Project Challenge: Reclaimed Wood Bookshelf DIY

Hello and welcome to our monthly project challenge--6 bloggers challenging themselves and YOU to create something with a particular object or material.  

This month's challenge is reclaimed wood, one of my favorite materials to use. To me, reclaimed wood is any wood that you save from the dump or from being burned.

I was recently visiting my husband's family and my brother-in-law had a lovely stack of grey, weathered wood that he had saved for me from a neighbor.  I knew some of it had to become a bookshelf.

I started by brushing the wood with a wire brush to remove loose pieces.  I didn't want to sand it because I would lose all of that lovely weathered patina.

I cut 4 pieces 5 feet tall.  I should have cut 2 5'1" long for the back, but I made this "mistake" work.  I attached a side piece to a back piece,

so I had 2 L shaped pieces.

I then measured across the top of the bookshelf and cut a board this length (241/2") and secured it with 2" screws.  Notice how it is sitting back from the front edges.  Had I cut the two back pieces 1" longer I would have avoided this issue.

I then measured the inside of the shelf across the bottom and cut 4 more shelves this length (22 1/2").  Screw the bottom shelf in place.  Use clamps when necessary.

I measured down from the top 13 3/4" and marked it with a pencil and then added the next shelf.  I did this with the last two shelves as well.

I then added a trim piece on the top across the front.

I have to show two favorite things I have found in the library of our old schoolhouse. This old postcard book

with 1908 Yellowstone postcards in it.

And this Girl From Montana book.  I love both of them. 

This shelf is a great size--not too big and the grey wood makes me smile!

Now check out the other wonderful bloggers and then come back here to link up your own project!

Homeroad

Down To Earth Style

 Sew a Fine Seam

Shelstring

Fern Creek Cottage

NOW SHOW US YOUR RECLAIMED WOOD PROJECTS!

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