Forget Bookcase Plans!
My idea of a perfect bookcase plan is not really a plan at all. It's a set of downloadable graphs and templates that let you design your own style of bookcase or bookshelf.

Let me know what you think of the Planner.

10-page planner shows you all the basics - like how to cut plywood and which types of joinery to use. You decide the height, width, number of shelves, and overall style for your bookcase design. Then choose the construction methods I've outlined that are best suited to your skill level and the shop tools you currently own.

Magic Bookcase Drawing Cube
Maybe I'm exaggerating to call this magic, but if you're anything like me and have trouble drawing in perspective, this 3D graph template can make your rough bookcase ideas come to life in magical ways. Mark the width and height of your bookcase using inch marks located along the bottom and sides of the cube. Then connect the dots.

What's in Andy's Art Box?

Shelf Height and Width Planner
Here's an easy guide for making sure your bookcase design is not too large - or too small for the intended user. You can also figure out how many shelves you want in the cabinet, and how high you'll need to make each shelf for the books you want to put there.

Guide for Bookcase Shelf Span
A common problem with poorly-designed bookcases is that the shelves start to sag in the middle. This likely means the the shelf is too long for the type of wood used - or the shelf is not properly supported. You can avoid all this trouble early on by following a few simple rules about maximum shelf spans for a given type of wood.

How to Cut Dadoes
Most woodworkers would agree that dados are one of the best types of joinery to use for bookcase shelves. However, not everyone agrees on the best method for getting dadoes cut. I'll show you three different ways to get the job done - from using a simple circular saw and chisel, to using a handheld router and a router cutting guide.

How to Make a Cutting Guide
The EZ Bookcase Planner includes instructions for building your own cutting guides - a circular saw guide for cutting plywood to size - and a router cutting guide for making bookshelf dadoes.