Built-in Bookcases

After measuring the room and calculating the size of each bookcase I ripped oak plywood down for all the sides and the 3 stationary pieces for the top, bottom and lower shelves. I built a jig for my router to make sure all the dados where consistent.

Step 1: Beginning Assembly

I made rabbits in the side walls, then glued and screwed the case together. Then I glued and nailed breadboard backing in place which helped make sure everything was square.

Step 2: Painting

Then came painting. I used a water based Acrylic-Alkyd paint on all surfaces. I wanted easy water clean up with a durable surface. If you use a latex paint, anything you place on it (books, frames, knickknacks) will stick to it.

Step 3: Connect the Dots.

I made the vertical end caps in two pieces so I could glue and screw them to each bookcase with a inch overhang and create a panel look for the fronts that could be nailed in place. This is also the point that I added the face plate to the top and bottom of each unit. then came the crown molding and base trim.

Step 4: Doors

I made the door frames out of poplar and the panel out of MDF. I made a jig so I could run the MDF upright with the blade set to the degree I needed. After running the MDF through the saw four times you are left with a beautiful panel look that can float in the rails and stiles of the door frames. Only glue the frame so that the door can expand and contract with temperature and humidity. Here is a photo of the Jig I made. All you do is rotate the piece to cut all four sides then I cut a rabbit on the back side to then out the edge.

Step 5: Shelves and Doors

I doubled up three quarter inch plywood for the shelves and trimmed it with poplar for a solid wood look. Used a hole templet for the shelf brackets ad attached all the doors to complete the project. There are electrical outlets located in two of the units for TV and other electronics.