Simple Bookshelf from Stair Treads | Build It | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor use stair treads to create a simple bookshelf in Build It.
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This simple bookcase was designed to be built using a circular saw, a cordless drill/driver, a block plane, and a chisel. Because the shelf is made out of veneered stair treads, it’s designed to be paint grade, not stain grade. All of the materials for this project, including pine stair treads, 1x4 pine, 1/4” plywood, 3 1/8” trim head screws, and 5d box nails can be purchased at home centers.
Cost: $100
Time: 3-4 hours
Skill level: Easy
Tools:
Drill/driver
Circular saw
Clamps
Hand plane
Straight edge
Chisel
Steps:
Measure out desired lengths; in this case, Tom measured out 38 inches and made a cut point using a straight edge.
Cut stair treads for shelving to length using a circular saw.
Leave two stair treads at 48-inch length for use at the sides of the bookshelf.
Rip each shelf down by 1 ½-inches using a straight edge and a circular saw.
Rip both sides down by ¾ of an inch using the same method.
To inset the plywood into the sides and hide the end grain of the plywood, make rabbet cuts by setting ¼” cutting depth on the circular saw and a straight edge to mark the width of the cut.
After the first pass, move the straight edge out just a little to remove some of the waste on a second pass with the circular saw.
Remove the remainder of the waste using a utility knife.
The top will also need a rabbet cut, however this one will not run the whole length of the board. This stop rabbet will start and stop within 1” of the end of the top piece. Cut the rabbet like on the sides, but starting your saw 1” in and finishing your cut 1” from the end.
Clean up the stop rabbet and square it off using a chisel.
To lay out the measurements for the bookshelf, place each side piece side-by-side.
Lay a 1x4 toe kick at the base and hold the first piece of shelving flush against it. Mark where the top of the shelf will lie.
Measure 16 inches between the top of the first shelf to the bottom of the second shelf. Mark the top and bottom, then repeat it on the next shelf up. (Note: you can make the distance between shelves any dimension you wish at this stage based on what you plan to store).
Pre-drill holes on each side piece between the marks you made for the shelf locations using a drill/driver.
Use 3 1/8” trim head screws to fasten each shelf to the sides using a drill/driver.
Do the same for the toe kick.
To match the sides of the top shelving piece to the stair tread nosing, mark the center of the nosing and the distance to the back of the nosing.
Use those markings to hand plane, rounding the edge as you go, until nosing matches that of the stair tread.
Fasten the top shelving piece onto the bookshelf using trim head screws and a drill/driver.
Nail the plywood portion onto the back using 5d box nails and a hammer.
Sand, prime, fill nail holes, and paint the finished bookshelf (Note: using the materials shown, this shelf is only paint grade and cannot be stained).
Build It:
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, and special guests including Jimmy DiResta, take you through step-by-step DIY projects in this popular video series. From end-tables to cutting boards to wine racks to chicken coops and more, learn how to build from the best pros in the game. Segments include mention of all tools and materials needed to get the job done.
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Simple Bookshelf from Stair Treads | Build It | Ask This Old House
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[@Mr.Pop0]

The takeaway from this video is that its easy to make something yourself. Its not the end all be all of bookshelves. You can skip some steps, go with different materials and make it your own. Dont got money for stair treads, then go with regular pine planks. Rounding that edge too hard? then just leave it as is and nail some molding to dress it up. The beauty of this is that you make it to suit your needs.

[@ArtistryBranson]

Well said!

[@someonespadre]

Those stair treads are 10 bucks at Home Depot, that's pretty unbeatable for a square nearly perfect piece of wood with no warp or check.

[@Shetasen]

I always find it funny how as a kid, i found this series so boring, but as an adult I love it, even though I never build anything.

[@Hardox]

I have also watched since I was a child. Tom Silva is a master and so easy to listen to...and Kevin is by far the best host.

[@mathteacher2651]

I never thought I would find someone as good as Norman from 'Old Yankee workshop'; but, I think Tom is this good. Tom is a Master....

[@annedwyer797]

Indeed! I also used to think no one could come close to Norm Abrams when it came to finish carpentry (he's a Master carpenter), but I think Tommy's pretty close, especially considering that he's a contractor and not a Master carpenter. But that also means that after 50 yrs. in the construction industry, he's learned to do a lot of things and does them well. FYI, Norm's series was actually called "New Yankee Workshop" ("...and remember, there's no more important safety equipment than these, safety glasses!") 😉

[@warrenbuitendag5286]

whenever i watch a woodworking video it feels like coming home after a while away :)

[@nutz4gunz457]

Tom is such a boss

[@tmk5522]

Him and norm are the best to ever do a tv show

[@weemeemoo]

How has nobody mentioned Kevin looking more and more like a hunk every year? Wacca wacca. home improvement + these guys = heaven

[@billybike57]

I saw this on ASk This Old House and just ran across it to add to my file "Great Ideas for the Garage". Great job to Team Silva!

