Build an Under-Window Bookcase

Once you have completed cutting the dadoes and rabbets in the shelves and standards, its time for some assembly. Using a large work table or other flat surface, place a small bead of woodworking glue in the center dado of the right shelf standard. Then, insert the center shelf into the standard, making certain that the shelf is properly seated and is flush with the front side of the standard (opposite the rabbet).

Tip the unit over so that the fronts of the two pieces are on the table. Drive two or three finish nails through the standard into the shelf, taking care not to hit the wood with the hammer. Use a nail set to finish driving the nails.

Optional: If you have a pneumatic brad nailer, you can alternatively insert some brads diagonally from the bottom of the shelf into the standard. This is preferable, as the nails will hold a bit better and will be less visible in the finished bookcase.

Once the center shelf is attached to the right standard, affix the top and bottom shelves in the same manner. Then, connect the left standard to the three shelves with glue and nails. (Tip: You'll need to glue all three joints and insert the three shelves at the same time into the left standard.)