Custom Industrial Bookcase With Surveyor's Stick

by GadgetSponge Design House

I scored some pieces to a hardwood bookcase at an estate sale and figured it was time to make some more room in the garage and get them out of the way. The previous owner had already cut the side boards and the shelf boards. So I got them all together and secure them well.
Next, it need some life! So I torched the wood instead of using stain. Not near as smelly and gives a cool effect!
I knew I was going to use the vintage surveyor's measuring sticks on the sides, so I notched out a slot at each intersection of where a shelf board came across....
Learn more as I talk it up with each photo!......

custom industrial bookcase with surveyor s stick, shelving ideas, woodworking projects

Here's the final piece in one of my antique booths. The vintage wire gym locker baskets worked perfectly housed inside.

Initially with the boards all assembled, I torched each side to bring out the grain. It's much more tolerable than using smelly stain. And it gives a great look!

I knew I was going to use a vintage surveyor's measuring stick to climb up each side. So I measured and notched out slots at each point where a shelf board met the side pieces. A lot of work, but worth it.

On the sides, I sanded the boards down after torching them and then used some watered down Annie Sloan chalk paint to put some red into the wood grain. I really like doing this sort of method to highlight wood grain with color without hiding it.

I had some wood strips left over from another project so I painted them silver with some Modern Masters metallic paint. Love that stuff! Then I distressed each board with a torch and sandpaper.

The silver slats covered up where the measuring stick was notched out for the shelf boards at each intersection.

I used a solid oak piece of a handrail that came out of a church that was being torn down. The handrail went along the walls going up to the second floor. I notched out the back lower portion so it would hug the shelf board and be flush.

This is my second favorite part of this bookcase (first was using the measuring sticks). I made some custom pieces to come around the sides and meet the old handrail in the front. A couple of pieces from old gate hinges adorn each side.

I used some more of the Modern Masters metallic paint for these pieces and distressed them in the same way as the front slats.

Vintage gym locker tags run across the front slats to bring home more of the industrial vibe.

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2 comments

Tina Bebbington on Sep 24, 2014
I love, Love .. this Thanks for Sharing ♥

1 Reply
- GadgetSponge Design House on Sep 24, 2014
  @Tina Bebbington Thanks Tina!
  
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