cutlistlab

cutlistlabExamples › Tall bookcase with drawer base 35 × 87 in

Tall bookcase with drawer base 35 × 87 in

A tall bookcase of 35 × 87 in: four adjustable shelves over a drawer block that weighs down the base and hides small stuff.

Example impression: Tall bookcase with drawer base 35 × 87 in
Example impression (AI-generated), not a photo of a real build.
Schematic front view of Tall bookcase with drawer base 35 × 87 in
Schematic front view of the layout. The sizes in the cut list are what counts.

A classic tall case for a sizeable collection. The drawers at the bottom give a calm base and storage for what does not need to be on show.

What makes this design special

Shelves on top, a drawer block at the bottom, split by height. Do not make the shelves too wide or they will sag under the weight of books.

Dimensions

Panel sizes (cut list)

PartSizeQtyMaterialThickness
Side86 5/8 × 12 5/8″2Plywood (birch)11/16″
Top / bottom34 × 12 5/8″2Plywood (birch)11/16″
Back panel35 7/16 × 86 5/8″1Plywood (birch)1/4″
Adjustable shelf33 7/8 × 12 3/8″5Plywood (birch)11/16″
Drawer front34 3/16 × 8 9/16″2Plywood (birch)11/16″
Drawer side11 15/16 × 7 15/16″4Plywood (birch)11/16″
Drawer back31 5/8 × 7 15/16″2Plywood (birch)11/16″
Drawer bottom31 5/8 × 11 1/4″2Plywood (birch)1/4″

These are the cut sizes the cabinet designer computes (edge banding and kerf included). For drawers and doors, always check the clearance your own slides and hinges need.

Open this project in the cabinet designer with the button below. You see the cabinet in 2D right away and can change the sizes, material and layout parametrically; the panel sizes and the cutting plan follow along. Rather save it yourself? Download the project file and open it via Open › Load project.

Material and sheets needed

Based on the panel sizes above, this project takes about 2 sheets of 3/4 in (18 mm) plywood and 1 sheet of 1/4 in (6 mm) plywood (back panel). Prices vary by country and store, so check your local supplier; the tool works out the exact number of sheets and can show real prices from its material library.

Make it your own

Every size here is a starting point. For more background, read the guide on building a bookcase to size.