Schutta Bookshelves

"I wish I had more storage" is a common refrain anytime someone wants to remodel their home. Open shelving or bookshelves can provide immense amounts of storage.

The best feature of these DIY bookshelves was a concealed channel for wires. These wires connected the computer to the router, surround sound, and an overhead projector for PC gaming on the big screen.

Wood shelving has two additional challenges: 1. Match the existing wood stain. 2. Match the existing wood grain.

Matching stain colors is an art form. If you "DIY" your bookshelves, you can test stain combinations on scraps of plywood until you find the correct formula. Make sure to mix each sample well and track the quantities.

Matching wood grains can be more challenging. The existing 1970's paneling was cedar - but the new bookshelves were going to be veneer plywood. Of the plywood purchased, we carefully chose more visible section first and then used the remainder for the 3/4" plywood shelving (with an edge trim piece). Since these bookshelves were going to be filled - most of the wood grain would be concealed. This allowed us to be more economical with the plywood selections.