Oak Can Be Finished with an Oak Stain.
Furniture that is made of solid oak wood will last forever. A good solid oak bookshelf will be strong, functional and able to be passed down through the generations. You could go to a fine furniture store and buy an expensive oak book shelf, or you could make you own for a tenth of the cost. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Use a marking pencil and a meter stick to measure and mark where you will need to make cuts. You will be making a solid oak bookcase shelf that is 6-feet tall, with shelves that are 12 inches deep and 30 inches wide. You will need two 6-foot side pieces that are 12 inches wide. You will need a top and bottom piece, each 30 inches long by 12 inches wide, and three shelf pieces that are 30 inches long and 12 inches wide. Use a skill saw to make the cuts.
2. Use a cordless drill and a 1/16-inch drill bit to drill small holes into the oak. You will need to make two holes on each of the pieces that measure 30 inches by 12 inches. The holes should be drill on the end of the wood, where it is 1-inch thick and should be placed at the 1/2-inch point, one on each end, 2 inches in from the edge. Drill holes on the 6-by-12 inch pieces every 18 inches--vertically--in the same fashion, 2 inches in from each edge at the center point.
3. Use a stain to finish the wood. This will also protect it from moisture and dust. The shelf will be easy to wipe down when needed and will have a rich oak color when an oak stain is used. Follow the directions on the stain you choose to ensure a smooth and even finish.
4. Lay out the shelf on the floor in the room where it will be. The 6-foot pieces should be aligned vertically, balanced on the 1-inch edge. Place the top and bottom ends in place, according to where the holes are drilled on them and on the top and bottom of the 6-inch sides. Insert wood screws using a cordless drill. Now you have the shell of the shelf, which is square and sturdy, thanks to those four screws. Stand the shelf up and attach the backing using a hammer and finishing nails.
5. Position the shelf against the wall in the spot you choose to place it. The backing should be against the wall. Insert each shelf, align it according to where the holes are drilled, and secure using a cordless drill and wood screws. Sink each screw 1/8 inch. Fill in each screw hole with oak-colored wood glue.
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