Rustic Wood Bookshelves
Check out this tutorial for a unique DIY bookshelf that is an absolute stunner. This half-lap joint constructed shelf requires no hardware, but is as sturdy as they come. Made from heavy duty reclaimed lumber, it stands out with it's rustic farmhouse charm. Check out the video for the full tutorial
Check out the video for the full tutorial!
Cut notches in your posts with a circular saw. Cut all the posts at once to keep your notches perfectly lined up so that your shelf can be easily slipped into place. These notches should be half the depth of your post.
Notch out your shelves as well. I used a sawzall, but a jigsaw would also work. These notches should also be half the depth of your post and the width of the post.
Be sure to secure your posts to the wall. Ideally you will secure the posts into a wall stud, but a heavy duty anchor could do the trick as well.
Slide your shelves into place. You will likely need a rubber mallet or hammer to help you drive the shelves into the snug notches.
Finish your rustic shelves with your favorite polyurethane. I used a water based satin finish poly that will protect from moisture but not darken the wood much.
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Susan Caswell on Dec 23, 2023
I love it. You did a good job. I looking around to see where I could put something like it in my house.
However, outdoor, pressure treated lumber should not be inside, even sealed. It gives off toxic fumes.
I could definitely be wrong on that, but that's my understanding.
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Carolina's Art on Dec 23, 2023
This is very cool. Love the wood and the look of it all. Nice job.
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
On the materials list, 4x4's are listed but you used 6x6's. Where did you reclaim them from? I'd like to know so I can start looking for wood similar in size. Also, would it be OK to seal them before assembly? Thank you.
Why not stop all the criticism. It’s beautiful and suits her needs. If you don’t like it, don’t make it.