How to Build a Hidden Door Bookshelf

A hidden door bookshelf is a bookshelf used to camouflage an entrance into another area of the house. Make this hidden door bookshelf for any room, any size of door and for any house. This project requires you to have basic wood working skills and may take more than 3 house to complete. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

• 2 1-by-8 inch boards cut the height of the ceiling
• 4 1-by-6 inch boards cut the height of the ceiling
• 4 1-by-6 inch boards cut 3 feet 3 inches
• 2 1-by-8 inch boards cut 3 feet 5 inches
• 10 1-by-6 inch boards cut 3 feet 1 inch in length
• 5 1-by-8 inch boards cut 3 feet 3 inches in length
• 2 1-by-2 inch boards cut the height of the ceiling
• 4 1-by-2 inch boards cut 3 feet 3 inches
• 2 1-by-2 inch boards cut 3 feet 5 inches
• 3 1/8-inch sheets of plywood
• Paint brush
• Paint or stain
• Screwdriver
• 1 pound 1/2-inch wood screws
• Saw
• Measuring tape
• 4 1-inch rubber wheels

Instructions

1. Measure the wall around the door where you want to place the bookshelf. The supplies listed here are for a 10-foot wide bookshelf. If your wall is smaller or you want a smaller bookshelf, make the adjustments accordingly.

2. Paint or stain the lumber before the assembly of the bookshelves.

3. Create one bookshelf with two 1-by-6 inch boards cut the height of the ceiling and two 1-by-6 inch boards cut 3 feet 3 inches in length. Make a rectangular bookshelf that reaches from the floor to the ceiling.

4. Secure the boards together with the wood screws. Add five 1-by-6 inch boards cut 3 feet 1 inch for the shelves. Space them out as needed. Cover the back of the bookshelves with the plywood. Secure the plywood to the back of the shelves with wood screws. Repeat to make another bookshelf. These bookshelves sit on either side of the hidden door shelf to disguise the door.

5. Cut 1 inch off one end of each 1-by-8 inch board cut the height of the ceiling.

6. Assemble the middle bookshelf with the 1-by-8 inch boards in the same manner as the side shelves in Steps 3 and 4.

7. Attach the wheels to the bottom of the shelf, one for each corner.

8. Attach the 1-by-2 inch boards along the top and the bottom of the bookshelves. The 2 inch board on the door shelf needs to cover the wheels so they are not seen.

9. Slide the shelves into position. Pull the shelf in front of the door straight forward or swing it sideways to get access to the door.

Resources

• Find tips and advice for home decor.