How to Build a Simple Bookcase - Sofa Table

Bookcase Plans jonpeters.com/...
My Woodworking Plans jonpeters.com/
Learn how to build a sofa table bookcase from start to finish and download the Design Plans from my website. The bookcase was designed for a client's home and we chose Sapele wood for the top and base, which has a ton of character.
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[@똠양꿍-r8b]

Fits well into my space, I painted the back green. It's very easy to customize just the back if that's something you want to do. I would suggest sanding it first before painting, I got a little impatient. The shelves kzbin.infoUgkxM8H4CjCb79vzeyvgaFMdzmLm88oVFPMkare pretty small so keep that in mind if you're going to have it horizontal that some books won't fit. I like the snug look that it has. Good small shelf if you don't have much space, but not too small. Simple to put together, though you'll need your own tools, a screwdriver and a mallet/hammer, it's easiest to do with another person.

[@JayWandersOut]

Beautiful work. It makes me sick though watching you guys put pieces together and they fit absolutely perfectly seemingly on the first try.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+JayXX Thanks Jay, I'll talk about that on Tuesday

[@GiftPrincessBuhman]

Love it! How much did you charge the client for this beautiful piece of furniture? Just curious. :)

[@BillHantzopoulos]

Boy Jon, it amazes me how you can take a fairly simple piece and make it so classy. I say it al the time, truly first class work. You make improvements and add detail I would never even think of adding. That's why I love your videos.

[@aldunlop4957]

8 years later and this man's projects are still some of the best that you'll find on the internet.

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

Great work as usual Jon, the top is beautiful!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Lane Bros WoodShop Thanks man

[@gudjonolafsson]

Didn't you just drill and countersink the holes? The PRE- is superfluous. If you really want to use the prefix pre- you might use it for everything: you pre-cut the sides, pre-drill and pre-countersink them, pre-glue and, in the end, you pre-stir the paint before painting. Sorry for this, it's just the constant pre-drilling that gets my heckle up.

[@l1m1n4l]

This is excellent craftsmanship. And you gotta love a guy who tucks in a sweatshirt with no belt 😉

[@pesh6772]

Awesome project! How did you attach the top?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+jim peccia Thanks Jim

[@19Photographer76]

"Pretty Heavy", I was thinking it would take 3 guys to move it... Looks terrific in that room, well done!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+David Dube (Oregon Gardening) Thanks David

[@davidfisher3710]

Hey jon, I built this sofa table following your plans and it turned out great! I used old pallet wood boards that my wife sanded and finished for the top and base mold, and it turned out very good. Thanks for the plans and inspiration. I also wondered if you had ever built a corner curio? My wife wants one for a kitchen corner, and I hoped you had the plans for one. Keep up the good work, can't wait for the next project.

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

That looks great Jon, really like the design contrasts of this one.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+The ShavingWood Workshop Thanks Tommy

[@346659]

Cool. How much is this stand for books? If you buy made to order you have.

[@johnnywest5445]

Great work Joh, really looks good. Just a couple of quick questions though. What's the reason you mitered the back molding and not the front? Wouldn't a mitered joint look cleaner, or did you use a filler to hid the joint completely? Also, like a few other I'm wondering how you attached the top.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Johnny West Thanks Jonny, I'll try to go over that on Tuesday

[@fixitwithzim]

Wow, that came out nice Jon. Great job!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+zimsjeep Thanks

[@christopherc7860]

Why aren't you using your cadex 23 that you reviewed a couple months ago? Did it fall out of favor?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Christopher Crenshaw Christopher, I answer this in yesterday's Q&A video

[@elihickey785]

Great job as always. I really enjoy the longer videos. Thank you!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Eli Hickey Thanks Eli

[@leapinglemurcraftworks6426]

