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Recessed Bookcase Get big storage without losing floor space. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-305

Stow your stuff in style.

Teenager Kennedee's new hangout is almost complete: Karl Champley transformed the empty attic area into a livable space with finished-out ceiling and walls and some easy-to-install carpet tile. He even created a swing-out sofa so Kennedee and her friends could kick back and relax.

Scroll down to see the final part of Karl's makeover of this attic space: A recessed bookcase that adds loads of storage to this slim room, without taking up any valuable floor space.

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Recessed Bookcase

Tools: carpenter’s pencil level nail gun table saw straight edge safety glasses paint trays, brushes and rollers straight edge

Materials: 3/4" birch plywood wood glue nails sand paper paint primer wood shims (if needed) wood trim

• Sketch out a plan. The bookcase in this project slips into a knee wall in the renovated attic for extra storage. Sketch out the dimensions for the bookcase to determine the dimensions for the individual pieces.

• Cut lumber. Use a table saw to cut the bookcase pieces from birch plywood.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B
  	Figure C

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a table saw or other power tool.

• Assemble bookcase. Use wood glue and a nail gun to assemble the bookcase (figure A). Make sure all corners are squared off and the shelves are level before driving nails.

  Safety Alert: Always be careful when working with a nail gun. These powerful tools can drive a nail through wood – or a hand or foot – instantly.

• Finish bookcase. Sand, prime and paint the bookcase as desired. Allow the paint to dry completely before installing.

• Install bookcase. Slide the bookcase into the opening in the wall. Check the bookcase for level, using shims as needed to level the piece. Use a straight edge to make sure the frame is flush with the wall and fits close to the wall studs. Drive nails through the sides of the bookcase into the wall studs; if using shims between the bookcase and studs, make sure to drive nails through the shims (figure B). Break off any shims that stick out past the front of the bookcase.

• Add trim. Install wood trim as desired to frame the bookcase and hide any gaps between the bookcase and the wall (figure C).
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Swing-Out Sofa
  	Finish Attic Walls and Ceiling
  	Installing Carpet Tiles
  	Recessed Bookcase