How to Build a Bookcase Using an Old Door

An Old Door Becomes a Fabulous Piece of Furniture!

The folks at PureBond Plywood posted a picture of a bookcase made with an old door on the PureBond Facebook page and I thought it was a fabulous idea! That particular bookcase was created by Gail at My Repurposed Life ~ how fantastic! I searched for an old door and finally found one at one of our local flea markets for $45 ~ not too bad since it was in fabulous condition and was bare wood which meant less work for me (no paint to strip)!

I read Gail’s “how to” on the project and created instructions on how to build a bookcase using an old door with a few modifications. I added frames under the shelves, and a few more shelves but that was only because I can’t read my own instructions ~ lesson learned (I created them, too, which makes it really sad!!).

Materials:

• Solid wood door (mine was 30″ wide)
• 1-1/4″ brad nails (<– affiliate link!)
• 5 – 1×2 at 8′ (for 24″ wide frames)
• 1 sheet of 3/4″ plywood (I used Purebond in Birch)
• 1 sheet of 1/4″  lauan, plywood, or hardboard (for a continuous piece on the back – the back can be pieced if the seam is hidden behind a shelf!)
• Trim for the top and bottom (I made mine with a routed edge on 1x material)

The drawings show dimensions – they are based on a 30″ door. Adjust the dimensions for a wider or narrower door!

Start by cutting the door in half lengthwise using a table saw or a circular saw and a helper!

Cut the pieces for the shelf frames. Start with the side pieces ~ the top and bottom side pieces will be longer than the middle side pieces. Measure the width of the door. The top and bottom side pieces will be 1-3/4″” shorter than the width of the door. Position the pieces so that they are flush with the top edge and bottom edge of the door, and are 3/4″ back from the front edge (I used a spacer flush with the front edge). This will allow the front and back frame pieces to fit flush with the edges of the side pieces, as well as allow for the 1/4″ thick back to fit inside. (My side pieces are different in the photo because I didn’t read my own directions ~ doh!!)

The middle side pieces will be 2-1/2″ shorter than the width of the door. This allows the front frame pieces to be set farther back so the shelf overlaps them which I think looks a lot nicer! Cut two spacers equal to the distance between the side frame pieces for the shelf position. This will allow the side pieces to be positioned at exactly the same distance without having to mark and measure everything. This is where I realized I screwed up ~ I wanted more space between the shelves and well, Gorilla Wood Glue is really strong so I couldn’t remove the side pieces I’d already installed… I also used a 1-1/2″ spacer at the front edge so that the distance was where I wanted it to be!

Cut the pieces for the front and back stretchers (I forgot to take a picture of this step, so drawings will have to do!). Fasten them to the front and back of the side spacers to join the sides together using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Cut the pieces for the shelves. They will all be the same size but the middle shelves will overlap the frames by 3/4″. The front edge of the bottom shelf will be flush with the edge of the frame. It looks nicer this way! Secure them to the frames using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Cut the piece for the top. It will overlap by 1″ at the sides and front. Secure using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

I created my own trim by routing both edges of a 1×6 board, then ripping the board on the table saw. The upper trim is approximately 7/8″ wide, and the lower trim is approximately 2-1/4″ wide. I cut mitered corners on the pieces, then attached them to the bookcase using 1-1/4″ brad nails. I cut the top to overlap the trim by 1/4″ on each side, as well as the front. The top was attached using 1-1/4″ brad nails.

The color I chose is Strawberry Daquiri in Behr Premium Plus Ultra (which is now my new fave!!). I applied three coats. I cut a piece of 1/4″ lauan to fit inside the back then painted it also. Once everything was dry, I secured the back to the bookcase using brad nails.

I have a small plate to put over the hole for the door knob but I haven’t put it on yet. I may put half of the hinges back in the mortises. They are rusty and will look cool!!

She has already been sold! Woo hoo!! I’m so excited to have her go to a great new home!

The tutorial on how to build a bookcase using an old door is very easy to follow and I hope it inspires you to build your own. If you have any questions, contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Sharing with Savvy Southern Style, My Romantic Home Show & Tell Friday, DIY Show Off, Funky Junk Interiors

Originally posted 2013-04-19 08:00:33.