How to Add Molding to Stock Bookcases
Decorating your stock bookcases with molding can be easier than you think. If you have just finished installing some baseboard or crown molding in your home, why not add some elegance to your bookcases too? You can use the molding you installed or choose something more decorative. No matter your choice in style or design, with some simple tools and a few hours you can make your bookcases really come alive with style. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Wood lath material
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
- Respirator
- Gloves
- Hand saw
- Chop saw
- Extension cord
- Cordless drill gun
- Screw bits
- Short drywall screws
- Miter box
- Air nailer
- Brads
- Hammer
Instructions
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1
Measure the width and depth of the bookcase, using a tape measure. Do this on the top of the bookcase. Later, you will install some lath wood material to have a support for your molding to attach to.
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2
Set up the chop saw or a table and a hand saw. Put on all protective gear.
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3
Cut your wood lath to fit around the top edges of the bookcase. This wood lath will form an "L" shape once you are done. This base of wood will allow you to nail your molding to the lath and not into the bookcase, which could damage it.
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4
Screw the wood lath to the top of the bookcase, going all the way around. Use the drill gun, screw bits and short drywall screws to do this. The screws should be short enough that they don't penetrate the cabinet top.
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5
Cut the molding to length, using the chop saw or a hand saw and miter box. You can use wood, plastic or decorative molding, depending on your taste.
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6
Paint or stain the molding before you install it. Use a paintbrush or foam brush to do this. Let the molding dry for several hours before you install it.
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7
Cut any corners at a 45-degree angle, using the miter box or chop saw. Use an air nailer or small brads and a hammer to attach the molding to the wood lath base you previously installed on the top of the bookcase. The molding should be nailed about every 1 1/2 feet and near the corners.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit tape measure 1 image by Martin Grice from Fotolia.com
