This project was built and designed by Jonny from Jonny Builds. It’s a modern, industrial-style bookcase that combines raw steel panels with warm wooden shelves and features a stunning shou sugi ban finish on the top tier.
The entire piece is made without welding, using only basic tools, bolts, and wood finishes. It’s a perfect entry point for woodworkers or DIYers interested in trying metalwork without investing in expensive gear.
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A Simple Design with Strong Visual Impact
Jonny’s design blends a minimal steel shell with wood shelves that seem to float inside the frame. This mix of textures and tones gives the piece an upscale, custom look while staying approachable in terms of difficulty.
The frame is built from sheet steel panels cut to size and assembled with bolts and brackets. For the shelving, standard wide planks are trimmed and finished to complement the rugged steel enclosure.
Working with Steel—No Welding Required
One of the most accessible parts of this build is how it handles the steelwork. Instead of welding, Jonny uses an angle grinder to cut and shape the panels. With a cutoff disc and a straightedge, precise lines are easy to achieve.
Once cut, the sharp edges are smoothed using a flap disc. This not only improves safety but gives the steel a clean, finished edge. After cleaning with acetone and sanding any rough spots, Jonny applies paste wax to seal the steel and protect it from rust.
Creating the Bracket System
The shelves are supported by custom brackets made from angle iron. Jonny drills these pieces to accept lag bolts and uses one bracket as a template to make sure all the others are aligned.
Each bracket is bolted directly to the steel side panels with lock nuts and washers. The wood shelves are then fastened from underneath, keeping the hardware hidden and the surface clean.
Building the Wooden Shelves
The shelves are cut to size using a circular saw and guided with a speed square for accuracy. Jonny recommends cutting with good support beneath the wood to keep the process safe and smooth.
The top shelf stands out with a shou sugi ban finish—a traditional Japanese method of lightly charring the wood surface to reveal grain and add texture. Jonny uses a propane torch to carefully burn the wood, controlling the process for even color.
Adding a Pop of Color with Stain
After burning the top shelf, Jonny applies a turquoise stain that enhances the contrast between charred and uncharred wood. He sourced the color “LaFonda Turquoise” with help from a local hardware store to match his vision.
Once stained, the piece is lightly sanded to reveal raised grain highlights. Several coats of wipe-on polyurethane are applied to protect the finish and add a light sheen without overwhelming the color.
Flexible Finishing Options
Only one shelf in this build uses the shou sugi ban technique, but Jonny points out that you can apply it to all shelves or skip it entirely depending on your taste. The project is designed to be customizable and invites experimentation with color, wood type, and layout.
If you prefer not to burn the wood, traditional stains or oils can achieve a similarly rich effect. The shelving system is also modular, allowing you to adjust spacing or expand the unit.
Final Assembly and Top Panel
Once all shelves are finished, the brackets are secured to each one. Jonny bolts the brackets to one side of the frame first, then slides the shelves in and bolts the other side panel into place. This method keeps everything aligned and avoids unnecessary balancing.
For the top steel panel, final measurements are taken after the rest of the bookcase is assembled. It’s cut to fit precisely, drilled for bolts, cleaned, waxed, and then secured to the top of the frame to complete the look.
What Makes This Project Stand Out
This project shows that metal and wood can be combined in simple, accessible ways without needing a full metal shop. Jonny’s clear steps and low tool requirements make this a realistic weekend project even for someone new to furniture building.
The contrast of industrial steel and warm, colorful wood creates a piece that works in lofts, offices, or modern homes. It’s strong, stable, and built with care—and it offers a ton of flexibility in finish and customization.
A Thoughtful Build with Long-Lasting Appeal
From precision steel cuts to creative finishes, this bookcase project offers a little bit of everything. It’s a great way to dip into new skills like metal cutting or shou sugi ban without taking on too much complexity.
Jonny’s use of simple tools—an angle grinder, drill, circular saw, and propane torch—shows that great results don’t require a fancy shop. With patience and care, this build delivers a finished product that’s as durable as it is visually striking.
Please support Jonny by checking out his website here: https://www.jonny-builds.com/.