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Bookshelf cut list
A plain, strong bookcase 36" wide, 72" tall and 11 1/4" deep, in 3/4" plywood with a 1/4" back. Here is every part, how the sizes are worked out, and how many sheets to buy.
The cut list
| Part | Qty | Size (W × L) | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side | 2 | 11 1/4 × 72" | 3/4" plywood |
| Top, bottom & shelf | 5 | 11 1/4 × 34 1/2" | 3/4" plywood |
3/4" plywood on 4×8 sheets
Change any size and press Calculate. Untick “Parts can turn” to keep the grain.
How the sizes are worked out
- The sides run full height: 72".
- The top, bottom and three shelves fit between the sides: 36 − 3/4 − 3/4 = 34 1/2".
- Depth is 11 1/4", the same as a 1×12 board, so the shelves look right next to solid wood trim.
- The 1/4" back is a separate sheet: 36 × 72", nailed and glued into the back edges.
- Rip the sheet into four 11 1/4" strips (45" plus three saw cuts, inside 48") and every part comes from one sheet.
You’ll also need
- One 4×8 sheet of 1/4" plywood for the back
- Wood glue and 1 1/4" screws or pocket screws
- Edge banding for the plywood edges, if you’re not adding a face frame
Sizes assume 3/4" plywood and lumber at its actual size (a 2×4 is 1 1/2 × 3 1/2"). Measure your material before cutting: plywood is often a little under 3/4".
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Questions
For this 36" × 72" bookshelf, one 4×8 sheet of 3/4" plywood for the sides, top, bottom and shelves, ripped into four 11 1/4" strips, plus one sheet of 1/4" plywood for the back. Change the sizes in the calculator above for yours.
Yes. Change any part in the calculator and press Calculate, or open the job in the app to save it, print a cut sheet for every sheet and a label for every part.
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