Simple Bookshelf from Stair Treads | Build It | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor use stair treads to create a simple bookshelf in Build It.

This simple bookcase was designed to be built using a circular saw, a cordless drill/driver, a block plane, and a chisel. Because the shelf is made out of veneered stair treads, it’s designed to be paint grade, not stain grade. All of the materials for this project, including pine stair treads, 1x4 pine, 1/4” plywood, 3 1/8” trim head screws, and 5d box nails can be purchased at home centers.

Cost: $100
Time: 3-4 hours
Skill level: Easy

Tools:
Drill/driver
Circular saw
Clamps
Hand plane
Straight edge
Chisel

Steps:
Measure out desired lengths; in this case, Tom measured out 38 inches and made a cut point using a straight edge.
Cut stair treads for shelving to length using a circular saw.
Leave two stair treads at 48-inch length for use at the sides of the bookshelf.
Rip each shelf down by 1 ½-inches using a straight edge and a circular saw.
Rip both sides down by ¾ of an inch using the same method.
To inset the plywood into the sides and hide the end grain of the plywood, make rabbet cuts by setting ¼” cutting depth on the circular saw and a straight edge to mark the width of the cut.
After the first pass, move the straight edge out just a little to remove some of the waste on a second pass with the circular saw.
Remove the remainder of the waste using a utility knife.
The top will also need a rabbet cut, however this one will not run the whole length of the board. This stop rabbet will start and stop within 1” of the end of the top piece. Cut the rabbet like on the sides, but starting your saw 1” in and finishing your cut 1” from the end.
Clean up the stop rabbet and square it off using a chisel.
To lay out the measurements for the bookshelf, place each side piece side-by-side.
Lay a 1x4 toe kick at the base and hold the first piece of shelving flush against it. Mark where the top of the shelf will lie.
Measure 16 inches between the top of the first shelf to the bottom of the second shelf. Mark the top and bottom, then repeat it on the next shelf up. (Note: you can make the distance between shelves any dimension you wish at this stage based on what you plan to store).
Pre-drill holes on each side piece between the marks you made for the shelf locations using a drill/driver.
Use 3 1/8” trim head screws to fasten each shelf to the sides using a drill/driver.
Do the same for the toe kick.
To match the sides of the top shelving piece to the stair tread nosing, mark the center of the nosing and the distance to the back of the nosing.
Use those markings to hand plane, rounding the edge as you go, until nosing matches that of the stair tread.
Fasten the top shelving piece onto the bookshelf using trim head screws and a drill/driver.
Nail the plywood portion onto the back using 5d box nails and a hammer.
Sand, prime, fill nail holes, and paint the finished bookshelf (Note: using the materials shown, this shelf is only paint grade and cannot be stained).

Build It:
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, and special guests including Jimmy DiResta, take you through step-by-step DIY projects in this popular video series. From end-tables to cutting boards to wine racks to chicken coops and more, learn how to build from the best pros in the game. Segments include mention of all tools and materials needed to get the job done.

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Simple Bookshelf from Stair Treads | Build It | Ask This Old House

[Mr.Pop]

The takeaway from this video is that its easy to make something yourself. Its not the end all be all of bookshelves. You can skip some steps, go with different materials and make it your own. Dont got money for stair treads, then go with regular pine planks. Rounding that edge too hard? then just leave it as is and nail some molding to dress it up. The beauty of this is that you make it to suit your needs.

[mathteacher]

I never thought I would find someone as good as Norman from 'Old Yankee workshop'; but, I think Tom is this good.
Tom is a Master....

[Shetasen]

I always find it funny how as a kid, i found this series so boring, but as an adult I love it, even though I never build anything.

[warrenbuitendag]

whenever i watch a woodworking video it feels like coming home after a while away :)

[bbrdcst]

Mr. Silva is doubtlessly a master in his trade.

[weemeemoo]

How has nobody mentioned Kevin looking more and more like a hunk every year? Wacca wacca.

home improvement + these guys = heaven

[mikefas]

I just bought these same materials to make a book shelf for my daughter's room! Total cost was $81. I do have a nice table saw and router though so I'm going to use them. It's just easier. :)

[billybike]

I saw this on ASk This Old House and just ran across it to add to my file "Great Ideas for the Garage". Great job to Team Silva!

[annedwyer]

Love me some Tommy Silva, what a Master!

[defion]

I don't know why but i find this video so relaxing... :) going to try and build my first book shelf soon!

[miriamkelly]

I love how the process was step by step and simple. I learnt some new terms as well. Thanks for sharing this video.

[geoffreyyoung]

Thanks guys, great project for those of us who don't have lots of tools.

[OneIdeaTooMany]

I hope they keep making these sorts of videos even after Tommy retires.

[OIFEagle]

A great project, a shelf that is meant to last! Thanks!

[chofbrighton]

Always enjoy your craftsmanship. Excellent instructional video. Looking forward to building this type of bookshelf soon. Thank you both for taking time to share your talents.

[davidvarchol]

After seeing this episode of Ask This Old House, I finally decided to build this myself. I'm a big fan of Tommy's. I even got to meet him several years ago and thanked him for all that I've learned from him over the years. But I discovered an error in these plans. He's saying that there is 16 inches between shelves and I'm afraid it doesn't actually work out that way in real life. If there is 16 inches between the bottom three shelves, that only leaves about 10 or 11 inches between the top and the next shelf down. I had to adjust the distance to about 14 inches between shelves to get a relatively equal distance between all shelves. Just a minor error, but still. Also, I agree with some other posters here that it would be a shame to paint this. I will be either staining it or using a clear finish on it....using wood plugs to cover the screw holes instead of filler. Looking forward to building it this weekend.

[mrmadan]

Simple explanation, Simple equipment and finally Excellent product.
Thank you & Great Work

[colinblake]

A great video for those with limited power tools. Thanks

[wahinenuiloa]

Awesome. Itʻs great that you show how to make the shelf with just the basic tools. Thanks for posting!

[MJFAN]

Really like this channel.. reminds me of those art shows I used to watch as a kid where people explain to you stuff with detail and clarity.. like Art Attack. I miss art attack