Integrated Book Shelves
Copper and beech bookcase
Summary
As part of refurbishing my home, in April 2020 I built this integrated bookcase. I wanted a solution which was strong, cleanly designed, and where I could learn some new skills. I also bawked at the idea of paying thousands for a custom built option, which would likely be made from MDF.Materials
I opted to use beech countertops, and cut them down into planks. This was a way to save money and create a unique and sturdy aesthetic, while benefiting from the precision that’s put into countertop wood. (If I was to redo this now I’d probably use locally felled Ash or other, planked down by my friend who has a mill.)
For the ‘skeleton’ I chose copper piping. There are lots of industrial-style shelving builds online, but I didn’t find one built the way I’d do it, and I knew a bit of welding/brazing, so I figured I could learn that too while I was making it.
How it went
Overall it was a smooth build, the hardest part was threading the shelves down over the copper skeleton I’d made, where I’d made the holes push tight. (I actually managed this in the end with olive oil!) I enjoyed the few evenings I took making this, the chance to work on my woodworking skills and seeing the design come out as planned.
The rebate & pin method I used for securing the shelves vertically worked well, and I am glad I added the horizontal cross-bars from smaller (10mm) copper pipe at the last minute as it completes the design well.
The bookcase is incredibly sturdy, with the copper all brazed together and the beech shelves 30mm thick and push-fitted to the copper. I attached it to the wall with a few screws and brackets, but frankly it was probably solid enough on its own. I also got the corner fit very tight, which helps there too.
If I were to build shelves like this again, I’d change these things:
- Use local wood, and spend the time bringing it into tolerance myself.
- Size the shelf holes 1mm larger
- Allow several taller shelves for graphic novels, which end up getting put horizontally for want of space.