How to Make a Lawyer's Bookcase
Lawyer’s bookcases are also called barrister bookcases. They are distinguished from other types of bookcases because they have glass doors. The doors help keep books from being exposed to dust and humidity so they last longer. Another distinguishing feature is that lawyer’s bookcases are not actually a one-piece unit. They are an assembly of multiple bookcases stacked on top of each other. You can also make a lawyer’s bookcase to hold other items, such as decorative collectibles or dishes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wood panels
- Tape measure
- Circular saw
- Stain or primer and paint
- Contact cement
- C-clamps
- MDF sheet
- 1-inch nails
- Wood molding
- Miter box and saw
- Glass
- Silicone adhesive
- Hinges
- Screwdriver
- Carpenter's pencil
Instructions
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Determine how many stackable bookcase units you want for your lawyer's bookcase and the height for each unit. For example, you can create two tall shelves for over-sized books and two medium shelves for short books. Make the width and depth the same for each shelf so the case has a consistent look from the front and the shelves will stack correctly.
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2
Cut wood panels for the top, bottom and the left and right sides for each shelf, according to your measurements, with a circular saw.
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3
Stain, or prime and paint all panels, as desired, before building the bookshelves and allow them to dry for 24 hours.
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4
Run a bead of contact cement along the edges of each panel. Assemble the shelves and use C-clamps to secure the joints. Allow the shelves to dry for 24 hours.
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5
Measure the width and height along the backside of each shelf. Cut MDF panels to fit the measurements. Attach the MDF panel to the backside of each shelf with 1-inch nails.
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6
Cut wood molding strips to create the frame for the glass doors. Measure from the right edge to the end of the left edge to determine the width for the top and bottom molding strips. Subtract 1 inch from the height measurement to allow clearance for the hinges to raise the glass doors. Miter the ends of each strip at a 45-degree angle.
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Run a bead of contact cement along the edges of each mitered molding strip. Join the frame pieces together and use C-clamps to secure the bond. Allow the frame pieces to bond for 24 hours.
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8
Measure the opening of the frame and add 1 inch to the width and height. Get glass cut for each door frame, according to your measurements.
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9
Turn over each frame and run a 1/4-inch bead of silicone adhesive along the inner edge. Center and lower the glass panes in place.
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Use the glass measurements to determine the lengths for cutting 1/2-inch molding strips to create a frame to hold the glass. Cut mitered corners at a 45-degree angle. Attach the molding strips with contact cement. Allow the adhesive for the glass doors to dry for 24 hours.
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11
Position hinges 2 inches in from the left and right top edges of each glass door. Mark the screw holes with a carpenter’s pencil as a guide. Tighten the screws down with a screwdriver.
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12
Mark the positions for the hinges on the bookshelves. Have someone hold the glass door as you mark the screw holes with a carpenter’s pencil. Tighten down the screws with the screwdriver.
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Move the bookcase into position and stack the bookshelves to complete your lawyer’s bookcase project.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider adding small porcelain, pewter or brass knobs on the bookcase for a decorative touch, as well as side hinges to hold the glass doors open.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
