Design

• To create your own built-in bookcase, sketch a design after measuring the entire work area, including the walls, floor and ceiling, and noting any windows and electrical outlets that may obstruct your layout. Determine just how much space you have, and how many shelves you'll be able to fit. As a rule of thumb, average bookshelf widths are between 30 and 36 inches, with depths of 8 to 12 inches. Be sure to build enough support and strength into the design to prevent sagging shelves.
  
  

Building the Frame

• To build the frame, you'll need to cut special joints into the wood to hold the pieces together. First, assemble the outline of your square or rectangular frame in place, and on each corner, cut "stopped dado" and "rabbet" joints into the wood. A dado joint is a groove cut perpendicular to the grain of the wood; a rabbet joint is a protrusion that slides into the dado joint groove. When cutting your joints, be sure not to make the recesses too deep as this will weaken your frame. You will also need additional dado joints on the interior of your frame to anchor your shelving.
  
  Slide the wood into place; the joints will secure the two pieces together. Next, attach a quarter-inch of backing to the back of the frame, and adhere with glue or securely fasten with screws. Install a toe kick board at the base of the frame. A toe kick is a recess that allows room for your feet when you're standing next to the bookshelf. A heavy toe kick board will also add stability to your frame.
  
  

Installing the Shelving

• Anchor the shelving using the installed dado joints on each side of the frame, and glue the shelves into place. For fixed shelving, secure with screws. Adjustable shelves can be created with inexpensive shelf pins and are ideal for storage flexibility. Drill small holes to fit the pins, and allow your shelves to overhang them by 2 inches in the front and back. Enhance the strength of your shelves by attaching hardwood aprons to the front or back edges.
  
  

Finishing Up

• Finish the woodwork with multiple finishing coats. Allow the wood to dry; then anchor your new bookcase to the wall. Use masonry anchors for brick and stone walls or simply use screws for studded walls.
  A professionally finished appearance can be created with decorative trim, which can be used to mold the gaps between the walls and the bookcase. Trim can also be used to mold two or more individually built bookcases together.