hidden doorway bookcase woodworking plans
-
- step 1
-
- step 2
-
- step 3
-
- step 4
-
- step 5
-
- step 6
-
- step 7
-
- step 8
Materials and Tools
Shopping List:
Standard width doors up to 36″ Max – you may need stronger hinges or caster wheels to support wider width doors with heavy weight loads.
2- 2×4 @ 8 feet or stud length
1 – 2×6 @ 8 feet or stud length
At least 3 – 1×6 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
1 1/4 inch finish nails
1 1/4 inch pocket hole screws
2 1/2 inch pocket hole screws
wood glue
wood filler
120 grit sandpaper
Tools:
measuring tape
square
pencil
safety glasses
hearing protection
Kreg Jig™
drill
circular saw
nailer
sander
level
Cut List
Cut boards to fit your doorway.
General Instructions
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. 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.
Step 1
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
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 2×6 cuts.
Step 3
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 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
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
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
Add the back with 1/4″ finish nails and glue.
Step 7
Attach bookshelf to frame through predrilled 3/4″ pocket holes using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws and glue.
Step 8
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.
Finishing 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.
hidden doorway bookcase woodworking plans,