[@OIFEagle]

A great project, a shelf that is meant to last! Thanks!

[@b01brdcst]

Mr. Silva is doubtlessly a master in his trade.

[@defion123]

I don't know why but i find this video so relaxing... :) going to try and build my first book shelf soon!

[@annedwyer797]

I know what you mean! Not only is Tommy Silva a master at what he does, he's very calm and chill in his presentation style. I love watching "This Old House" and "Ask TOH"!

[@miriamkelly3106]

I love how the process was step by step and simple. I learnt some new terms as well. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I like how you used limited tools so that someone with a small tool collection can build something like this.

[@davy1972]

Angie Overton I was thinking the same thing.

[@mulekickhandmadeguitars8465]

Building a new project is a great opportunity to buy a new toy (oops...I meant new tool).

[@kenlehn8884]

I agree. Very thoughtful.

[@brianmerritt5410]

Yeah, but a lot of people, myself included, are just looking for a piece of furniture that can get the job done.

[@burhjyu]

am very satisfied with this product, maybe it will work amzn.to/34rxnSg

[@wahinenuiloa]

Awesome. Itʻs great that you show how to make the shelf with just the basic tools. Thanks for posting!

[@Junmalo987]

Yay! I'm going to build this! I've been looking for a small project to work on and this looks like something for beginners! Thank you!

[@annedwyer797]

Love me some Tommy Silva, what a Master!

[@mikefas5406]

I just bought these same materials to make a book shelf for my daughter's room! Total cost was $81. I do have a nice table saw and router though so I'm going to use them. It's just easier. :)

[@jtotheb-ip2hh]

I was inspired by this video to pick up a few stair treads at Lowe's and build a shoe storage bench. Really glad I saw this and it was fun to build. Now I'm trying to think of something else we "need" just so I can use stair treads again.

[@mrmadan84]

Simple explanation, Simple equipment and finally Excellent product. Thank you & Great Work

[@geoffreyyoung7918]

Thanks guys, great project for those of us who don't have lots of tools.

[@cgriesemer]

Tom Silva = GOAT

[@soccerman0021981]

Looks good, these are the vids I enjoy seeing TOH produce.

[@justynakostrzewa1364]

Brandon Sawyer,,,,,, piosenki piosenki piosenki piosenki Chcę piosenki dla dzieci piosenki

[@colinblake24]

A great video for those with limited power tools. Thanks

[@OneIdeaTooMany]

I hope they keep making these sorts of videos even after Tommy retires.

[@chadhickey9527]

Will rob and use. Thanks for the simple tool line up.

[@Antiwasserstoff]

Pretty amazing! That's something we should be taught in School, sadly i wasn't at least. I'll try this out as soon as i've got time for it, thanks for this Video

[@TheHandystanley]

Picked up some great tips here. Thanks guys!

[@themoodyonejb]

First video that popped up when I searched. Awesome and easy. Making two of them asap. 👍

[@TheEnergyball]

Excellent! Clean and simple :) Thank you for the ideas and tips.

[@Jeff-Champwild]

Love these woodworking segments!

[@mulekickhandmadeguitars8465]

I like this shelf made of stair treads. very nice!

[@jerrymansbergersr6959]

I watch your show all the time I have learned a lot thank. you guys

[@scottrtomlinson]

I love that they insisted on doing this with tools most people have vs. advanced woodworking tools.

[@gregortidholm]

Nice and simple! Thanks for the walkthrough

[@ksxx1961]

Great bookcase. Thanks for all the useful tips.

[@zenriley2351]

Love This Old House

[@-gina1114]

👍 Love this! Thank you!

[@donovanpl]

Looks really nice made with really simple tools.

[@lindarose6934]

Thank you for sharing!

[@kimberleerivera7062]

Thank you Tommy, and Kevin, what a great project! Very nice bookcase!

[@jaynesimmons6320]

Wow nice job. You hold and saw with that circular saw so well. Takes practice definitely. Thanks for the post.

[@Turoloco]

Instant subscribe. I'm gonna start getting my necessary tools together.

[@dlamb2840]

Good, fairly simple project for a beginner like me! Can’t wait to get started.

[@jasongates-]

How did your project go?

