Table top bookshelves are most commonly made from wood, with pine, birch, and oak being the three most common woods used. Pine is a lightweight softwood that is affordable to use, so it is a popular choice. Birch is a great choice if you plan on painting your table top bookshelf.
Other woods commonly used to build tabletop bookshelves are maple, mahogany, cherry, teak, and walnut. Maple is great because it can be easily stained in various shades. Cherry, teak, and walnut are extremely durable and sturdy, so your tabletop bookshelf will last for a long time.