DIY Bookshelves: From a Blank Wall to a Book Lover’s Dream

We moved into our new house on Wheeler Army Airfield, with 7 boxes FULL of books… and NO bookshelves!

We had to figure something out or live with those boxes for the next 3-4 years.

I thought hard about getting the IKEA Billy Bookshelves and customizing them to look like built-ins. I’ve seen DIY-ers make gorgeous home libraries that way. Buuutttt, it isn’t very rental- friendly, as it involves removing baseboards and attaching things to the walls and ceiling. (Military housing providers aren’t known for being lenient on move-out inspections.)

So, we decided to make our own DIY bookshelves. After a trip to Lowe’s for supplies, we were able to knock out this project in one weekend!

Here’s how we did it:

8 Pack – L12CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit, 1/2 inch, Battery and Charger Included (CMCD701C2)

 

Step 1: Figure Out Shelf Configuration

The first step to building our DIY bookshelves was to figure out where and how they would be placed on the wall.

Using painter’s tape, I mapped out the shelf placement. I tried a few different configurations before I made a final decision.

Once we knew how many shelves were going up and where to place them. We had to decide the length of the shelves to fit the maximum number of books, but still leave enough room for furniture on both sides.

We decided to make the top 2 shelves longer than the bottom shelves. They extend over the chair, creating a cozy little reading nook.

4PCS Premium Blue Painters Tape, Paint Tapes, Masking Tape for DIY Crafts & Arts, Painting Tape with Adhesive Backing, Easy Removal Painter’s Wall Paper for Decoration, Labeling, Home (0.94IN*65FT)Pink Power 25ft Pink Tape Measure – Pink Measuring Tape Measure for Womens Tool Kit with Retractable Blade and Lock Button – Girls Tape Measure for Pink Tools – Lightweight Measurement Tape

 

Step 2: Mark Placement for Shelves

The next step to making our DIY bookshelves was to mark the placement (with pencil) of each shelf.

Using the tripod and laser, we set the laser’s horizontal line to the bottom shelf placement, 24 inches from the floor. Then we used the laser’s vertical line to mark the center of the bottom shelf.

When determining the center of your shelf, make sure to put an equal distance between the ends of the shelf and the furniture on either side of it.

Using this same process, we marked the height and center for each of the shelves. The pencil marks were mostly in line with the tape layout, but, of course, the tape wasn’t perfectly straight. The pencil marks are what you will use as a guide to mark drill holes, so make sure they are as straight and even as possible.

There are 14 inches between the bottom 2 shelves, 15 inches between the middle 2 shelves, and 21 inches from the top shelf to the ceiling.

Bosch GLL55 50ft Cross Line Laser Level Self-Leveling with VisiMax Technology, L-Bracket Adjustable Mount and Hard Carrying Case, 4.4 x 2.2 x 4.2 inchesBOSCH Aluminum Heavy Duty Elevator Quick Clamp Tripod BT300, 45 Inch, Silver

 

Step 3: Mark Placement for Shelf Brackets

Next, we got out the stud finder to mark the placement of drill holes for the shelf brackets. It was fate that our center line fell right on top of a stud.

None of the other brackets landed on studs, but that’s what heavy-duty anchors are for. However, the more brackets that can be placed on studs the more secure your shelves will be.

Using a pencil, we held a bracket up to the wall and marked where the screws would go for each individual bracket.

Our lower shelves are 7 feet long and have 3 brackets placed 37 inches apart.

The upper shelves are 10 feet long and have 4 brackets. We kept the left 3 brackets lined up with the brackets on the bottom shelves for the sake of continuity. Then placed the bracket on the far right side 34 inches apart from the neighboring bracket.

Although there is a 3-inch difference in the bracket placement, it isn’t noticeable.

Franklin Sensors FST1302 ProSensor T13 Professional Stud Finder with 13-Sensors for The Highest Accuracy Detects Wood & Metal Studs, High Accuracy with High SpeedStud Finder Wall Scanner 5 in 1 Upgraded Electronic Wall Scanner with Battery for Wood Metal and AC Wire Detection,HD LCD Display and Audio Alarm (Orange)

 

Step 4: Drilling Holes & Placing Anchors

After all of the brackets were marked, it was time to drill the holes and place the anchors.

Since our house here in Hawaii has hollow metal studs, we ended up using anchors for all of the holes, even the one over the studs.

**Pro tip: The easiest way to drill into metal studs is with an armor-plated drill bit.**

To place these heavy-duty toggle anchors you first have to drill a 1/2-inch hole in the wall. The bolt diameter for these toggle anchors is only 1/4-inch, but a larger hole is needed to place the bultky anchor.

The instructions on the anchor box tell you what size drill bit you will need. Don’t try to guess!

**Pro tip: Read your box thoroughly before leaving the hardware store so that you don’t have to make an extra trip back!**

After the hole is drilled follow the instructions on the box for how to place the anchor.

Then install the brackets.

(At this point, our shelves looked like some kind of strange, abstract art gallery.)

Wensilon (30 pcs) 1/4Spyder 19017 10 PC Stinger Drill BIT Set

 

Step 5: Prepare Wooden Shelves

After all of the brackets were ready, it was time to prepare the wooden shelves.

First, we cut the wood down to the correct sizes: three 7-foot shelves and two 10-foot shelves.

Then we sanded them until they were as smooth as possible. I started with a 120-grit sanding pad, moved on to a 220-grit, and finished with a 320-grit sanding pad.

After wiping off the dust, we stained the shelves with Minwax Wood Finish (Special Walnut) and a rag. Then let it dry overnight.

The next day we did a light clear coat on all of the shelves. We used a Minwax Polycrylic Topcoat (semi-gloss) and applied it with a large applicator. It also dried overnight.

1 qt Minwax 64444 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish Semi-GlossRUST-OLEUM 989751 Waterborne Applicator

 

Step 6: Attach Shelves & Decorate

After the top coat was fully dry, we took the shelves inside and screwed them onto the waiting brackets using 1/2-inch wood screws.

And finally, it was time to unpack the books and decorate!

The toggle anchors that we used are rated for up to 160 pounds in drywall. These shelves have been up for several weeks and are holding up fine with all of the books on them.

**Pro tip: Place your books and heavy items close to the wall to reduce the tension on the anchors and protect your drywall.**

Aside from storing our books, these DIY bookshelves are a great way to fill a huge empty space in our living room.

Also, they won’t take up as much room or weight as traditional bookshelves next time we PCS.

I am so happy with how these shelves turned out! They are full of our favorite stories, photos, and flea market/thrift store finds.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever built your own DIY bookshelves. I know these will last us for years to come!