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5 from 2 votes

DIY Arched Bookcase: Free Printable Plans and Step-by-Step Tutorial

Learn how to build a DIY arched bookcase with free printable plans and a step-by-step tutorial. Includes tools, cuts, and in-process photos for beginners. Click here for the free printable plans including the shopping list.

Equipment

  • Miter Saw
  • Drill
  • Kreg Jig
  • Jigsaw
  • Brad Nailer
  • Sander
  • Kreg Rip Cut w/ Circular Saw or Table Saw
  • Kreg Shelf Pin Jig (optional)

Ingredients

  • 4 1x4x8 Primed MDF
  • 1 1x12x8 Primed MDF
  • 2 1x4x8 Pine or Common Boards
  • 4 2x4x8 Framing Boards
  • 2 2x6x8 Framing Boards
  • 1 3/4" x 48" x 96" MDF
  • 1 1/2" x 48" x 48" Hardwood Plywood
  • 1 48"x96" Beaded Plywood
  • 2 Cabinet Pulls
  • 4 Cabinet Hinges
  • Shelf Pins (optional)
  • Wood Glue
  • Finish

Instructions

Cut List

  • Cut List 1
  • Cut List 2
  • Cut List 3

Building the Cabinet

  • Cut the side aprons and side panels to size. Drill 3/4 pocket holes on all sides of the panel and 1 1/2" pocket holes on bot ends and one edge of the top apron. Attach the panel to the 2x4 pieces with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue. The back of the panel should be flush with the back of the aprons. Build two side assemblies.
  • Cut the cabinet frame pieces to size and drill 1 1/2" pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal pieces and one edge of the top horizontal piece. Attach them together with 2 1/2" pocket hole screws and wood glue. The bottom horizontal piece should be 3" from the bottom of the legs. Build 2 frames.
  • Attach a side panel to each side of the cabinet frame with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue. The side aprons should be flush with the frame legs and the top aprons should be flush.
  • Attach the second cabinet frame to the side panels with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue.
  • Measure and cut the bottom panel to size. Drill 3/4" pocket holes around the edge and attach it to the inside of the cabinet frame with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue. The bottom panel should be flush with the top of the bottom apron.
  • Cut the top planks to size and drill 1'1/2" pocket olds on one edge of three of the boards. Attach them together with 2 1/2" pocket holes.
  • Attach the top to the cabinet base with 2 1/2" pocket holes from the inside of the aprons and into the planked tops. There should be a 1" overhang on both sides, 1 1/4" on the front and 3/4" on the back.

Building the Hutch

  • Cut the hutch side panels and top to size. Drill 3/4" pocket holes at one end of both side pieces. Attach the top to the side pieces with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue. The front of the top piece should be flush with the front of the side panels. The back of the top piece should overhang a 1".
  • Cut the hutch back frame pieces to size and drill 3/4" pocket holes at both ends and one edge of the horizontal pieces. Attach them to the vertical pieces with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue.
  • Flip the hutch on it's front side (so that the overhang is facing up) and attach the back frame to the hutch. Use 1 1/4" pocket holes and wood glue to attach the frameto the top of the hutch and 1 1/4" brad nails and wood glue to attach it to the side panels. the side of frame should be flush with the side panels.
  • Measure and cut the side trim pieces to size and drill 3/4" pocket holes at each end of both short trim pieces. Attach them to the long trim pieces with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue. Build two side frame assemblies.
  • Attach the side trim assemblies to the sides of the hutch with 1 1/4" brad nails and wood glue.
  • Measure and cut the hutch face frame pieces to size. Drill 3/4" pocket holes at the ends of both of the arch piece and one end of the long boards. Attach the long face frame pieces to the arch with 11/4" pocket hole screws and wood glue. Add a few 1 1/4" brad nails towards the bottom of the arch, securing the arch to the long trim pieces.
  • Attach the hutch face frame to the front of the hutch with 1 1/4" brad nails and wood glue.
  • Cut the beaded plywood to size and attach it to the back of the hutch with 1" staples and wood glue. I stained the beaded plywood before attaching it.

Creating the Cabinet Doors

  • Cut the door panels to size then measure and cut the door trim size. The doors should have a 1/8" gap around all sides. Attach the door trim to the door panels with 1 1/4"brad nails and wood glue.
  • Attach the doors to the cabinet with the cabinet hinges. I waited until after painting the cabinet to attach.

The Finish

  • Attach the hutch to the cabinet base with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws through the pocket holes on the back frame of the hutch and into the cabinet top. Follow up with 1 1/4" pocket holes from the inside of the hutch face frame and into the cabinet top.
    Fill any exposed nail holes and sand the entire piece down, then add a finish and hardware!
    Make it your own! Make sure to share your builds with us on social media and use #shanty2chic so we can share them too!
    Happy Building!