DIY Bookcase Doors

How To Build Cabinet Doors For A BookCase

Here is the peninsula built in bookcase before I added doors.

To address the need for smaller doors without breaking the bank, I devised a simple and cost-effective solution.

Utilizing a pair of spare kitchen cabinet doors from a previous project, I integrated them into the existing cabinetry. Alternatively, places like Home Depot or Lowes occasionally offer surplus or scrap doors that could serve the purpose.

Pine or plywood can also be employed as viable options. I opted to use the “back” side of the door for my bead board application due to its smoother texture.

Begin by flipping the cabinet door and cutting a piece of bead board to perfectly fit on top of it, or any other material you are using as a base. For added strength, I recommend using wood glue and reinforcing it with 1″ finish nails.

Please note that if you can, nail from the backside to avoid any visible nail holes in the front, and ensure that you choose a nail size that won’t puncture through the opposite side.

I didn’t care for the design of the existing kitchen cabinet door so I covered it with bead board.

Add bead board to cabinet door

If you find a cheap kitchen door that you like, you can just use the cabinet door and eliminate this step.

Add Trim

For the trim, I opted for a 3/8 x 3 x 36″ MDF craft board. You can find this in the craft wood section at Lowes.

Since these doors are smaller, MDF craft wood does the job, but for larger doors, a more robust trim, like pine, is recommended.

This is similar to the trim I used in our previous DIY barn {closet} door project.

Glue & Staple bead board with finish gun

I measured the length pieces and secured them in place on the bead board using wood glue. To reinforce the bond, I used larger finish nails (1 1/4 – 1 1/2 inches).

Once the length pieces were firmly nailed, I proceeded to measure the width part.

And there you have it – a charming little barn door, ready to impress!

To securely attach the bead board, I employed the use of wood glue along with longer finish nails, ranging from 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches.

A DIY built-in bookcase with repurposed kitchen cabinets can be a great addition to any home. I painted the doors white for a timeless design that will complement any room in the house.

The door pulls and hinges have an elegant oil rubbed bronze finish from Gatehouse, which I purchased at Lowes.

I utilized the space by adding shelves in the middle, where I store my sewing supplies in baskets, and behind the doors, which accommodate my sewing machine and larger craft items.

To enhance the island’s aesthetic, I incorporated some pine and coordinated it with the wall planks in the rest of the room.

More DIY Bookcase Door Ideas

Click through this link Built-in Ideas, to see more builtin’s you will love.

Update:

This project was featured in the This Old House Magazine’s October issue.