DIY Network

Bamboo Bookcases Old bookcases become new storage. From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-201

The hosts dress up two thrift store bookcases with pieces of bamboo for homeowner Anne Smith.

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Finished Bamboo Bookcase

Materials:

2 thrift store bookshelves
1x2" pine or oak
whole or halved bamboo sticks
oriental silk fabric
painter boxes
braid trim
red mahogany stain
wood glue
screws
hinges
drill
staple gun
hot glue gun
chop saw
hand saw
pinking shears

1. Start by measuring the overall height and width of the shelving units to create the doors.

2. Create two doors for each unit using 1 x 2's by measuring, cutting with a chop saw and then attaching by clamping, pre-drilling, wood gluing and countersinking with a 3/8" bit and plugging the holes with wood fill. Sand the excess wood-fill when dry.

Tip: If you find the 1 x 2 warps, try spraying with water and pressing under plywood and a weight overnight.

3. Sand the two bookshelves of the old finish, and then refinish both along with the doors with a red mahogany stain.

4. Apply two coats of polyurethane.

5. If using whole bamboo as a trim, start by splitting them with a chisel and hammer and gently pulling the two pieces apart. It's a good idea to get a couple more sticks than needed for the most variety in straightness and accounting for flaws.

6. Center the bamboo onto a 1" x 2" frame, and then miter cut the corners using a hand saw. A saw box is helpful.

	Figure A
	Figure B

7. Attach to the doors using finish nails (figure A) and wood glue.

8. Attach the doors to the bookcase frame using small hinges. Use a router if necessary to countersink the hinges.

9. Pre-drill and screw in store bought feet to raise the unit slightly in order for the doors to open.

10. Measure the opening of the doors and sides for fabric. Allow for 1 1/4 inch of excess. Use pinking shears to cut the fabric.

11. Fold the fabric under itself, staple and/or hot glue to the backs of the doors.

12. Hot glue braided trim to hide staples and the folded edge of the fabric (figure B).

13. Place bought rectangular planters on top shelves.

Project Expense:

Shelving, bamboo: Free
Wood, planters: $21
Fabric, trim, stain: $29