Floor-to-ceiling shelves are sturdier and make better use of space than freestanding bookcases. When finished and trimmed to match the surrounding room, floor-to-ceiling shelves turn an ordinary room into an inviting den or library.

This project uses finish-grade oak plywood and a solid oak face frame to give this project the look of an expensive, solid oak shelf unit —but at a fraction of the cost. The plywood panels are supported and strengthened by an internal framework of 2 × 4 stud lumber.

When installing floor-to-ceiling shelves in a corner, as shown here, add 1/2" plywood spacers to the support studs that adjoin the wall. Spacers ensure that face frame stiles of equal width can be installed at both shelf ends.

Project as Shown
Key	Part	Material	Pieces	Size
A	Top and sole plates	2 × 4s	6	59 1/2'
B	Support studs	2 × 4s	6	91 1/2'
C	End panel	1/2' oak plywood	1	95 3/4' x13'
D	Top, bottom panels	1/2' oak plywood	4	27 1/4' × 13'
E	Risers	1/2' oak plywood	8	44 7/8' × 13'
F	Permanent shelves	3/4' oak plywood	2	27 1/4' x 13'
G	Adjustable shelves	3/4' oak plywood	8	26 1/8' × 11 7/8'
H	Stiles and bottom rail	1 × 4 oak	28 linear ft.
I	Top rail, middle rail	1 × 3 oak	10 linear ft.
J	Shelf edging	1 × 2 oak	18 linear ft.