Modern Veneered Bookcase

Veneered bookcase.

If you can build a simple box, you can make this project.

The Modern Veneered Bookcase is a clean, modern design that also serves as a great introduction to working with veneer. At its core, this project is simply a five-sided plywood box resting on a solid wood base.

Veneer Bookcase Plans

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The cabinet is built from 3/4-inch birch plywood using basic joinery methods, wood glue, and screws. Once the box is assembled, the exposed plywood edges are covered with solid wood edge banding. I make the banding from 3/4-inch by 1/2-inch strips cut on the table saw.

The plywood parts that make up the five-sided cabinet box.

Assembling the cabinet box using wood glue and screws.

Using the table saw to cut the edge banding to size.

The edge banding is attached using wood glue and 23-gauge pins in the pin nailer, making sure everything is perfectly flush on the inside of the cabinet. After the glue dries, the entire exterior gets a thorough sanding so the banding is flush and the plywood surface is smooth

Attaching the edge banding to the plywood edges with 23-gauge pin nails.

With the prep work complete, it’s time for the veneer.

To create a continuous grain pattern, the veneer is carefully cut so the wood grain flows from one side of the cabinet across the top and down the opposite side. This technique is often called a waterfall grain effect.

When applying veneer, the order matters. Contact cement is applied to both the cabinet and the back of the veneer, starting with the sides first and then moving to the top.

Cutting the Monkey Pod veneer 1/2 inch oversized to create a 1/4 inch overhang.

Trimming the veneer overhang flush using a router with a flush-cut bit.

The solid wood base adds both support and style. Using the table saw, I cut angled details into the legs of the base, a simple touch that makes a big difference. Once all the parts are cut to size, the base is assembled using pocket hole joinery.

Cutting the angled pieces for the solid walnut base.

Assembling the walnut base with pocket hole screws.

After painting and finishing the cabinet, the base is attached with pocket hole screws to complete the project.

Priming and painting the inside of the cabinet while protecting the edge banding with painter’s tape.

Applying a wipe-on varnish finish to the cabinet.

Attaching the walnut base to the cabinet with particle screws.

This simple modern bookcase is a great addition to any room, office, or reading space, and it’s also an excellent way to learn the basics of veneer work while building something functional.

Finished modern bookcase featuring Monkey Pod veneer and a solid walnut base, measuring 17 1/4” high, 12 1/2” deep, and 40” long.

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next project. Jon