Have you always dreamed of having a dedicated library space in your home, complete with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a rolling ladder? At Robert Kline Art, we believe in making dreams a reality, one handcrafted project at a time. Today, I’m thrilled to share a comprehensive guide on building your very own DIY library bookshelf with a built-in desk and a rolling ladder!

This project is perfect for seasoned DIY enthusiasts and beginners willing to take on a rewarding challenge. Not only is it functional, providing ample storage and display space, but it also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.

Planning Your Dream Bookshelf

Before we dive into the construction process, let’s gather our tools, materials, and inspiration!

Tools You’ll Need:

Circular Saw
Cutting Guides (Optional but helpful)
Miter Saw
Table Saw
Drill/Driver
Pocket Hole Jig
Shelf Pin Jig
Finish (or Brad) Nailer

Materials Checklist:

(7) sheets of ¾″ Plywood
(½) sheet of ¼″ Plywood
(7) 1x3x8 boards
(2) 1x6x8 boards
(3) 1x4x8 boards (Hardwood preferred for ladder)
18′ Crown Molding (3 ⅝″ used here, adjust as needed)
12′ Half Round Molding or Lattice Trim (Optional)
(4) pairs of 16″ Drawer Slides
1 ¼″ Pocket Hole Screws
1 ¼″, 2″, and 2 ½″ Wood Screws
Wood Glue
Edge Banding – ¾″ and 1 ½″ wide
(4) Handles/Knobs for Drawers
2″ Screws & Washers (For securing ladder rollers)
Wood Putty/Filler
12′ Barn Door Hardware Kit
Sconce Lights
Shelf Pins

Project Dimensions and Considerations:

Ceiling Height: This design is tailored for 8ft ceilings. The shelves are 94″ tall to allow for tilting during installation. Adjust the height accordingly for your ceiling.
Baseboards: You’ll need to remove or cut out sections of baseboard for the shelves to sit flush against the wall.
Face Frames: For a cohesive look, the face frames where the top and middle shelves meet are made thinner. Ripping 1x3s in half achieves this.
Modular Construction: The project is built in sections (tall bookshelves, desk cabinets, countertop, middle shelf) for easier building, setup, and installation.

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Bringing Your Vision to Life: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Assembling the Tall Bookshelves

Begin by breaking down the plywood sheets into manageable pieces using a circular saw and cutting guides.
Assemble two identical 94″ tall bookshelves from ¾″ plywood. Utilize a pocket hole jig and 1 ¼″ pocket hole screws for sturdy construction.
Add a scrap piece of wood at the top between the side panels for securing the cabinets to the wall later.
Drill shelf pin holes on both sides of each shelf using a shelf pin jig to allow for adjustable shelving.

Step 2: Framing the Tall Shelves

To maintain consistent visual appeal, use ripped 1x3s (approximately 1 ¼″ wide) for the inside pieces of the face frames where the shelves will meet.
Use 1x6s for the top and bottom, and 1x3s for the outside and middle sections of the face frames.
Assemble the face frames using wood glue, pocket holes, and screws. Then, attach them to the fronts of the shelves using glue and 1 ¼″ finish nails.

Step 3: Crafting the Desk Cabinets

Construct two basic plywood cabinets following the cabinet building tutorial or video. Add a toe kick piece beneath the bottom panel.
Apply iron-on edge banding to the exposed front edges for a polished look.
Install two pairs of 16″ ball-bearing drawer slides in each cabinet, inset ¾″ to allow for inset drawer fronts.
Build drawer boxes to fit the dimensions provided in the plans and install them onto the slides.
Cut, edge-band, and install inset drawer fronts using screws from the inside for a clean finish.

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Step 4: Creating the Desk Countertop

For a thicker countertop, glue scrap pieces of wood around the edges of the plywood top. Sand the edges smooth and flush once dry.
Apply 1 ½″ wide iron-on edge banding to the edges, creating the appearance of a solid, thick piece.

Step 5: Building the Middle Shelf Section

Assemble a plywood shelf using pocket holes and screws, similar to the tall bookshelves. This shelf won’t have a bottom and will be shorter as it sits on the desk.
Drill shelf pin holes in the bottom parts of the smaller sections, leaving the wider middle section for a computer or open space.

Step 6: Framing the Middle Section

Assemble the face frame using 1x6s at the top, 1x3s in the middle, and the ripped 1 ¼″ wide strips for the outside where it meets the tall shelves.
Attach the face frame using wood glue, pocket holes, and screws, followed by glue and 1 ¼″ finish nails for a secure hold.

Step 7: Pre-Assembly Finishing

Fill and sand all joints and nail holes. Prime and paint the outsides of the tall bookshelves and all the face frames.
Apply a clear coat of polyurethane to the desk cabinets, or stain/paint them according to your preference.

Step 8: Assembling Your Library Bookshelf and Desk

Secure the desk cabinets to the wall studs, ensuring they are the exact width of the countertop end-to-end.
Attach the countertop to the cabinets through the top supports, making sure to pull out the drawers for access.
Butt the tall cabinets against the desk and wall, securing them together with screws.
Place the middle section on the desk and screw it into the tall cabinets. Add screws through the bottom of the countertop into the middle section for extra support.
Use 2 ½″ screws through the top supports of the tall cabinets to secure them to the wall studs for maximum stability.

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Step 9: Adding the Finishing Touches

Install crown molding around the top for a polished look.
Optionally, add half-round trim or lattice to conceal the seam where the tall bookshelf and middle section meet.
Install new baseboards, butting them against the shelves and adding one between the desk cabinets.

Step 10: Installing Adjustable Shelves

Cut shelves ¼″ smaller than the opening for easier installation and adjustability.
Use shelf pins to install the shelves at your desired heights, customizing the spacing to accommodate your book collection.

Step 11: Adding the Rolling Ladder

Install a rolling door hardware kit (a cost-effective alternative to specialized ladder hardware) onto the bookshelf, ensuring the screws go through the middle of the plywood shelves behind the face frame.
Build the ladder using 1×4 oak (or another hardwood), cutting the sides with a 10-degree miter for leaning and attaching the rungs parallel to the angled ends.
Attach the rollers to the ladder using 2″ screws and washers, positioning them for smooth gliding on the track.
Optionally, add felt pads or wheels to the bottom of the ladder for easier movement.

Step 12: Illuminating Your Collection

Install plug-in sconce lights on the top 1×6 part of the face frame using wood screws.
Run the wires through drilled holes in the plywood panels behind the face frames for a concealed look. Plug the lights into an extension cord connected to an outlet.

Enjoy Your Handcrafted Haven!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully built your own DIY library bookshelf with a rolling ladder and a built-in desk. This stunning piece will not only house your literary treasures but also serve as a testament to your craftsmanship and creativity.

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At Robert Kline Art, we believe that handmade pieces hold a special kind of magic. Share your creation with us; we’d love to see it! And don’t forget to explore our website for more unique handcrafted gifts and DIY inspiration.

Happy building!

Wood and white painted library bookshelf with rolling ladder and desk in living room space