How to Convert a Door into a Bookcase

40Comments

An idea to mitigate things falling off the shelves is simply putting a thin strip of wood as a rail across the width of the door about 4 or so inches above each shelf. Think of how shelves look on ships which rock back and forth. Just a thought.

Rachel

May 12, at 9:25pm

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My father and boyfriend are finishing this project as we speak. They are about to mount the hinges, but are concerned the door isn't going to clear the door way. (I don't know why this a concern now, I did mention this at the beginning of the project but what do I know) Anyone have an issue with this and solved it?

Laura

Apr 7, at 5:23pm

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Mr. Hazelton, this is the first video that I have seen and I must say your information is excellent! I will watch it more than one time. I feel that I could do this project from what I saw.

Robert Michaelson

Mar 24, at 1:54am

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Hi Ron and all you commentators, I learned not only from Ron but from you also. My question, I noticed at the end when Arlene went into her closet that she didn't open it all the way, are ya able to open the doorway all the way? Otherwise, I believe I will add more shelves and forgo figurines, picture frames and just have books but then the weight???

Robert

Mar 20, at 11:42am

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You could make a shadow box on the wall in a hallway or stair case and have it to the same thing. Build a bigger space behind the shadow box for storing small things for when you go on vacation or something. I know there's not much room in the wall.

Packrat

Mar 18, at 10:43pm

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They did screw it to the table

Packrat

Mar 18, at 10:37pm

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You could possibly rig some type of European hinge system. Might work. Might not.

Packrat

Mar 18, at 10:35pm

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I like the final look of the project, but like someone else mentioned, how often will they be picking things off the floor that fall off the shelves? I was thinking of reversing the concept, make shelves with light fronts to keep things from falling on the inside of the door. More storage space.

L A Larry

Mar 17, at 8:49pm

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I like the idea and was also wondering about the added weight of the units- do you need to use longer screws into the door jam? and the door on the left... would it make more sense to have the door swing the other way into the room so that the bedroom and closet door do not bump into each other

sailsetter

Mar 17, at 1:58pm

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This is so cool, I think I can do this.

Peggy clark

Mar 17, at 11:22am

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This idea would not last long for me. Having to sidestep into the limited opening is annoying.

Mar 17, at 6:51am

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I like this idea a lot!!!
Thanks Ron....

Ernie White

Mar 17, at 2:22am

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While it did work "as advertised" it is somewhat a misnomer to call it a bookcase-there are no books on it. The weight of books would deflect the shelves and cause the door to eventually sag. In addition I felt like the loss of door opening was too significant. The project was well executed, but suffered from shortcomings that really need to be addressed.

Angus in Maine

Mar 17, at 1:37am

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A similar "door" was on a TV show. The shelves and door were in the master bathroom, were painted white and had rolled towels and baskets on the shelves. The other side led into the master closet. Really cool project.

SUSAN

Jun 16, at 4:48pm

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Just how much smaller was the book case to the original opening?

Rich

Mar 28, at 3:56am

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Cool little project. I second the idea of using casters as additional support to offset some of the load on the hinges. I am a shop teacher, so big SAFETY tip. Using a "work stop" as it was called is a great idea and is strongly recommended. Often it is more important that the shelves, in this case, are the exact same length rather than a certain measurement. However the safety rule that was violated, was that the work between the blade and the work stop was not held down or clamped. This is invitation for kickback. Simply placing the work stop on the other side of the blade, or cutting with the opposite hand on the saw to be able to hold down the work would have sufficed. Also when using a miter saw, NEVER cross your arms to hold the work down while cutting. If you don't have time to act safely the first time, when will you have time to come back and redo it safely?

Jason

Mar 17, at 12:04am

40Comments

I do not think that but joints glue and screws provide enough strength especially from racking. This bookcase is being held up one one side only and the force of a couple of shelves of books is certain to make the case rack and the hinges are likely to fail as well.

Stephen Fox

Feb 26, at 12:07am

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One way to overcome the weight issue of the unit and items stored on it is to add heavy duty casters to the bottom of the unit. The door jam and hinges no longer carry all of the weight.

doug

Feb 5, at 1:22am

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I noticed at the end that the wife had to open the door somewhat slowly, in order to not cause items on the shelves to shift or fall off. I like the project, but I would be careful not to put anything too fragile on those shelves, just in case!

Larry

Jan 22, at 1:42pm

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I really like this, but I would have preferred the hinges to be hidden. Any Ideas

Jeremy

Dec 23, at 12:16pm

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I wonder about doing this on a smaller scale in my kitchen to put a spice rack on the outside, or decorative items. Hmm, something to ask the hubby to do. I would like a secret door with hidden hinges too. Maybe carry it a little further to make it a safe room and that could be latched from inside. Such as an above ground tornado shelter would be a possibility.