[@MJFAN666]

Really like this channel.. reminds me of those art shows I used to watch as a kid where people explain to you stuff with detail and clarity.. like Art Attack. I miss art attack

[@lilcicero77]

Karan Trivedi I preferred Rolf Harris

[@leelemon3373]

Old School Rocks. Thanks

[@javaTL]

So much to learn from this little project video!

[@Assassman688]

I love this old house

[@davidvarchol4918]

After seeing this episode of Ask This Old House, I finally decided to build this myself. I'm a big fan of Tommy's. I even got to meet him several years ago and thanked him for all that I've learned from him over the years. But I discovered an error in these plans. He's saying that there is 16 inches between shelves and I'm afraid it doesn't actually work out that way in real life. If there is 16 inches between the bottom three shelves, that only leaves about 10 or 11 inches between the top and the next shelf down. I had to adjust the distance to about 14 inches between shelves to get a relatively equal distance between all shelves. Just a minor error, but still. Also, I agree with some other posters here that it would be a shame to paint this. I will be either staining it or using a clear finish on it....using wood plugs to cover the screw holes instead of filler. Looking forward to building it this weekend.

[@bobbg9041]

Thats between centers! I'm joking, Tommy probably has too much on his plate, and he just goofed on his math it happens to everyone maybe its old age? It's so easy to screw up on paper and find out later the plans are wrong. Everyone makes mistakes maybe you did? With TV they usually don't show them but I'm going to bet they do make them its part of being human.

[@martinltpm]

Or the shorter top shelf could be for shorter items/books

[@annedwyer797]

You gotta remember that this particular lumber is "paint grade", not "stain grade". Tommy doesn't specifically clarify this in the video (he just says "finish with a coat of paint"), though the final item in the step-by-step instructions states "these materials are paint-grade only and cannot be stained".

[@russelllane1809]

if you look at the end of the video you can see the shelfs are not the same distance. the bottom is 16" and the other two are around 12"1/2. he never said make them all 16 " that was just the first measurment.

[@chickenindoubleC]

Bookshelves are typically designed to have more space on the bottom shelves than the upper shelves--not a mistake, but a feature!

[@co-know-proconstructiontips]

Nice vid!!!!!Be proud of your work my friends!!! knowledge is power!!!

[@twdesignz06]

FWIW, Lowes has stair treads in solid oak without a veneer, which is what I went with. Costs more, but I should be able to stain them, and they're a lot more durable than the pine stair treads (and the pine stair treads looked terrible at Lowes)

[@Sunflower-nm6lw]

Awesome bookcase, Thank You for sharing your ideas ❤️

[@paulp1008]

When you make it you appreciate it....

[@iamdann783]

I learned a lot from this epi! thanks...

[@karissatwymon4318]

i love all of yall work

[@paullincoln2707]

Love that construction

[@watermain48]

There's a lot more to Tom than "guess what this is"...great project.

[@annedwyer797]

Tommy's a true master! He's been a contractor for decades and can do just about anything. I shudder when I see the crappy quality work ppl do on house flipping shows...Tommy Silva and the This Old House crews do superb work!

[@kk-om5zm]

bravo....!!Clear job!

[@arbinnunez109]

This guy is the man

[@dillonbarclay8373]

Very clever and simple

[@p90pdack68]

Awesome vid! Thank you! Also loved watching your show growing up

[@annedwyer797]

Indeed! I've watched TOH for decades...Tommy's one of my heroes. Not only is he a master at what he does, he's just very chill in his presentation style.

[@logangomez4475]

I need to do this after I clean my office.

[@chaz4471]

I…. Love……THESE…. Guys!!!!!!!

[@JRJRCIRC3]

Tommy is an OG!!

[@annedwyer797]

Yes indeed!

[@lizzapaolia959]

Excellent video 🙏

[@PangBard]

beautiful

[@chrissnively2636]

6 pine stair treads are about $75 for 4 foot treads at Home Depot. They also have oak treads ... You guessed it ... much more $$$. Stair treads have become a multitasker item. Thanks Tom and Kevin.

[@passivesolarhousingcoop1903]

Sweet!

[@jjwdesign]

Stair treads! Great idea. I love to see videos like this. Thanks. Any ideas on staining. I assume you would need unfinished similar wood all around.

[@9carcottrell246]

Brilliant

[@golf4ubacknine768]

Love it 👍👍

[@LinhPham1]

beautifully done. Would be helpful if you have a blueprint and a list of materials

[@igorstolyar3750]

Good jobs!

[@mrcwoodworks4523]

I love this channel

[@someonespadre]

I hope Tommy doesn't mind if I use my router and table saw. My thought is to use one of the 1-1/2" scraps ripped off the back of a shelf for a toe kick. I need to make is 42" high to fit on a knee wall under the concave ceiling upstairs. I plan to stain and finish them, need three of them, may square off the end of the top because they sit next to each other.

