- 1). Sand all the boards. Make sure to get every edge. Cut 5 18-inch shelves from one board. Using the router, cut a ¼-inch lip along the top and bottom of the two long boards (the 18-inch end, not the long sides). Make the same ¼-inch lip on both ends of two of the shelves. These will be the top and bottom shelves.
- 2). Mark the long boards for the shelves. Decide how much space you want between the shelves. Make a straight line from side to side of the long board. Measure the marks, and draw straight lines on the other long board at exactly the same places. Use the router to cut a ½-inch wide, ¼-inch deep groove along the lines.
- 3). Put a line of wood glue along one end of the top and bottom shelves. Fit the grooves on the top and bottom shelf to one of the long boards. Screw the shelves to the long board. You should have what looks like a very long U. Allow the glue to set while working on the next step.
- 4). Cut ¼-inch grooves on the ends of the middle shelves. Flip the board over, and do the same again. These grooves should leave a ½-inch tongue on the shelf boards that will fit into the grooves cut into the long boards. Run a line of wood glue along the tongue, and fit it into the grooves of the long board (the one with the end shelves already attached). Allow the glue to dry.
- 5). Carefully flip the structure over. Screw the shelves into the board. Using glue, screws, and a tongue-and-groove joint will give the bookcase added stability. Flip the structure over again. Run a line of wood glue in all the grooves on the second long board. Fit the long board over the ends of the shelves. Screw the long board to the shelves. Allow the glue to set for the recommended drying time on the glue, usually at least 24 hours. Paint or stain the bookcase in your choice of color.
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