Small Bookshelf Build Woodworking Class

With Sineah McGrady

You do not need to take any of our Woodworking Fundamentals classes including Woodworking I, II, or III in order to take this class. No experience is required.

Learn the essential skills of furniture construction by building a practical and versatile small bookshelf. This hands-on class focuses on precision, from cutting components to size to assembling a square and sturdy final product using pocket holes and other fasteners. You’ll create a custom storage piece perfect for any room and gain the knowledge to adapt these techniques for future DIY projects. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make:

  • A compact and sturdy freestanding bookshelf. Its versatile design makes it ideal for use as a desktop organizer, bathroom storage unit, or a display for your favorite mugs and collectibles. You'll have the option to paint the back panel to create a unique piece.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Essential woodshop safety

  • Measuring and cutting lumber to size

  • Using various fasteners, including screws and nails

  • Creating strong joints with pocket hole joinery

  • Proper assembly techniques for a square and stable shelf

  • Sanding and preparing your project for a home finish

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

  • Miter saw, table saw, pocket hole jigs (Kreg Jig), drill/impact driver, nail gun, and orbital sander.

Class Outline:

  1. Introduction & Safety Overview: Woodshop rules, project plan, and safe tool use. Power point shared for reference.

  2. Demonstration: Instructor demonstrates each step of the project from cutting to assembly in stages.

  3. Hands-On Practice: Students receive guidance and feedback as they build their own shelf.

  4. Wrap-Up: Tips for home finishing (stains, paints, or oils), and personal feedback.

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

  • Class Capacity: 6 maximum, 3 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 14+ (guardian required if under 18)

  • Partner Ticket Available?: Yes

  • Available for a Private Class?: Yes (info)

  • Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Comfortable well fitted clothing, close-toed shoes, put your hair up, and be prepared to get a little dirty.

About the Teacher

Sineah has been teaching beginner woodworking classes at the Denver Tool Library since 2018. She grew up in Maine, constantly curious to do things independently. After moving to Denver in 2016, Sineah discovered the Tool Library and soon after began encouraging others to safely use tools and build things with their own hands. She started teaching friends in her own backyard until we opened up the workshop. She has taught stool/ plant stand, bookshelf, leaning shelf, cutting board workshops and more. Sineah will encourage you to creatively problem solve and by the end of class, will send you home with a project intended to impress your friends and yourself. Check out Sineah’s work on Instagram at @diyworkshopcollective