Looks great John. I thought the doubling of the 3/4 ply was a bit much until I saw the finished product - looks great. Gives it a sense of depth, strength and quality. You have an eye for combining stained wood with painted wood - what color paint is that. Looks like it has a tinge of green in it - hard to tell on the video - looks great against the stain. It's a shame the back is up against the sofa - you did a nice job with the detail on the back - again, goes to quality.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+The 2 Car Garage Shop Thanks man

[@DIYTyler]

Excellent build and great video Jon.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Tyler G Thanks Tyler

[@Jesse-gv9tf]

is that a Bostitch finish nailer or brad gun. What gauge nails are they being used? Thank you.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Janahreturns yes, 18 Gauge

[@jukeman57]

The book case looks great. Walter was a big help moving a fairly heavy piece. Another great project and video. Thanks Jon!

[@rayleder3705]

Great project, Jon. Turned out beautiful. You do amazing work!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Mark Blomster Thanks Mark

[@tompalmer334]

outstanding product well thought out and presented great explanations of the process i usually tend to have mind wondering but you kept my interest in the full process start to finish Thanks for such a great video

[@童雷-t9b]

干的漂亮

[@kimshirley7014]

Great piece of furniture Jon! I really like the look of stained wood with the offset of paint! Your craftsmanship is remarkable! You make it look so easy! A great combination of art and craftsmanship!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Kim Shirley Thanks Kim

[@themrnorwood]

Jon P. makes the tightest miters in the world. Do you not do a prestain prior to staining?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+themrnorwood ha : ) thank you, no I don't

[@WesHamstra]

I love how simple looking its. Love the lines. Great project!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Wes Hamstra (Wes Hamstra Woodworking) Thanks Wes

[@gra643]

Como siempre un gran trabajo. Felicidades

[@jmartinez4460]

Do u or can u spray the painted section of the box case for better wear? I've been very curious about doing that in my next project. Thx

[@skyecooleyartwork]

Can you show how you wrap and transport your finished pieces some time?

[@RSLWoodworking]

Jon do you make your plans available for downloading?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Robert Lawrie on my site, but my site went down, should be up soon

[@tompritch56]

Do you have a particular way you price your furniture. That was a great project. Thanks for posting.

[@sjbl1962]

Jon, that turned out incredible. I like the contrasting colors. Just curious, do you every build a piece of furniture or create a piece of art for a client and then find it difficult to let it go?

[@FilmFactry]

Can you do a video on the Epoxy painting technique?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+FilmFactry sure thing

[@campioni8790]

Just finished my version of it! Awesome project and relatively easy to build. Thanks Jon!

[@ron0126]

How was the top fastened?

[@drummereef]

Just wondering why you prefer to brush your paints versus spraying since you have a nice HVLP gun setup? The project turned out great! Really enjoyed the shots of the cabinet in context at the clients home.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Mangos as Weapons Thanks man

[@samuelprudhomme3726]

The way you explained the entire project is simply perfect Jon! I hope woodworking will be part of my life in the future ! Beautifull project, it's not complicated but equipements heavy :s good luck with your projects!

[@GVGVIT]

Wow! It's beautiful! I didn't know that you are using plywood for furniture in America. In Ukraine (Poland too and probably in other European countries) we have chipboard furniture (low and mid-range). More expensive furniture is made of plain wood and/or combination of plywood, MDF and wood veneer. Do you even have chipboard (with plastic veneer) furniture there? I'm also curious how smooth is painted plywood.

[@senatordiy5253]

I am watching this video for the 3. or even the 4. time right now :D

[@Ox-Plays]

I gotta be honest, I was a little surprised when you didn't use any dados, is there a reason for this?

[@alanstepanek6837]

Jon, this is beautiful. You're instruction is super clear. So much so, I am making one for my daughter as a first woodworking project. I have one question as I get close to finishing it up...how did you attach the top?

[@affromma]

Jon, Nice work. Can I assume you 1-coated the sapele with stain and top-coated with water-based lacquer? [I don't think you would use a solvent-based lacquer since your exhaust fan isn't 'explosion-proof'?]

