Step 1
Measure the available space to determine the size of the curved bookcase. Sketch the bookcase on graph paper and use a scale of one square for every 6 inches to obtain a visual reference to use while cutting and building.
Step 2
Draw the curve of the front of the bookcase on a large sheet of cardboard or thick paper. Draw a second curve for the back of the bookcase. Check the distance between the curves with a ruler to make sure the depth of the bookcase will be consistent along its width -- most bookshelves are at least 12 inches deep.
Step 3
Cut the cardboard or thick paper along the curves with a utility knife to form a template for marking and cutting the bottom plate, top plate and shelves. Transfer the width of the bookcase to the template and cut straight lines with a metal straightedge as a guide, from front to back on each side to finish the template.
Step 4
Place the template on top of a 1-inch-thick section of pine or hardwood large enough to accommodate the entire template. Draw along the curves then remove the template and cut along the curves with a bandsaw to form the bottom plate. Repeat this process with additional sections of pine or hardwood to form the top plate and shelves of the bookcase.
Step 5
Measure and mark two sections of 1-inch-thick pine or hardwood to the height and depth of the bookcase. Cut these sections to size with a table saw to form the sides of the bookcase.
Step 6
Place the bottom plate on the floor and stand one of the sides at each end. Insert 2-inch wood screws through the sides into the ends of the bottom plate at 2-inch intervals with a drill and a screw bit.
Step 7
Ask a helper to hold the top plate between the sides and flush with the top edges of the sides. Insert and tighten 2-inch wood screws through the sides into the ends of the top plate at 2-inch intervals. Repeat this process with the shelves and check each shelf with a carpenter's level to ensure it is level.
Step 8
Measure the width of the bookcase along the back edge. Transfer this measurement and the height measurement to a 4-by-8 foot sheet of 1/4-inch-thick plywood. Cut the plywood sheet to size with the table saw.
Step 9
Place the plywood sheet on the back of the bookcase and align the edges. Insert and tighten 2-inch wood screws through the plywood into the bookcase at 2-inch intervals along the perimeter.
Step 10
Fill in the visible screw heads with wood putty and a 1/2-inch putty knife. Sand the surfaces with a palm sander then stain or paint the wood to give the bookcase a finished look.