[@botadecasquillo]

Awesome

[@JohnSmith-tg6dx]

Very nice.

[@fireworxz]

Thanks

[@TranTheClever]

Love it! 2:19

[@iangb3869]

Really nice..

[@MarkSWilliams27]

Nice use of basic tools that are in just about any DIYer's garage. Keep those block planes sharp, guys. You don't need a bunch of fancy stuff to make useful things. The old timers didn't have a barn full of power tools.

[@brokenwave6125]

Mark Williams No but they took way longer to make things. Powertools just allow you to make something in a day that took them a week.

[@MGN01]

Great video and a great idea to use stair treads. The only thing that wasn't clear was the width of the bookshelf. I think from the 1:35 point of the video, it must be 38" as I see Tom measuring that out. I do realize this dimension is left to the individual maker, but just curious what others' thoughts on the width.

[@rickt2419]

Wow! Niiiiiiiiiiiiice.

[@JW77]

I went to the local HD today and their stair treads are sold out. Must have been people who saw this video.

[@randalltaylor1187]

EJ Wu job.s

[@randalltaylor1187]

F

[@bighands69]

If you cannot access stair treads just use plain wood and if you want them curved ended use a plain but straight edged can still look as good. I fire up book cases like this routinely with just plain wood. You will be slow on your first attempted but by your twentieth you will be flying through them like a master. Add a cheap router and it will expand your horizons. I would suggest basic tools of a hammer, chisels, spokeshave, hand saw, tenon saw, japanese saw, router, circular saw. With these tools you can do many many things.

[@johnwayne2103]

Check Craigslist under materials sometimes job sites may have extras you can buy cheap.

[@LoveofChocolate18]

Lowes has pine stair treads, similar to the ones used in the video, that I like to use when I don't feel like planing down 2x12s.

[@geckogrant]

Nice.

[@mdrahman2494]

Ameeeeeeeezing

[@luciaribeiro338]

pine wardrobe look build um abraço mau friend.

[@dmat4356]

Can you customize kitchen cabinets by replacing upgraded doors to your old box of the cabinets?

[@dennissmithjr.5370]

I liked that, will have to try it. I think it would look really magnificent if it were stained instead of painted.

[@Virxo182]

I agree. Make sure to use a wood conditioner

[@Geekybros111]

Virxo182 and shampoo

[@Geekybros111]

Jk

[@justynakostrzewa1364]

Luka Krkljes ,,

[@justynakostrzewa1364]

Dennis Smith Jr.,,

[@michaelmancini5773]

The problem with 5/4 pine or oak step treads that span more than 3', is that they warp , whereas 3/4" birch ply can be ripped and have an applied nosing with some glue and a little sanding, your good to go with structural integrity, either dado'd in or adjustable shelves.

[@daveschoonover2754]

Did pilot holes get drilled into the shelves as well? Or only the sides?

[@zinnakim4791]

Helped so much!! Could you maybe labe which wood you used too?

[@nedsdeclassified]

Tom was like no router just to flex lol

[@ylarryc]

I love you guys...great video. Do you have any plans or videos for making wall panels...like the affect of a six panel door? Like you see in old libraries.....the panels come up about four feet from the floor....hard to explain.

[@san379]

i like it and rona.ca has a cutshop .. they can do all the cuts

[@lauraswan8647]

Oooh make me one

[@JM-rl3kf]

Let's make it together

[@steamfan007]

Brilliant yet simple idea (and perfect timing for me)! But why cut the shelves off at 38"? Maybe that's the longest span Tom would build without a central support?

[@aboggie8987]

I like the drill that you use. Would would I be able to get one of them drills

[@brianhinkle635]

I built one similar to it only I used dowls on mine.

[@skelletorjo3227]

Mr. Silva is a master.

[@annedwyer797]

A number of people commented that they'd stain the wood instead of painting it. You gotta know what grade of lumber you're using!! Though Tommy doesn't really clarify when he says "finish with a nice coat of paint", the detailed instructions under the video (click "more") state that this is paint grade lumber, which can't be stained with satisfactory results. Stain grade lumber is about twice the price of paint grade. The goal of this project was to build an INEXPENSIVE bookcase.

[@TheInflicted]

Just completed a set of built-ins using $13 pine stair treads. With conditioner, stain, and three coats of polyurethane they turned out beautiful. Not expensive, but it took about two weeks'-worth of evenings for all the sanding and waiting for coats to dry.

[@mardakworkshop4450]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