Save money while adding storage and character to your home by building and installing DIY built-in bookshelves.

Plus, this will often yield much more aesthetically pleasing results.

Work with your home’s architecture to achieve an effortless look.

Deep blue DIY built in bookshelf in a room with a marble fireplace and gold mirror

Credit:Brie Goldman

For example, a 1x4’s actual dimensions are 3/4-inch by 3-1/2 inches.

Before prying it off, score the paint and caulk with a utility knife.

Rip side pieces to width on the table saw.

Person with measuring tape measuring the height of a wall, next to a fireplace

Credit:Brie Goldman

This will make installation easier, strengthen the overall unit, and improve the look of the finished product.

Position the bottom 2x12 so it peeks out just above the height of the baseboard.

To prevent splitting, drill pilot holes or use self-drilling wood screws.

Someone removing a baseboard and trim with tools

Credit:Brie Goldman

Use a square to ensure everything is straight.

Align Face Frame with Shelves and Assemble

On a flat surface, lay out your frame.

Check the corners with a speed square and clamp the corners.

Person cutting a piece of wood with electric saw

Credit:Brie Goldman

Using 2" screws, drill through the pocket holes into the adjoining piece.

Repeat on all four corners.

Locate Wall Studs

Find and mark the studs using a stud finder or yourgo-to stud-finding technique.

Person cutting pieces of wood with an electric saw

Credit:Brie Goldman

Attach Face Frame to Bookcase

Attach the face frame with a nail gun.

Fill Nail Holes and Paint

Fill the nail holes in the face frame.

Prime and paint the wood following the manufacturer’s instructions for system.

Paint roller painting a piece of wood blue

Credit:Brie Goldman

Person mounting shelves on a blue bookcase

Credit:Brie Goldman

Person drilling into a shelf with a drill

Credit:Brie Goldman

Person building face frame of a bookshelf with a drill

Credit:Brie Goldman

A person with a stud finder on wall

Credit:Brie Goldman

Someone attaching a blue bookcase to the wall with a drill

Credit:Brie Goldman

Person attaching the face frame of a blue bookshelf with a nail gun

Credit:Brie Goldman

Person painting the face frame of a blue bookshelf with a paint roller

Credit:Brie Goldman

Person putting trim onto a wall with a nail gun

Credit:Brie Goldman

Person with a caulk gun filling in holes on a baseboard

Credit:Brie Goldman