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Benny Hannah Thanks Benny

[@trojanman22]

John, as usual you do FABULOUS work and I'm a huge fan. I have one question as I'm getting ready to build some cabinets for my wife's aunt. Why not use MDF to save some costs on the wood instead of using birch plywood???

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Lane Simmons Thanks Lane, I'll talk about that on Tuesday

[@danielceja395]

Mr. Jon, that top is beautiful!!! One question, what size compressor do you use with you sprayer. I have a bostich, 5 gallon, 150 psi do you think that would be sufficient for that type of sprayer?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Daniel Ceja I use a turbine sprayer

[@KevinJohnson-hi1xf]

what model table saw do you own?

[@FrancisoDoncona]

A carpenter trying to make furniture. Less nails and screws, use glue and clamps. Furniture is not constructed like a shed, weight matters, form follows function. You would have used less wood if you have carved it out of a tree trunk. Double layers of already heavy plywood? Why not just use two by fours if you were just going to paint it? Heavy doesn’t always equal quality, bulky isn’t strong it’s wasteful. Not to be totally negative, I love your shop work surface design. A table saw incorporated into large flat work surface as you progressed. Great for staging, clamp ups , and finishing in a one man shop. Multiple use, ample size and space utility. But screws are for removable parts as knobs and wheels not structure . Brad align , they do not replace clamps

[@LZACCARO]

Jon, Fantastic job. as always very beautiful. Congrats. L.ZACCARO

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+L ZACCARO Thanks man

[@Climber39]

You know you're really great at something when you can make it look this easy and you're able to explain it in a way that anyone can easily understand. I do have one question though. How did you attach the top of the bookcase?

[@JPMDevelopment]

Did you ever get a reply for this? I'm building this right now and trying to figure it out.

[@JPMDevelopment]

Nevermind. I think I found it... kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4mphHaEh6ifg6s

[@TravisInCanada1]

That stain and framing in the back like you did really set it off. Very nicely done!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Travis In Canada Thanks Travis

[@Wordsnwood]

I really like how you "picture framed" the back. It looks great, and it saves you ton of time in plugging/gluing/sanding all the screw holes. I was surprised that you nailed through the front of the sapele base trim. I'd be interested to hear how you deal with those brad holes. Sapele sanding dust + glue or something like that? Thanks! ...art

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+wordsnwood Thanks Art, I'll go over that on Tuesday

[@patrickpeterman8585]

LOOKS GREAT !! I TRULY ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS; GREAT LEADNING CURVE FOR BEGINNERS !! PATRICK.P

[@isaacnewton9365]

great work... tho I have to get a table saw. Im going to try to make a book shelf

[@chuckbell5771]

Jon, as usual, very classy project. Curious why you hand paint instead of spray. Do you use latex? Also, as far as Sunday's go, do what's best for you. I for one love your content and would appreciate it anytime you want to share it.

[@n.m.v.velazquez1501]

Hola amigos Escribo esto ojalá alguien me pueda alludar Ya que no entiendo el inglés Que acabado aplica en este caso el Sr Peter

[@jameshoerter8090]

Thank you for doing these project lessons. It is a good format for instruction. Please consider doing a bit more advanced projects. I would be happy to pay a fee for some of the more advanced instruction. Please consider some period furniture projects. How about incorporating some veneering and inlay?

[@brandonc3216]

Nice job! The case is great! How do you like that mask you were wearing? I've found them quite uncomfortable.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Daniel Eagle Thanks Daniel, I like it

[@CarolStDenis]

Question. Why do you double up the center supports? Added strength or just for looks?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Carol St.Denis looks

[@PKriger]

+Jon Peters Art & Home I was wondering if glue and brad nails would have been enough to hold these together if it was just for looks? It seems to me that it would save the hole filler step, as well as saving time and $ to drill and set the screws. I do appreciate the great looks and functionality of this project.

[@silvasys]

How did you attach the top? I saw how you finished the base and the top then attached the base with pocket screws, placing the top on the base. In the next scene you're delivering the piece.

