How to construct cube bookcase

**tpuzio** · 07-12-2012, 06:01 PM

Hey,

I'm thinking about making a bookcase with cube/square openings for baskets or stuff.

Like this one from crate and barrel:

http://crateandbarrel.com/shadow-box-tower/s184856

In case link doesn't work it's called the Shadow Box Tower

Although that one is metal I'm going to make it out of wood in a somewhat similar dimension (twice as wide though).

I want the face frame to be 3" wide on the sides and between the shelves, with each self around 15" or so square, maybe slightly rectangular as in the crate and barrel example.

My question is what would be the "best" method for making this?

Face frame the front over some less expensive wood?
Or all solid hardwood from rough sawn lumber?

How best to attach the shelves? Single vertical pieces with small horizontal blocks to make each shelf (like a stud wall with fire blocking)? Or the other way around with solid horizontal pieces?

Or do I cut it like a half-lap joint and jigsaw the whole thing together?

My first thought is MDF the whole thing, and then frame out the front with nice hardwood, but I think that would make it weigh 800 pounds.

How do I make the shelves 3" thick AND keep them relatively light AND how do I attach them to the vertical sides? Dowels? Mortise and tenon?

I have no drawings yet, just getting started and looking for some sage advise.

**AndyD** · 07-12-2012, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by tpuzio

How do I make the shelves 3" thick AND keep them relatively light AND how do I attach them to the vertical sides?

Pretty cool bookcase design...I like it!

I think to keep the "fat" look of this bookcase (3" thick) you're probably better off to build a carcass and then cover it with face frames (for the front) and sheet goods (for the top and sides). The carcass can be made with inexpensive pine and brought together with pocket screws. The sheet goods could be anything, really, and be fairly thin material -- like 1/4 plywood or even hardboard.

For the shelves, they don't necessarily need to be 3" thick either. I would make the shelf itself from something like 1x pine and then attach a 3" strip to the front. This would make the shelf appear to be 3" thick from a distance. The shelves could be held in place by cleats, pins, or for a more permanent construction, pocket screws.

**BernieL** · 08-20-2012, 10:59 PM

I agree with Andy - face frame the 1X pine, but I would lap join the whole innards of the case. Either way, the case will be strong but lap joints would be easier for me on my table saw.

If you really want 3" thick, do it all with 2X pine because 2X pine is 1.5" times 2 = 3". Simply duplicate each lap joint cut on table saw or jig saw if that's all you own. Then glue the 2X together for the 3"

One important piece of info you need (you may already know it) is that before you assemble the case, make sure it is square. This is especially important for the outside carcase. The easiest way to do this is to measure the carcase in an X pattern from opposing corners. If the distances match - you're square!

**kevinbrown966** · 08-21-2012, 01:02 AM

Since, the modern cube bookcase fits well in a game room, bedroom , basement or family room, it is nowadays more in demand. These cube shelves are very simple to build and also reflect great personality and style. My cube boxes are made of thin fragile boards with wallpaper borders on the inside.

**jarrred** · 08-26-2012, 05:03 AM

Making bookcase is just a DIY idea, however simple book case can be impressive than other that offered in furniture shop. Hmm... I ma thinking to like that and do my own version too.