Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway [1]
Submitted by Ana White [2] on Thu, 2011-12-15 14:18
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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[1]
When Brooke [3]wrote me asking to draw up plans for a bookshelf inset
inside a door, I couldn't wait to draw plans. How exciting, a secret door,
a door behind a bookshelf! Or just adding extra storage to a room with
rarely used doors.
Yep, that's a door!
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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And the door opens!
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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Here is from Brooke:
Good Afternoon!
My husband and I have finished up the bookcase and cannot be happier with the result. It's absolutely perfect! A couple of modifications we made to the plans are:
- Replaced decorative hinges with the original door hinges
- Added trim along the outside edge to hide the unsquare gaps and the hinges (we routered the outer edge of the trim where the hinges go, and they are completely hidden!
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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I think adding trim to the plan would be a great addition, because it allows you to hide the hinges if you like, which was the appeal to the "secret bookcase door". It could even be a plain 1x3)
- Added one extra shelf with the scraps of the 1x6, so it has six shelves
- We only bought a half sheet of 1/4" plywood. We ripped the sheet down to 17", joined it up on the back so the seam is hidden behind a shelf. This saved us a lot on project costs.
- The fit is snug enough that you wouldn't necessarily need a catch to keep it closed, but since this is going to be gun storage we added in a deadbolt so little hands can't easily access them.
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So that's what the funny block in the side view of the open doorway is. We drilled a hole through the side for the deadbolt install and to get access to it, but it could also work if a builder would want to install a simple hook and eye latch, public-bathroom-style. The hole would
give them access to the latch, and can easily be hidden by decor or a book.
The price for materials was $51.26, and doesn't include the trim, since that was optional.
I think that's it! I apologize for the less-than-stellar images, this room is a converted garage so has absolutely no natural light, and a dim ceiling fan to work with. Plus I've learned that Polyshades stain is a nightmare to work with and won't be using it again! Thank you so
much for the amazing plans, I doubt we would have attempted this on our own. Can't wait to see it up on the blog!
Best,
Brooke
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Thanks Brooke!
If you would like to also build this bookshelf doorway, the plans follow with instructions on modifying the plans to fit your doorway.
Summary:
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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Build your own bookshelf doorway - like a secret passage behind a
door!
CategoriesProject Type: Bookshelf and Bookcase Plans [4]
Room: Closets [5]
Skill Level: Advanced [6]
Style: Farmhouse Style Furniture Plans [7]
Estimated Cost: $20 - $50 [8]
Dimensions:
Standard width doors up to 36" Max - you may need stronger hinges or
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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caster wheels to support wider width doors with heavy weight loads.
2- 2x4 @ 8 feet or stud length
1 - 2x6 @ 8 feet or stud length
At least 3 - 1x6 8 feet long - more for shelves as desired and depending
on the width of your bookshelf
1/4" plywood for back
Hardware including heavy duty hinges, locks, clasps, and optionally
caster wheel for added support
Common Materials: 1 1/4 inch finish nails
1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws [9]
2-1/2" Pocket Hole Screws [10]
Elmer's Wood Glue [11]
Elmer's Wood Filler [12]
120 grit sandpaper
Tools:
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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[13]
[14]
[15]
[16]
[17]
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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Cut List:
Cut boards to fit your doorway.
General Instructions:
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning
this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section.
Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a
clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight
boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before
attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold.
Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will
not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good
luck!
Step 1
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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[18]
Start by measuring the overall doorway opening. Then subtract 1/2"
from height and width for a door that will have 1/4" clearance on all
sides.
Step 2
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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[19]
Once you have these measurements, you can determine the length of
your door rails and stiles as shown in diagram. Remember that most
2x4s are 3 1/2" wide - so subtract 7" from the width of the door to get
you 2x6 cuts.
Step 3
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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[20]
Now build the doorway out of 2x4s and 2x6s as shown above. Use 1
1/2" pocket holes and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws. Do not use glue at this
step because it is very likely you will need to adjust the door.
Take the door frame and fit inside the door, making sure it opens and
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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closes easily and the gap is enough. Adjust as fit. If you are satisfied,
see step 4 for drilling pocket holes before you reassemble the door
frame.
Step 4
[21]
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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You will need to drill pocket holes around all edges of the door frame
inside set for 3/4" stock to attach the bookshelf. This is easier done
when the frame is not assembled.
When reassembling the frame, use glue for the best joint.
Step 5
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Build the bookshelf to fit the inside dimensions of the frame as shown
above. You can add as many shelves as you see fit or even use shelf
pins for adjustable shelves.
Step 6
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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[23]
Add the back with 1/4" finish nails and glue.
Step 7
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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[24]
Attach bookshelf to frame through predrilled 3/4" pocket holes using 1
1/4" pocket hole screws and glue.
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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Step 8
[25]
Install the door in the frame.
You can add trim, or door stop moulding behind the door frame to give
your door a clean spot to close. Add gate hardware to close door.
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Inset Bookshelf Doorway
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Finishing InstructionsPreparation Instructions: Fill all holes with
wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed.
When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of
the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to
remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces
as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended
to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color
evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Source URL:
http://www.ana-white.com/2011/12/plans/inset-bookshelf-doorway
Links
[1] http://www.ana-white.com/2011/12/plans/inset-bookshelf-doorway
[2] http://www.ana-white.com/users/ana-white
[3] http://ana-white.com/users/brookifer86
[4] http://www.ana-white.com/category/plans/project-type/bookshelves
[5] http://www.ana-white.com/category/plans/room/closets
[6] http://www.ana-white.com/category/plans/skill-level/advanced
[7] http://www.ana-white.com/category/plans/style/farmhouse
[8] http://www.ana-white.com/category/plans/estimated-cost/20-50
[9] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006444U2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UT
F8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000
6444U2&linkCode=as2&tag=knooffwoo-20&linkId=5AJJG
UAWGYX2TT7E
[10] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BN7DLU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=U
TF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00
0BN7DLU&linkCode=as2&tag=knooffwoo-20&linkId=XL
DYGROR7GI4SHLA
[11] http://elmers.com/diy
[12] http://elmers.com/products/wood-filler-and-other-repair?filters=con
struction#
[13] http://www.kregtool.com/files/anawhite/anawhite.asp
[14] https://www.ryobitools.com/power-tools/products/details/537
[15] https://www.ryobitools.com/power-tools/products/details/92
[16] https://www.ryobitools.com/power-tools/products/details/552
[17] https://www.ryobitools.com/power-tools/products/details/187
[18] http://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/3154802919_1323980
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