[@dpalmer392]

I was wondering the same thing! he must have screwed it on from underneath.

[@kevinwells768]

Have watched the video a couple of times, I was wondering about that as well. Nail gun from underneath? Screwing would leave large unsightly holes.

[@cillyede]

Very nice piece! Hubert, Germany

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Hu “cillyede” Ko Thanks Hubert

[@snappytom8818]

Fantastic Jon. If only quality plywood in Australia was as inexpensive as in the US!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Chris Noonan Thanks Chris

[@mariotibbrine1]

great piece of furniture. what's the end price?

[@simmonsbilt6893]

+Mario Tibbrine I'm interested to see if you get a response. Someone asked me to build them something like this. Woodworking is just a hobby (but a serious hobby) for me and with the time/materials invested I'm not really sure what to tell people for a price that is worth my time.

[@famous636]

+Simmonsbilt I would say 4-500. Of course it needs to be of quality. But if its a hobby set a price that will allow you to buy a new tool or machine.

[@simmonsbilt6893]

Yeah thats what I usually do. Set a price that will cover materials/supplies and allow me to go buy something new that I have been wanting... Of course its of high quality. I think about projects before taking them on. If I think the "customer" would be better suited going somewhere else that is what I recommend.

[@qigong1001]

+Mario Tibbrine If you look at a piece of junk from Pot. Barn...3' wide bookshelf, 2 1/2' tall book shelf is $500. J. Peter's build is larger, more durable and just looks better. ...$800 would be on the bargain side. If he through in some dados for a client who really knows his furniture...$1000.

[@mariotibbrine1]

Right I here ya

[@yasharenner6681]

Like your videos. I want to build a standard 6 ft. high bookshelf without a center support brace. Is there any reason not to make it using modular pieces stacked, as you have done here, rather than a single piece of plywood for the sides? Thanks.

[@brendanhay5788]

Why is there blue tape on your nail gun? Great job on the finished cabinet. I am planning on building your top bar bee hive but it will just take up space around the house. Although I haven't asked if anyone would like to own one in my area. It will be good practice for a beginner like me who needs the experience to improve my woodworking skills.

[@SendItBilly]

Which sprayer are you using? Really nice work. That case has some weight with double plywood!!

[@stevet47]

Maybe I missed it, but how did you attach the top?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+stevet47 Will go over it on Tuesday

[@TheSageDad]

Looks great Jon.. I was wondering though -- it looks like that is some really thick carpet at the house it was installed. For such a narrow base, how do you keep it from wanting to tip back and forth on the squishy carpet? Or is this piece so heavy, that it just compresses to the floor?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+TheSageDad Thanks , yeah it just compresses the carpet, not tippy at all

[@jbessling]

Jon, Any chance you have a new link to this plan and cut list. Old link is no longer valid. Thank you. Great attention to detail in all your work. Really appreciate you showing us your methods.

[@TranTheClever]

Great video, you definitely work smarter not harder lol 2:27

[@stevemcentyre1570]

Structurally this piece is very robust. It will be very sturdy and look great for years and years. The top turned out wonderfully. I like the way you matched the top and base. Nice contrast of colors. First rate stuff. You do good work young man. keep it up.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Steve McEntyre Thanks Steve

[@chas717]

At first I thought that doubling the plywood was overkill, but now I understand why you did. Top notch work, thanks for sharing!

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+chas717 Thank you

[@mike1968442]

Ironically went on utube just hours after you posted looking for sample directions. Im sorry that I sent the email requesting the info, I totally missed that you just posted until after it was sent. I need to make one to fit my size sofa. Thanks so much for the tips. Sally in Pennsylvania

[@jerrymenace1687]

I wouldnt mind paying $1000s for that, compare to furnitures at ikea

[@hinduspl]

Hi Jon. great result. Can i ask how you paint it white and get so nice subtle glossy surface? something between heavy gloss and mat?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+hinduspl Thanks

[@SnyderTools]

Do u have a brother named Dave Peters in Cali?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Matt Lytle No

[@fullmetalk1d]

Super nice... Didn't seem SIMPLE tho lol

[@michaelpeirce641]

Love your work, Jon. So relaxing watching a Craftsman work. Ty :)

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Michael Peirce Thanks Michael!

