How To Build A Bookshelf Next Fireplace

Shelving is a great addition to almost any room in your house. The question is not whether you should add some, but where you should put it. If you have a fireplace, the space above the mantelpiece is a particularly good place, as it allows you to use space that would otherwise be empty while also giving your living room a nice aesthetic. The downside of this, of course, is that a custom-built fireplace bookshelf is going to be expensive. You can avoid this by doing it yourself, but be warned that this is a fairly involved project that will take a good bit of time and requires careful measurements. Therefore, it is not for the beginner. ### Materials You’ll Need - 1x12 pine board (for the shelves) - 1x4 pine board (for the supports) - 1/4-inch plywood (for the back) - 1-1/4-inch wood screws - 2-inch wood screws - Wood glue - Clamps - Miter saw - Circular saw - Drill - Countersink bit - Level - Pencil - Measuring tape ### Instructions 1.

Measure the space above your fireplace.

This will determine the length of your shelves. 2.

Cut the 1x12 pine board to length.

You will need two shelves for each section of your bookshelf. 3.

Cut the 1x4 pine board into supports.

The supports will be used to attach the shelves to the wall. Cut them to a length that is equal to the height of your shelves. 4.

Attach the supports to the wall.

Use 2-inch wood screws to attach the supports to the wall. Make sure they are level and secure. 5.

Attach the shelves to the supports.

Use 1-1/4-inch wood screws to attach the shelves to the supports. Make sure they are level and secure. 6.

Attach the plywood back to the shelves.

Use 1-inch wood screws to attach the plywood back to the shelves. Make sure it is flush with the edges of the shelves. 7.

Fill any nail holes or gaps with wood filler.

Sand the wood filler smooth once it has dried. 8.

Paint or stain the bookshelf.

This is optional, but it will give your bookshelf a finished look. ### Tips - If you are not comfortable using a miter saw, you can purchase pre-cut shelves and supports at your local hardware store. - Be sure to use a level when attaching the shelves and supports to the wall. This will ensure that your bookshelf is level and secure. - Use wood glue to help hold the shelves and supports together. This will make your bookshelf more durable. - If you are planning on storing heavy items on your bookshelf, be sure to use heavy-duty brackets to support the shelves.