Good morning,

My friend thinks he can build a bookcase for cheaper. He thinks my calculations are way off.

Here are the measurements for the  Large bookcase:

From stock 1″ X  10″

cut:  2 pieces   8 1/2″  X   54 1/4 long   (sides)

        4 pieces   8 1/4  X   30″      long  (shelves)

Top: 1 piece 10″ X 33″ long (leaves enough overhang for a decorative edge)

         1 piece  3 3/4″ X 31″ (for the bottom)

Pine Panelling 1/4 inch thick)         

8 1/2  pieces needed for the back of the bookcase. I’m assuming the panelling comes in 4 inch widths (nominal)  (actual)   3 1/2 inches wide)

                    common #2  $6.75 14 sq.ft.       common #1  $12.15 14 sq.ft.

 If you round up those numbers you end up with approx. (400 inches)  which I divided by (12) to give me the number of feet I need.  This project would require 33.33 ft of lumber.  33.33 X  2.65 = $88.32

Knotty pine  $1.10 per ft.      Clear pine  $2.65 per ft

$88.32 (clear pine) Plus $12.15 for (common #1)  pine panelling. You can’t buy it seperately, it comes in pkg. I can always use the scraps for building nightstands.

That doesn’t include the cost of #8 8 1/2 inch Robertson screws or woodplugs.  So for around $100.00 I can build this bookcase.

I don’t think I can build a bookcase this size for much cheaper. Unless I build it out of knotty pine and go with common #2 panelling. Is it better to go witht Clear pine or would knotty pine do the trick???   and what’s the difference between common #1 and common #2 panelling?  I assume the cheaper grade has more knots and resin.  Total Cost of Project =  $ 100.47

Tell me my calculations are not that far off the mark. LOL

Wendy