Free Bookshelf plan

Simple Bookshelf Plans

A classic open bookshelf from one or two sheets: two full-height sides, a top and bottom between them, fixed shelves and a nailed-on back that keeps it square. Add up to three dividers for a wide unit; every shelf is recalculated from the outside size you type. It is also the simplest bookcase you can build: basic bookcase plans that are free, with a printable PDF cut list, for a small bookcase or a tall one.

Default size: 800 × 1800 × 300 mm
Parts: 9 pieces · 4 sizes
Sheets (2440 × 1220 mm (4 × 8 ft)): 1 carcass + 1 back
Difficulty: Easy
Build time: About 4 hours
Edge band: 8.2 m

Change the size

Width

Height

Depth

Dividers

Shelves per bay

Parts: 9
Sheets: 2
Edge band: 8.2 m

Open in the app

Cut list

Part	Qty	Length	Width	Thick.	Board
Side	2	1800	300	18	Carcass board 18 mm
Top / bottom	2	764	300	18	Carcass board 18 mm
Shelf	4	762	280	18	Carcass board 18 mm
Back	1	1800	800	6	Back panel 6 mm

Sizes in millimetres; length runs along the grain. Edges: bold lines are banded.

Sheet layout

On 2440 × 1220 mm sheets, 4 mm kerf, 10 mm edge trim. Each board is laid out separately.

Carcass board 18 mm · sheet 1 of 1 · 80% used

Back panel 6 mm · sheet 1 of 1 · 48% used

How it is built

Sides run full height; top, bottom and shelves fit between them.
Shelves are 2 mm shorter than the opening so they slide in.
Shelves are 20 mm shallower than the sides.
The back is nailed onto the back edges and squares the case: check that the diagonals are equal before you fix it.

Common mistakes

Cutting the top and bottom to the full outside width. They sit between the sides, so they are two board thicknesses shorter.
Ignoring the shelf span. The shelf length in the list is the unsupported span.
Not fixing a tall bookshelf to the wall: above about 750 mm (30 in), use an anti-tip strap.

Tools you need

Track saw or table saw
Drill/driver
Pocket-hole jig or confirmat screws
Edge banding iron

Frequently asked questions

How deep should a bookshelf be?

250–300 mm (10–12 in) fits most books; 200 mm is enough for paperbacks.

How far can a shelf span without sagging?

It depends on the board and the load. Under a full row of hardcovers, an 18 mm MDF shelf stays perfectly flat only to about 350 mm and a plywood one to about 550 mm; most people accept a slight sag up to 700–800 mm. For longer shelves add a divider or a hardwood strip under the front edge, and check yours with the shelf sag calculator.

Can the shelves be adjustable?

Yes: drill shelf-pin holes 32 mm apart in the sides before assembly. The shelves are already 2 mm shorter than the opening, so they drop onto the pins.