Building bookcases: Part 1

After Page had to work the last few weekends to meet a crazy project deadline, we finally got started on our built-in bookcases.

We started by bringing one set of cabinets into the room to get a feel for how high we wanted the base to be and brainstorm how we wanted to lay everything out.

Next, it was off to Lowe’s (again), armed with our measurements and a plan, to pick up the lumber for the shelving portion (thanks to Amex points, some Lowes gift cards helped take the sting out of this purchase).

We picked up a few small supplies, including some extra wood putty, more sandpaper pads for our sander, some finishing nails, shims, and I felt it necessary to don a pink tool belt (or “project apron”) for our first real home DIY project.

With the basics covered, we moved on to the lumber section…

The first thing on our list was some 1/2″ plywood to put on the backs of the shelves. We also bought 3/4″ thick oak to form a counter piece to sit on top of the cabinets, and also serve as the two additional shelves that will go in each bookcase as well as the sides. A few 2x4s for the base and lots of trim pieces brought our wood pile to this:

Yes, there are lots of photos from the Lowes excursion…we were there almost two hours picking everything out, so I had to do something to pass the time.

Back at home, the basement has become the temporary workshop where Page is currently cutting the 2x4s and building the cabinet bases…

…and I’m puttying (to fill in any imperfections), sanding, and priming the cabinets.

We decided it was easiest to get everything built and installed before putting the final coat of actual paint on everything. We bought our paint at Sherwin Williams, the same trim paint our builder used, so everything matches. Lesson learned – trim paint is pricey (yowza!) but I’m stoked that it’s self-leveling (aka won’t show brush strokes) and it’s more durable than a typical paint (great for sliding books and other objects on and off the shelves).

There’s still plenty of work to be done, but it’s progress and we’ll take it! Another weekend or two and I’m hoping these will be ready to fill up with all the piles of stuff waiting not-so-patiently for new storage to call home!

[Note: You can read ALL of the "Building Bookcases" post series here!]