Bookcase Advice - Paul

[Paul Olsh]

Hello,

I’m designing and building my first bookcase and would appreciate feedback on the structural design. I have prior woodworking experience building desks, shed frames, and arched trellises, but this is my first project focused specifically on shelving and casework.
My design approach is a semi-permanent frame: the main structure will be assembled using dowels and joinery intended to remain permanent, while the shelves themselves will be bolted in place so they can be easily removed or replaced if needed. Any disassembly of the frame would only occur in the event of damage requiring repair.

My primary concern is lateral stability and wobble, rather than vertical load capacity. The shelves will carry relatively light loads, but if there are any concerns regarding vertical strength, I would welcome that feedback as well.
The frame will be constructed from kiln-dried hardwood, and the shelves will be plywood. If anyone has recommendations regarding bracing, joinery, material selection, or general design improvements to increase rigidity and long-term durability, I would greatly appreciate your input. A question I want to address in advance is why I’m not building this myself. The short answer is that I’m currently very busy and working within a tight budget.

Below are a few pictures with captions of the design. I also attached a PDF of the schematics (these schematics were created for my interpretation and are unfinished)


Render

Angle of bookcase ~7 degrees

Bookcase parts

Under the bookcase

Removed shelf (plywood 3/4" thick)

L shaped red pieces "side supports" height of outer wall 1.5"

All L-shape supports (green and red) will have a 3/4" thickness for the shelf support.

A 5/16 x 3" and a 8-32 x 3" bolt will be side by side roughly where the 3" measurement is; supporting the side L-shape supports (red) and the Front L-shape supports (green). 8-32 inserts will be used.

Different perspective [1] of previous image.

Different perspective [2] of previous image. Note: Faces in contact will be glued together; for example, the red piece will be glued to the green front support and legs. This will apply to all five shelves.

Different perspective [3] of previous image.

Leg thickness: 1.25"

Leg width: 2"

 

[Paul Olsh]

Too clear up confusion "A question I want to address in advance is why I’m not testing my design by building this out of scrap wood. The short answer is that I’m currently very busy and working within a tight budget."

 

[Darren Wright]

I think expected loads, type of materials to be used, and how many toddlers do you expect to be climbing it? Would be my first questions before I could answer you questions.

The design looks very similar to many others you might already find, so I don’t think you will have many issues, especially if it is attached to the wall or if you add a cross brace to the back side. I’d probably still suggest adding the wall attachment to prevent those toddlers from tumbling it over though.

Welcome to the forum, Paul.

 

[Rennie Heuer]

What Darren said... plus

A cross brace in the back will give you the most rigid frame and would probably work well with your design. If that is not an option for you try making the back crossmemners wider (3-4") and add one at the halfway point. The added bracing will really help to make the frame more rigid.


Oh, and Welcome!

 

[Mike Stafford]

Build it with triangles young man, triangles. By far the most steadying design if you aren't going to put a back on it is to incorporate braces that form a couple of triangles on the back.

As Darren said include in your installation something that will prevent the bookcase from falling over. Might save a tragedy with just one or two screws into a stud.