Multi-purpose Growlight Bookcase

(Page 2 of 2)

December/January 2001
By Cheryl Long 
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After you've chosen the dimensions you want, make a list of all the pieces and take it with you to the lumber store. One-by-10 poplar or pine boards probably will be your easiest and least expensive option, but whatever size and kind of lumber you choose, inspect each board carefully to be sure it's not warped or damaged.

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While you're getting the lumber, shop for the hardware you'll need. To put the unit together, you'll want some 2-inch screws, plus a few short, fat screws to secure the fixtures under the shelves. If you're inexperienced at building projects like this, don't hesitate to have the clerk help you figure out what you need. Get a counter sink bit to drill the starter holes in the boards and scoop out space for the screw heads to set cleanly into the boards without splintering. Buy some fine grade sandpaper, and, if you don't already have one, I recommend a sanding block to hold the sandpaper and make sanding the boards easier.

After you have all the boards cut to length, mark and drill the starter holes, then sand each board. This is my favorite part: You're almost ready to put everything together, and sanding pine is easy, smells great and the boards quickly become silky smooth.

You may want to have someone help you when you're ready to screw everything together, especially if this is the first time you've built a project like this. Then, choose a finish. I used a cherry stain, covered with polyurethane to protect the wood from water spills. Follow the directions on the cans, and be sure to buy a good brush if you don't have a clean one at home.

Now, let it dry, plug it in and watch those little plants grow.

Lumber List

Decide what height and length you want to make your bookcase and fill in the blanks below to create your lumber shopping list.

1-by-10 boards:
2 sides @ _________________"
________ shelves @________ "

1-by-4 boards:
_______valances @_________"

1-by-6 boards:
2 backboards @ ____________"

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