Build Your Own Mobile Bookcase from Stock Lumber

A Transforming Bookcase Is Easy and Inexpensive

© Tina Gallagher

Aug 27, 2009

In a lumber or DIY (do-it-yourself) store. You’ll see wood listed by sizes: 1"x4", 2"x4" and so on. This means the board was cut to this size (1” high by 4” wide) at the mill. A 1"x4" actually measures ¾” by 3 ½.” Woodworkers make the adjustments in their plans to accommodate the true size. Manufactured lumber, however, such as MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and plywood does match the measurements given. So when a 4'x8' sheet of plywood is called for, the consumer gets a 4’x8’ sheet.

The History of This Bookcase Design

This bookcase design is a modification of the one owned by the late President Thomas Jefferson. There is no denying the genius of the designer, Mr. John Hemmings, a slave of the former president. The bookcase transformed into moving cases when the library was moved. With the original dovetail joinery eliminated in favor of simple butt joints, this case is easy to build.

Materials List for This Bookcase

This particular design is a basic size: 13.5” high by' 11.5” wide, by 48” long. In a drawing this would be listed as 13.5” x 11.5” x 48”. The inside of the case will measure 12” high and 46.5” long. This allows for the width of the 1” boards, which is actually ¾”.

• If no workshop is available: three 1"x12"x48" boards. If a workshop is available: one 1"x12"x10' board and one 2'x4' sheet of MDF. (Most lumber stores and DIY stores offer cutting services.)
• If no workshop is available: one sheet of MDF measuring 13.5” x 48” (can be cut from a 2'x4' sheet. If a workshop is available: one 2'x4' sheet of MDF. (Furniture grade ¾” plywood can also be used; all pieces can be cut from one 4'x8' sheet.)
• Twelve 1 ½” number 10 (these are heavy duty) wood screws are needed to create the case, and thirty ¾” number 10 wood screws are needed for the backing. Screws are stronger than nails. If furniture grade plywood is used, plywood screws will be needed instead of plain wood screws.
• Sandpaper
• Paint or stain
• Table saw
• Power or hand saw
• Drill with appropriate bits
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Appropriate safety equipment

Building Your Transforming Bookcase

Follow all the safety rules (usually to be found in the instructions that come with tools and equipment) and use the proper safety gear, such as safety glasses to be worn when using a drill and a mask or respirator for certain types of paints, adhesives and coatings. This may sound like ordinary common sense, but woodworkers are injured every day by bypassing these simple rules.

1. Cut the 1"x12" boards as follows: two boards at 48” and two boards 12” long.
2. Cut the MDF to measure 13.5” x 48”
3. To make finishing easier, sand all pieces smooth now.
4. Make the box: the two 48” boards will be on top, the 12” board will be on the inside at each end.
5. Pre-drill holes to keep the wood from splitting; fasten through the top board into the 12” board with the 1½” wood screws, one every 4 inches.
6. Make sure the box measurements are the same. Measure from one corner to the opposite diagonal corner. The two diagonal measurements should match. If not, take it apart and adjust it. If it’s not “true,” the cases won’t stack safely.
7. Pre-drill and attach the MDF sheet to the back using the ¾” screws every 4 inches.
8. Stain, paint or finish as desired.
9. If stacking the cases, stabilize the design by driving 1½” screws on the inside bottom corners of each box. The screws will go through the top of the next case.
10. If the case is stacked more than 4 feet high or there are children, attach to the wall at the studs with corner braces. This prevents the case from accidentally being knocked over onto someone or a pet.
11. On moving day, simply pick up the case with the books in it and carry. Wrap in plastic if needed.

Uses for The Transforming Bookcase

• Make cases of different sizes and stack for a unique bookcase or wall unit.
• Cover raw edges of lumber or plywood with iron-on edge tape or use purchased moldings.
• To redecorate, change the paint or stain, change the configuration of your design, or change the moldings.
• Add glass or wooden doors to create an elegant appearance.
• Stack two cases on each side and place a plywood, glass or MDF top over it for a fast and easy desk. Use a 2’x4’ sheet for the top, and make the cases at least 36” wide and as tall as you need.

Cases can be made all at once, or as finances allow. Imagination is the designers guide.

This Design Allows Many Possibilities

Print Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds