How to Build a Modern Open Bookshelf {with Drawer!} @WoodshopDiaries

How to Build a Modern Open Bookshelf {with Drawer!} @WoodshopDiaries

Uploaded May 2021 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago

I needed a project to share and decided a bookshelf would be simple enough to throw together quickly and be ready to post a new video.

But when my Instagram poll showed a 50/50 split between my two design ideas, I decided to make a series and build both bookcase designs.

In this video, I'm showing how to build an open bookshelf with drawer and I'll show how to build a cabinet style shelf in the next video. So be sure to subscribe and follow along if you aren't already.

You can check out the build plans for this modern bookcase design on my website here:
woodshopdiaries.com/diy-modern-open-bookshelf-with-drawer

And you may find these posts helpful in the build process as well:

How to cut your own 2x2s from 2x4s: woodshopdiaries.com/woodworking-tips-square-edges-make-your-own-2x2s
How to cut plywood sheets: woodshopdiaries.com/cut-down-plywood-sheets-with-circular-saw
How to use a pocket hole jig: woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-use-pocket-hole-jig
How to edgeband plywood: woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-cover-plywood-edges
How to build and install drawers: woodshopdiaries.com/theres-no-wrong-way-to-make-a-drawer

Tools and Materials Used:

Tools:
Circular saw (cutting guides optional, but helpful): homedepot.sjv.io/AooaYx
Miter saw: homedepot.sjv.io/yd96v
Jig saw: homedepot.sjv.io/Gjj912
Table saw (optional)
Pocket hole jig: amzn.to/346YG5S
Drill/Driver: homedepot.sjv.io/2G6Za

Materials:
(1) sheet 3/4" plywood: homedepot.sjv.io/9rR95
(3) 2x4x8 boards: homedepot.sjv.io/kr42M
1/4 sheet 1/4" plywood: homedepot.sjv.io/qnWWVy
1x scraps to cut legs from
1 1/4", 2", 2 1/2" & 3" wood screws
Timber screws: homedepot.sjv.io/x9JJO5
1 1/4" pocket hole screws: amzn.to/3hLoooO
2 1/2" pocket hole screws: amzn.to/3fB0v0q
Edge banding: amzn.to/2ShwbQc
(1) pair 16" ball bearing drawer slides: amzn.to/3ugmxLi
Paint & stain as desired

How to Build a Modern Open Bookshelf {with Drawer!}

$How to Build a Wardrobe Armoire Cabinet {Using 2x4s and Plywood!} The first 1000 people to use this link will receive a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: https://skl.sh/sharawoodshopdiaries05211 Welcome back to the 5th and final build to go in my Dads matching office furniture series! This tall pantry cabinet/armoire/wardrobe cabinet build was made using standard 2x4 boards and some birch plywood. Even with lumber prices so high these days, this build still came out under $250 and I have plenty of leftover plywood to use for my next project :) Grab the details on the build here: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-wardrobe-armoire-cabinet-2x4s-and-plywood/ And the printable plans here: https://woodshop-diaries.myshopify.com/collections/printable-pdf-building-plans/products/armoire-wardrobe-cabinet-plan If youve missed any of the previous pieces in the matching set, check them out here: DIY Writing Desk: https://youtu.be/tatIcqcEGXk DIY Display Shelf with Drawers: https://youtu.be/V_4yJbjSh6E DIY Computer Desk: https://youtu.be/5sDnzE7lFm0 DIY File Cabinet: https://youtu.be/qqT-mcHixB4 Grab the 5 plan bundle pack printable building plans here: https://woodshop-diaries.myshopify.com/collections/printable-pdf-building-plans/products/matching-office-furniture-plan-bundle You may find these posts/videos helpful in the build process: How to Make Your Own 2x2s: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/woodworking-tips-square-edges-make-your-own-2x2s/ How to Cut Down Plywood Sheets: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/cut-down-plywood-sheets-with-circular-saw/ How to Use a Pocket Hole Jig: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-use-pocket-hole-jig/ How to Apply Edge Banding to Plywood: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-cover-plywood-edges/ 4 Ways to Plug a Pocket Hole: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/4-ways-to-fill-a-pocket-hole/ 10 Must Have Tools for Cabinet Building: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/must-have-tools-for-cabinet-furniture-making/ How to Build and Install A Drawer: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/theres-no-wrong-way-to-make-a-drawer/ Affiliate links below... Tools and Materials: Tools: Circular Saw: https://homedepot.sjv.io/AooaYx Kreg Rip Cut: https://amzn.to/3hjgqTF Kreg AccuCut: https://amzn.to/3vJtDJ2 Miter Saw: https://homedepot.sjv.io/yd96v Table Saw Drill/Driver: https://homedepot.sjv.io/2G6Za Pocket Hole Jig: https://amzn.to/3tpzeTe & https://amzn.to/3b9Wlv7 Shelf Pin Jig: https://amzn.to/3tqm0Wm Router & Rabbeting Bit: https://homedepot.sjv.io/vqZAA & https://homedepot.sjv.io/P0OkBM Staple gun Materials: (1 + 1/2) Sheet 3/4 birch plywood: https://homedepot.sjv.io/9rR95 (1) sheet 1/4 plywood: https://homedepot.sjv.io/3vVYr (8) 2x4x8 boards (use the off cuts to make your own 2x2s or purchase (2) 2x2x8 boards): https://homedepot.sjv.io/kr42M (8) 8 ft sticks cove Molding: https://homedepot.sjv.io/e4vDdr (1) 14 drawer slide: https://amzn.to/3vONXZw (2) pair pivot hinges: https://amzn.to/3vONZR8 Edge Banding: https://amzn.to/2PUsBe5 2 1/2 pocket hole screws: https://amzn.to/3vNZDvY 1 1/4 pocket hole screws: https://amzn.to/3eZPQfq 2 wood screws Wood Glue Shelf pins: https://amzn.to/3esWTyh Minwax Helmsman Clear Coat: https://amzn.to/3b6Jgmh$

Building Custom DIY Built In Cabinets with Shelves and Storage Bench

How to Build a Simple Garden Arbor | Part 1 of Enclosed Garden Build

$How to Build a Closet System {Drawers, Cubbies, & Belt/Tie Rack!} In this video, I’ll show you how to build your own built in (or stand alone, if you prefer) DIY Closet System! For dimensions and details, check out the FREE building plans here: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/built-in-diy-closet-system/ And find the printable plans with cut list and plywood cut diagram here: https://woodshop-diaries.myshopify.com/collections/armoires/products/basic-closet-system-build-plans Now, I know the video shows this DIY closet system standing on its own–and that’s definitely a possibility. This piece can stand alone in a room. But it was actually designed to fit into a nook in a friend’s house that just needed some extra storage space. The nook was 4 ft wide, 2 ft deep, and 8 ft tall. So I built this piece slightly smaller to give some wiggle room to avoid issues during installation. The overall size here is 47 wide, 20 deep, and 7 ft tall. Check out my other closet system video here: https://youtu.be/wyClGvb_Vxs Follow Woodshop Diaries: Website: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/ Shop: https://woodshop-diaries.myshopify.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@woodshopdiaries? Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodshopdiaries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodshopdiaries/ Additional Resources You May Find Helpful For This Build: How to Cut Down Plywood Sheets: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/cut-down-plywood-sheets-with-circular-saw/ How to Use a Pocket Hole Jig: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-use-pocket-hole-jig/ How to Apply Edge Banding: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-cover-plywood-edges/ How to Build and Install Drawers: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/theres-no-wrong-way-to-make-a-drawer/ How to Build Cabinets: https://www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-to-build-your-own-diy-kitchen-cabinets-2/ Tools and Materials Used in this Video: Affiliate links Tools: Circular saw: https://homedepot.sjv.io/AooaYx Kreg Rip Cut & AccuCut (optional cutting guides to use with circular saw): https://amzn.to/3hXCjGy Miter Saw (optional…you can use circular saw for everything if you want) Table saw (also optional) Drill/Driver: https://homedepot.sjv.io/2G6Za Kreg Pocket Hole Jig: https://amzn.to/3e3DiUK Dowel Jig: https://amzn.to/3wzzS2a Clamps Stapler (optional) Materials: (4) sheets ¾″ plywood: https://homedepot.sjv.io/9rR95 (2) sheets ¼″ plywood: https://homedepot.sjv.io/3vVYr (1) 1″ x 48″ wooden dowel: https://homedepot.sjv.io/BXxPmW (4) pair 16″ drawer slides (I buy the bulk pack because it’s cheaper): https://amzn.to/2VovmXr (1) pair 14″ drawer slides: https://amzn.to/3ARkRMq ⅜″ dowels: https://amzn.to/2TVwwtc 1 ¼″ pocket hole screws: https://amzn.to/3htT8K5 1 ¼″ screws Wood Glue: https://amzn.to/3xwrDW9 RapidFuse Glue: https://amzn.to/3hBmO8x Edge Banding: https://amzn.to/3k4Vscc (5) modern handles: https://amzn.to/3hx9ouc 3″ screws (for securing to wall when complete) Wood Putty: https://amzn.to/3wur1is Clear Coat Finish: https://amzn.to/36z86rX$

How to Build a Kids Floor Bed From Dowels and 2x4s!

How to Build a Glass Door Console Cabinet

This is NOT Your Average DIY Bookcase Build

DIY Bathroom Remodel Installing the Shower and Vanity

How to Build a Storage Cabinet for Entryway | Mudroom Redo Part 1

How to Build a DIY Ladder Shelf with Basic Tools and Materials

How to Build a Mid Century Modern Nightstand

Shara Woodshop Diaries |

How to Build a Modern Open Bookshelf {with Drawer!}