This project was built and designed by Nick Starrett of Nick’s Custom Woodworks. It’s a full-sized built-in bookcase made with affordable materials and minimal tools, offering a clean, high-end look without the high-end cost.
Nick has over a decade of experience in custom furniture, and this project showcases how thoughtful design and efficient techniques can make built-ins accessible to DIYers working with limited space and tools.
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Building Without the Big Tools
Many woodworkers think you need a commercial shop full of specialty equipment to tackle a project like this. Nick proves otherwise. While he owns larger tools, this build primarily uses a track saw, pocket hole jig, and basic hand tools.
The focus is on smart planning and simple, repeatable steps that reduce complexity. The project was also built for a special client—Nick’s wife—which added some motivation and a deadline to the process.
Material Selection That Keeps Costs Down
Nick starts by choosing materials that are cost-effective and well-suited to painted furniture. For the bookcase carcass, he uses unfinished birch plywood. It’s smooth, strong, and ready for paint with very little prep.
Poplar is used for the face frames. It’s a hardwood that takes paint well, resists denting better than pine, and is easy to work with. This combination offers a great balance between appearance and affordability.
Getting Clean Cuts with Limited Tools
Instead of a large table saw, Nick breaks down the plywood using a track saw. This tool is portable and ideal for tight workspaces like garages or small shops. It’s accurate enough for cabinet construction and stores easily when not in use.
Edges are sanded after cutting to eliminate splinters and help paint adhere more smoothly. These early steps go a long way toward achieving a polished final product.
Carcass Construction and Joinery Tips
To keep the cabinet square during assembly, Nick builds a frame at the top and bottom of the back panel using poplar offcuts. This trick makes it easier to attach the side panels and shelves with accurate spacing and alignment.
The cabinet goes together with a combination of brad nails and wood glue. Nick uses Boss Dog wood glue, which sets quickly and forms a strong bond. There’s no need for complicated joinery—just clean edges, strong adhesive, and good clamping pressure.
Avoiding Dados with a Clever Alternative
Rather than cutting dados for the shelves, Nick glues thin strips of wood between each one. These strips act as shelf supports, keeping everything spaced and secure.
It’s a beginner-friendly alternative that avoids extra tooling and still provides strength. The bookcase is built in two sections, which makes it easier to move and install—especially important when working solo.
Face Frames That Elevate the Design
The face frames are made from surfaced poplar, which is already milled square and flat. This saves a lot of time compared to milling rough stock.
Nick uses pocket hole joinery for fast and clean assembly. The top rail is arched for a decorative touch, cut on a bandsaw (or jigsaw for those without one). This small design detail makes the entire piece feel more custom and less like stock cabinetry.
Painting Like a Pro
Nick applies four coats of paint, sanding lightly between each coat for a smooth finish. Although he usually paints in a dedicated room, this time he worked outside—showing that great results are possible even in non-ideal conditions.
The key is letting each coat dry fully before sanding and applying the next. This patience pays off with a finish that looks crisp and durable.
Preparing for a Seamless Install
One important installation tip Nick shares is building the cabinet slightly shorter than the ceiling height. This allows the pieces to be tipped upright easily without damaging the ceiling or frame.
Any gap at the top is later covered with crown molding. This not only hides the space but gives the bookcase a true built-in appearance.
Fitting Around Existing Features
Nick makes precise cutouts to accommodate outlets and other wall features. Rather than relying on filler strips to fix poor fits, he overhangs the face frame slightly to get a tight, integrated look.
Measuring at multiple wall points ensures the piece fits snugly, and small adjustments during the build help prevent surprises during install.
Adding Lighting for Extra Impact
After installation, Nick adds LED picture lights with remote controls. These rechargeable lights clip easily onto the face frame and provide adjustable brightness to highlight the shelves.
It’s a simple upgrade that makes the built-in stand out even more, especially at night or in dim lighting.
Keeping the Budget in Check
Nick completes the entire project for under $300. By using affordable plywood, poplar, and minimal hardware, the cost stays low without sacrificing quality.
His careful planning, efficient tool use, and clever joinery help keep the project budget-friendly from start to finish.
Why This Project Works
This bookcase shows that you don’t need a full shop or big budget to build something that looks high-end. With a track saw, a drill, and some clamps, you can build a professional-looking piece that adds value to your home.
Nick’s attention to detail, willingness to adapt, and focus on simplicity make this build achievable for hobbyists and home woodworkers.
Please support Nick by visiting his website here: https://www.nickscustomwoodworks.com/.