How to Build a Bookshelf

I finally had the perfect project idea to test out the unfinished crates I keep seeing at Home Depot. The crates are solid pine wood, can be painted or stained any color, and can fit together to form a vertical storage solution for any space. This project came from the beed for a storage solution for John’s bedroom, a Celebration of Service event I did with Home Depot.

Here’s what you’ll need to build a bookshelf

• 5 large wooden crates – You can use any size wooden crate, I used 18 x 12.5 x 9.5. If the plan is to make a few bookshelves, this set of 12 wooden crates is the best deal!
• Stain or paint of your choice- I used grey spray paint, but any paint or spray paint will work.
• Purdy paintbrush– Purdy brushes are the best!
• Drop cloth- To stain or paint the crates on.

How do I build a bookshelf?

The 5 crate bookshelf was oringially built for a Celebration of Service event with Home Depot. I had the honor of creating a storage solution for Richard Hutchison and his brother, John. John was hit by a drunk driver and paralyzed from the chest down in 2005. Richard, a 20 year veteran of the Army, has been taking care of his brother ever since. Richard and John asked if I would be willing to help with storage solutions for the new bedroom. They have a ton of books, family pictures, and a model car collection that they both adore.

Step 1- Stain

First, lay out a large drop cloth and give each wooden crate 2 coats of spray paint in any color. Let the crates dry between coats.

Step 2- Stack

Next, decide how you want to stack the wooden crates. I have 4 fun stacking options below.

Step 3- Secure together

Lastly, consider securing the crates together. I did not screw the crates together for the Celebration of Service event since kids do not live in the Hutchinson’s home. If you do live with kids or pets, I would screw the crates together and attach the bookshelf to the wall so there is no risk of the bookshelf falling on someone.

4 Bookshelf crate configuration ideas

There is no wrong way to configure the wooden crates. Below, are 4 ideas to use 4 or 5 of the pine crates.

1. John’s Bedroom

This is the 5 crate storage solution all set up in John’s new bedroom! Cleary the walls still need a little paint and the outlet covers needs to be screwed back on, but you get the point.

2. Stair step toy storage

I wanted to show you a few more ways you could possibly arrange the 5 crates. Here’s a stair step idea that stores all things Maxwell.

3. Shoe storage

And here are the 5 crates stocked with shoes. This crate bookshelf is ideal for a closet, laundry room, or entry way.

4. Four Crate bookshelf

And a simple square 4 crate option, just for fun!

Have you ever made a bookshelf or crate furniture? I’d love to hear!