Karen

Nov 27, at 5:27pm

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There were a number of comments as to the size of the bookcase to the original door. The width was given, and the size(s) "varies" as to the original size of the door at your house. Help Hiding the hinges can be done by blind routing the long wall molding that matches the one that is on the door.

Dave

Nov 22, at 8:52pm

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I like the door bookcase . I have had fixed something simler to that in the hallway so when i have to repair the shower piping i could get to it fast an cut down on water damage its not as deep as the closet door it beets replacing sheetrock thanks joe

joe butler

Nov 21, at 6:55pm

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usually teh projects you're involved in are woth viewing. this one however, is a total waste of time, materials, effort and money. there are some you should turn down< Ron.

ralph guerra

Nov 21, at 8:52am

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How much smaller is the bookcase then the original door? It has to be able to swing out of the door frame. And how would you hide the hinges so they don't show. Also are we limited on the weight of the books placed on the shelf s ?

Terry Mairs

Nov 21, at 4:34am

40Comments

Great Idea. I agree with a few that commented about the hinges, but for different reasons. The depth of the bookcase is the how much the entry way would be narrowed. There are hinges that would allow for the door to clear the entire entry way, and would also be completely hidden. I don't think they would be capable of supporting the weight. Another modification I would make is on the bottom. A simple match of the baseboard would complete the effect of a built in wall bookcase, but that is just a matter of preference. Still a great idea and a fine piece of work!!

George K. Archibald

Nov 21, at 12:59am

40Comments

I'm going to be replacing an old window between our bathroom and the our newer garage with a 4'x30"x18" closet, similar to what you've done with this door, only it won't open (obviously). I was originally going to try and stud out the closet, but just making it out of plywood seems easier and more sturdy. I'm just wondering if I make the closet out of 3/4" plywood, what would be the best way to insulate the closet on the garage side, since it's an unheated space? I plan on using a masonite bifold door, which I'll have to cut down to 48" high and re-add the framing at the bottom since they're hollow. I can't seem to find any doors that are less than 80" tall, so this is probably my best option.

Pat the Rat

Nov 20, at 10:57pm

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I've been wanting to do this for years. I'd like to see the hinges hidden, though. I'd also like to use the case for DVDs and Blu-Ray disks so would weight become a limiting factor? Suggestions? Thanks.

Del Holford

Nov 20, at 7:22pm

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I was going to sugest magnets for a lach but I seen some one else also had that idea.

Raymond Hamerly

Nov 20, at 4:59pm

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The diagonal measurement across the width of the new case from front to back would have to be known, plus a 1/4" for clearance in order to make the bookcase for width. A piano hinge can be used if you want to conceal the access.

Daniel Bonin

Nov 20, at 12:18pm

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I used magnet door closers commonly found on kitchen cabinets. I placed one at the top and one at the bottom. keeps the door closed but opens easily with slight pressure. They were a dollar a piece and very easy to install.

rick lowrance

Nov 20, at 10:59am

40Comments

That is so cool. Will try this just over the existing door. You are so smart and fantastic.

Carol Cole

Nov 20, at 9:15am

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Sounds fascinating. I think i will try this one. Looks much nicer than a regular closet door in the main living area especially.

Franklin P Lee

Nov 20, at 8:42am

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Along with Dan's question, what keeps it closed? If the house were even slightly off level the case would either swing open, or not close fully.

Mike

Nov 20, at 8:40am

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unless the door opens 180 degrees, access will be limited.

robert fairbanks

Nov 20, at 8:24am

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Another tip for a future email is how to make the cutting guide. You can make one customized for your circular saw from scrap plywood so that you don't have to account for the distance between the edge of the saw base and the blade and lay the edge right on the cut line.

Andy Thornton

Nov 20, at 8:05am

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Another detail is a method to keep the bookcases closed flush with the wall. What would replace the old doorknob and latch?

Dan

Nov 20, at 7:48am

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What a great idea! If you hide the hinges, you would have a secret room. These Sunday morning emails are great, Thanks!

Maury

Nov 20, at 6:12am

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I have had the same concept in my head for the last 15yrs. My thought was to put up an entire wall library in 3 pieces. With the middle section to slide open for access to the closet. The upper half of my house has 3 rooms, so I ws going to create a library/office with a hidden closet. Maybe throw in a revolving hanger like at the dry cleaner. Thanks for all of your ideas.

JoLynn Candella

Nov 20, at 2:34am

40Comments

and how much smaller was the bookcase the the origonal door? It had to be able to swing out of the door frame.

mike

Nov 20, at 1:58am

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How to Convert a Door into a Bookcase