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Build a Corner Bookcase Using a Door

by Cher @ Designs By Studio C
(IC: blogger)
$100
2 Days
Medium
Want to build a corner bookcase? How about one using an old door? I have created several projects using old doors with my latest being this corner bookcase! It is much easier than you think and is so inexpensive. I used scrap plywood for the shelves, as well as 1x2 lumber ripped from a 1x6 which makes it a whole lot cheaper!
Before... A solid wood door I purchased at my local Habitat for Humanity ReStore! It was already a gorgeous shade of brown and just needed to be sanded.
After cutting and staining... I cut the door in half lengthwise on my table saw (with a helper, of course!) then drilled pocket holes in the back of one piece and put it back together in an "L" shape using pocket hole screws.
When attaching the shelf frame pieces, I like to use spacers that way I can make sure every frame piece is evenly spaced and located correctly!
The completed frames before the shelves were installed...
Here is a closeup of the painted shelves and the small plate (which is actually part of a cast iron hook) I used to cover the hole for the knob.
Success! I built frames for each shelf attaching them with glue and brad nails, then cut and attached the shelves. I painted the shelves and frames with a grey paint in a similar hue to the stain on the door.
Enjoyed the project?

Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Published August 6th, 2013 9:00 AM
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4 of 115 comments
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Bobbi Convery on May 06, 2017
This is the best idea for a door I've seen.
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Cher @ Designs By Studio C on Jun 09, 2019
Thank you!
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Lindaor Jerry Don Henry on Aug 01, 2018
we have already tried it...Yours looks like it fits together better than ours!! LOL
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Cher @ Designs By Studio C on Jun 09, 2019
I’m sure yours looks amazing!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
When you cut the door in half--how did you make it fit together so perfectly? What does the back of the door look like?
You didn't mention the glass door in the bottom. How cool! (My son would have commandeered this as a jail for his 'Army guys’.) How did you build and attach that?
Did you cut the door right down the middle? seems if you ay
attach the doors together. Aside would be longer than the other by the thickness of the door