[@dangdiggity9916]

soo nice to see people still making furniture and dont just go to ikea and buy overpriced hollow stuff ^^ also you look a tiny bit like gordon ramsay :P

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Tommy Strandman Ok : ) thanks Tommy

[@pitergraus3814]

hi...i am Italian...you are fantastico...What kind of wood did You use to make this bookcase?

[@RSLWoodworking]

Jon your attention to detail is awesome. It's the little design features that really make the huge difference. I'm going to try and download the plans and cut prints. Thx

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Robert Lawrie Thanks Robert

[@jdealba01]

Jon - Can you describe how the top was attached to the box. The videos don't cover this part. Thank you and great work!

[@JessterTheJester]

Out of curiosity, why use poplar for the bottom subframe instead of just plywood?

[@anthonydtobias]

looks great! I am curious as to why you would always buy s4s boards, I remember you saying that it's easier, but isn't it cheaper to buy them rough cut?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Anthony Tobias Thanks Anthony

[@adrianbourke2661]

beautiful piece Jon always enjoy your videos hi from Waterford

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+adrian bourke Thank you Adrian

[@mildredbryant7323]

At 64 years old I am exploring a passion I was not able to do. I have made a lot of planter boxes and now I plan to make this beautiful book case. I love your work.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

Thank you!

[@dstarr3]

Man, that looks great. I love the sapele with the walnut stain. How did you attach the top, though?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Dave Starr Thanks Dave...check out yestersday's follow up video.

[@dstarr3]

+Jon Peters Art & Home Indeed, I saw. Thanks!

[@TheTutorTwins]

Exactly how much wood will I need to do this?? What's the amount

[@buddyy11100]

Great job John. I love the contrast the stained Sapele gives as well as the beefed up look of the case itself. Thanks for sharing. Bob

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+buddyy11100 Thanks Bob

[@kcb3rd]

Exactly what I will build as a replacement on a family room complete floor to ceiling remodeling.

[@AtomicProf]

I’m wondering how much the bookcase weighed? Seems way to heavy.

[@robertshepard182]

How many sheets of plywood did this project take? Looks great!

[@marknylund1808]

Looks great again. I was just wondering about your nail gun size and how you covered up the holes?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Mark Nylund Thanks Mark

[@anz388]

Hi Jon. Do you build this on order? Please let me know if you do as I would like two of these in exactly the same way you built here

[@DerekCadmus]

I notice a shop made track saw used for ply cross cuts. Why don't you use that to rip the sheets down to a manageable size?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Derek Cadmus just time saving

[@anthonyc1354]

That top came out great. at first I was wondering what would happen with walnut stain on an already dark wood. Looks very good though. Did you dilute the stain at all?

[@MikeKapotsy]

Nice tip on the moulding, Jon. Thanks.

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+Mike Kapotsy Thanks Mike

[@johnspurlock7196]

I don't know why you guys put these videos on nobody has this equipment nobody has woodworking tools if they did they would need to watch this video if you're going to make something make something that somebody can make who don't own any tools not even a hammer

[@wpala]

Very nice bookcase a lot of plywood so nice and heavy as a furniture one question did You spray paint the colour or brushed I saw You using HVLP but it looks like it was just a clear finish, have You tried spray paint the colour paint on the cabinet with that method? Thanks

[@JCHCREACIONES]

Awesome!!!! thanks for sharing.

[@mastronicandro]

Ma usi il tulipiè??........Bel lavoro complimenti.

[@chuckychips]

Terrific build. Maybe a video on the epoxy painting technique?

[@JonPetersArtHome]

+MJB thanks, sure thing one day soon