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

[@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!") 😉

[@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.

[@b01brdcst]

Mr. Silva is doubtlessly a master in his trade.

[@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.

[@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!

[@warrenbuitendag5286]

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

[@weemeemoo]

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

[@chofbrighton7014]

Always enjoy your craftsmanship. Excellent instructional video. Looking forward to building this type of bookshelf soon. Thank you both for taking time to share your talents.

[@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"!

[@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. :)

[@miriamkelly3106]

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

[@geoffreyyoung7918]

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

[@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.

[@OneIdeaTooMany]

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

[@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!

[@wahinenuiloa]

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

[@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.

[@nutz4gunz457]

Tom is such a boss

[@tmk5522]

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

[@mrmadan84]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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)

[@cgriesemer]

Tom Silva = GOAT

[@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.

[@jerrymansbergersr6959]

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

[@OIFEagle]

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

[@LinhPham1]

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

[@scottrtomlinson]

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

[@mulekickhandmadeguitars8465]

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

[@colinblake24]

A great video for those with limited power tools. Thanks

[@leelemon3373]

Old School Rocks. Thanks

[@JRJRCIRC3]

Tommy is an OG!!

[@annedwyer797]

Yes indeed!

[@chadhickey9527]

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

[@chaz4471]

I…. Love……THESE…. Guys!!!!!!!

[@zenriley2351]

Love This Old House

[@dlamb2840]

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

[@jasongates-]

How did your project go?

[@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

[@Assassman688]

I love this old house

[@daveschoonover2754]

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

[@donovanpl]

Looks really nice made with really simple tools.

[@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!

[@kimberleerivera7062]

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

[@javaTL]

So much to learn from this little project video!

[@skelletorjo3227]

Mr. Silva is a master.

[@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?

[@paulp1008]

When you make it you appreciate it....

[@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.

[@soccerman0021981]

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

[@justynakostrzewa1364]

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

[@dmat4356]

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

[@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.

[@arbinnunez109]

This guy is the man

[@ksxx1961]

Great bookcase. Thanks for all the useful tips.

[@gregortidholm]

Nice and simple! Thanks for the walkthrough

[@logangomez4475]

I need to do this after I clean my office.

[@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.,,

[@lindarose6934]

Thank you for sharing!

[@erickherrera9294]

Would it be better to make dado joints for those shelf's instead of just screws? What the difference in term of strength?

[@TheEnergyball]

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

[@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!

[@dillonbarclay8373]

Very clever and simple

[@WeAreBullets]

i literally searched "wicked easy bookshelf" and this came up. lol very appropriate

[@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.

[@jaynesimmons6320]

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

[@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.

[@whipplefilter]

I’m just curious about the block plain and using it to round the corners. Would I have to worry about tear out on the end grain ? Or am I just paranoid ?

[@themoodyonejb]

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

[@co-know-proconstructiontips]

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

[@Sunflower-nm6lw]

Awesome bookcase, Thank You for sharing your ideas ❤️

[@TheHandystanley]

Picked up some great tips here. Thanks guys!

[@truth6554]

A Question: What's the easiest way to measure from the center of the rounded nose to the top flat plain. 7:50

[@truth6554]

It should be longer than on the verticle sides. 7:49

[@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.

[@zinnakim4791]

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

[@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.

[@Turoloco]

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

[@jamesbarlowjr.3762]

Very Nice. How much something like that sell for if made. Possibly Stain or Natural Finish. Thanks. Well Done! 🤝

[@annedwyer797]

Make sure you know whether your lumber is "paint grade" or "stain grade"! Staining wood that's paint grade won't be very successful.

[@lizzapaolia959]

Excellent video 🙏

[@flamechill]

You should list materials in the description, that would be helpful

[@robertborg3735]

I agree

[@Jeff-Champwild]

Love these woodworking segments!

[@-gina1114]

👍 Love this! Thank you!

[@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.

[@paullincoln2707]

Love that construction

[@fireworxz]

Thanks

[@DoomWalker42]

How many shelves would I need to make a book case to fit 175 books?

[@karissatwymon4318]

i love all of yall work

[@golf4ubacknine768]

Love it 👍👍

[@kk-om5zm]

bravo....!!Clear job!

[@iamdann783]

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

[@deffloyd]

I wish you would have shown all steps like sanding and staining.

[@juancarmona1543]

queermosa

[@juancarmona1543]

queermosa

[@juancarmona1543]

queermosa

[@juancarmona1543]

queermosa 9.

[@juancarmona1543]

queermosa 9. como

[@passivesolarhousingcoop1903]

Sweet!

[@darrellrousu1390]

Looks good but what's the distance between the shelf

[@OscarM.94]

@4:37 good tip causs you'll break the top of the chisel🔨🪛

[@mrcwoodworks4523]

I love this channel

[@UnitedPebbles]

Bc guys, hey guys, stair treads are probably designed for impact weight? But hey, must be heavy to move around and can it be uninstall easily like Ikea furniture?

[@keithupton86ku]

Heavy is subjective, you can modify the design to make it as light as possible. Uninstall easy is also subjective. The purpose of this design is to not be like Ikea furniture. Yes, it's cheap and easy to put together. Which is its downfall- it doesn't last long and can't be modified. The piece that these guys just built can last 50+ years.

[@nicholasmccartney4254]

I made a drawing and cutlist for people who are beginners and want to make this. Hope it helps 1drv.ms/b/s!Alg2-6Oe1ndf7lRo-DSD3tiYkUyc UPDATE: The link above was from OneDrive, where I used to do all of my cloud storage. Unfortunately they have cut everyone's free limit. In my case from it went from 1TB to 5GB and I was forced to remove most of my files. When I find a new home for the files, I will post a new link.

[@cmbass88]

Thanks Nicholas for your effort. This showed me a few errors in my drawing before I started. Really helps. Much appreciated.

[@bricago2302]

Wow! Thank you!

[@Geekybros111]

Nicholas Mc Cartney thank u so much

[@dustinthornton3807]

Thanks Nicholas, I noticed you mentioned in your drawing that the video says 16" between shelves but you think the math does not work. If you notice their finished product they made the bottom shelf larger. Then shelf 2 from bottom the same measurement. That would give you perfect space at the very top for anything the height of a magazine or smaller. Just wanted to point that out for anyone who would like a larger bottom and middle shelf like myself.

[@nicholasmccartney4254]

Dustin Thornton Great comment. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@PangBard]

beautiful

[@robertborg3735]

How ide are the shelves.

[@jeyransome9212]

Wonder how much weight each shelf can hold

[@JohnSmith-tg6dx]

Very nice.

[@TranTheClever]

Love it! 2:19