Classic Bookcase
Build a timeless, durable bookcase with this easy-to-follow woodworking plan. Requires just one sheet of plywood and basic tools. Perfect for beginners or pros.
The Classic Bookcase Woodworking Plan is the perfect combination of timeless style, rock-solid construction, and DIY simplicity. This easy-to-build bookcase features a clean, traditional design that looks great in any room while offering versatile storage. Best of all, it’s built using just one sheet of ¾" plywood for the case and shelves, plus a few board feet of hardwood and a piece of ¼" plywood for the back — making it as affordable as it is attractive.
The construction is straightforward and beginner-friendly, relying on simple but strong joinery. Tongue and dado joints form the sturdy foundation of the case, while biscuit joinery makes assembling the face frame fast and hassle-free. These methods ensure a durable piece that’s built to last without requiring advanced tools or techniques. Once the basic structure is complete, shop-made trim gives the bookcase a refined, custom look without the need for costly molding.
One of the standout features of this woodworking plan is its flexibility. You can easily expand the design into a full wall of built-in shelves by creating multiple units, adjusting the trim, and fastening them together. Whether you’re building a single bookshelf or a full-length storage solution, this modular bookcase system adapts to your space.
Ideal for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike, this project delivers professional results with minimal complexity. If you're looking for a DIY bookcase that’s stylish, strong, and scalable, this plan has everything you need.
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What You Get:
- 8 printable (digital) pages of step-by-step instructions.
- More than 30 full-color photos and illustrations.
- Bonus "Designer's Notebook" that explains how to add additional bookcases to the design.
- Materials List and Cutting Diagram.
- Retail sources for hardware and supplies
Product Recommendations
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Imperial Plans
The United States Customary System of Units (USCS or USC), more commonly referred to as the English or Imperial system, is the standard set of units for our plans. It uses inches and feet for measurement. This is the one you probably want if you are in the United States, and it is the one we have traditionally offered on this website.

Metric Plans
The International System of Units (SI), more commonly referred to as the metric system, is the alternative set of units that we have available for some of our plans. It uses millimeters, centimeters, and meters for measurement. This is the one you probably want if you are outside the United States. These plans are provided by our business partner, Australian Woodsmith, and are based on the original Woodsmith plan. However, dimensions and other elements of the plan may vary between the metric and standard versions. Be sure to double-check the plan before building.


Premium Plans
All of the information that you need to build our plans can be found in the standard plan. However, if you want even more granular detail to make your job easier, you should consider our premium plans. These come with additional shop diagrams that we drew when creating the prototypes. Shop drawings are not available for every plan.
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Gift Plans
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