[@kippwilkinson1484]

How would you hang this on the wall?

[@iwanuch222]

Ooh i'm gonna build this tomorrow! Just wondering if you do both metric systems for the PDF copies? c:

[@brookersmileman4729]

How Must A Circular Saw Be Fenced?

[@bazej6708]

Mike, could you add link to your friend's bookshelf please? :)

[@bangximdead]

I think it’s Jessie Uyeda (Ben Uyeda’s sister) from home made modern here on KZbin. You can look them up on their channel :) hope that helps.

[@ModernBuilds]

Thanks for reminding me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaDaeHR-g8ubh9U

[@markosgstudios5007]

i love that but i think the legs do match the design is mid century but it dosent look right with thin wood i think it would look alot better with metal legs but anyway it looks awesome like it is

[@30Lp]

Almost skipped by this video on my subscription feed the thumbnail looked too exposed almost as if I have already watched the video ya know what I mean. If you notice not the same views may want to increase the contrast a little. Anyways love the video excited to see what 2019 brings for you

[@descoiatorul]

Shouldn't the sides sit on top of the base? That joint looks feeble if there's too much weight on the shelves above.