How Can I Make a Book Shelf for Babies' Books?

Babies love books, and before long you find youve run out of room to store them all. Make this low bookshelf for your child so that you can allow her to choose her own books without having to ask for help. This book shelf is an afternoons project and is feasible even for those with few woodworking skills.

Instructions

1

Have the lumber store cut the wood to measure or do it yourself with a circular saw. Sand all of the pieces with medium- and then fine-grain sandpaper and wipe away the sawdust with a tack cloth.

2

Apply at least two coats of paint to all sides of the wooden pieces, using the disposable foam paintbrushes. Dry thoroughly between coats. Always use lead-free paint for anything a child might chew on.

3

Finish the wood with a water-based lacquer finish that is low odor. Use two coats and dry thoroughly between each application.

4

Measure along the top edge of the side piece and mark a spot inch from the edge of the top and in from the side, both front and back, and in the center. Drill at these marks for the pilot holes. Drill the screws all the way through into the center side of the top shelf. Repeat on the other side with the second 30-inch side section.

5

Mark the same spots on the bottom of the side pieces and attach to the bottom shelf. Measure half way down both sides and mark for the placement of the center shelf. Make pilot holes, fill with a drop of glue and screw in the wood screws to complete the shelves.

6

Lay the bookshelf carcass on its face and apply a bead of wood glue all around the back edge and along the back shelf. Place the plywood back piece over the carcass.

7

Mark for pilot holes at each corner of the back, along the edges of the middle shelf and every 8 inches along the back side edges of the plywood.

8

Drop in the glue before screwing the plywood to the back of the book shelf.