Final product by OhSkizz
I don’t know about you all, but I’m always looking for clever storage solutions. I think everyone has a little pack rat in them and for those of us who have a little more of it than others, we need simple, cool ways to clean up our space. And this bookcase door from Reddit user, OhSkizz, managed to do just that. Not only does the bookcase add visual interest but makes the most of the square footage in any room.
The supplies for this awesome project won’t cost you much either! All you’ll need is two 2″x4″x8’s, one 2″x6″x8’s, three 1″x6″x8’s, wood paneling, wood trim, screws, gorilla wood glue, hinges, a gate latch and a staple gun. These can all be picked up from your local hardware store and cut to size for your door’s measurements.
Your first step is to build the doorframe. You will use two 2″X6″X8′ for the sides of the frame and two 2″x6″x8’s for the top and bottom of the frame. Attach these pieces with your screws and gorilla wood glue.
Next you will start working on the shelving. Cut your three 1″x6″x8’s to create the top, bottom and sides of the frame of the shelving insert. The remaining wood will be cut to size and used as the shelves. Secure the pieces of woods to each other with more screws and gorilla wood glue.
Initial Cuts by OhSkizz
When you have created both the door frame and shelving insert, it is now time to fasten them to each other. This will again be done with screws and gorilla wood glue. Warning: if you don’t like glue, this project might not be for you.
Before you continue to the final steps of the project, test fit the frame to the door. If it fits, awesome. If not, you will have to do some adjusting to make it flush with the doorway.
Staining frame and shelving by OhSkizz
The next steps involved are staining and connecting the wood panelling. Apply as much staining as you deem necessary. Once the stain dries, you can screw the paneling into place. With all badocams the pieces fit together, you will now begin to fit it into the doorway.
After screwing in the two hinges to the door, it is time to cover them up with the trim. The trim should be stapled down and make it flush with the doorway and outer trim. Then you will stain the trim to match the bookshelf.
The final step is to create the secret book latch. This is done by choosing your book and cutting a wedge to insert a piece of wood into it, secured with glue and a screw connected to the back of the bookshelf. By mounting the latch on a 2X4 block of wood, the latch sits close enough to the door to catch the metal catch pin and make the door open simply by pulling a book.
Secret Book Lock by OhSkizz
All that’s left to do is add the rest of your books and accessories. Once you’re done, this door not only gives extra storage but a magical touch to your house.
For all your other door needs, call Chicago Handyman for a free estimate on door installations!
