Add a built-in look to a simple bookcase with trim molding. Beverly DeJulio, host of HGTV's Homewise, uses stock shelving components to build a bookshelf in an existing alcove and adds wood trim to the front unit to make it appear built-in. Materials: Shelf components: melamine shelves, shelf supports, shelf pins
Tape measure
Pencil
Circular saw with finish blade
Stud sensor
Drill and combination pilot-hole/countersink drill bit
Level
Dry-wall screws at least 2 1/2" long
Wood trim to edge shelves and vertical supports
Compass
Jigsaw or coping saw
Finishing nails
Hammer or pneumatic air gun
Wood putty
- Measure the alcove area from the base molding to the ceiling, and transfer that measurement to the side panel shelf supports. Mark the side panels, making sure to measure from the same end of each panel so the shelf holes line up, and use a circular saw with a finish blade to cut the panels to length (figure A).
- With a stud sensor, locate the studs in the side walls of the alcove, then transfer the stud placement to the side panels to determine placement of pilot holes. Mark each side panel for six pilot holes: two near the top, two in the middle and two near the bottom.
- Drill the pilot holes in the side panels with a combination pilot-hole/countersink drill bit (figure B), which will allow the screw heads to be recessed.
- Attach the side panels to the walls with 2 1/2" dry-wall screws (figure C). Before attaching, take several measurements across the front and back of the alcove from panel to panel at various heights to make sure the side-panel holes are aligned so the shelves will be level.
- Measure the distance between the side panels, subtract 1/8" from the measurement, and cut the shelves to that size.
- Cover the raw edge of the side panels with wood trim. Measure the distance from the floor to the ceiling, and cut the trim board to that measurement. When you fit the trim board in place, you'll find that the baseboard molding is in the way. Use a compass to scribe a line on the trim board that matches the baseboard profile ( figure D), then use a jigsaw or a coping saw to cut away the wood at that line. Place the trim board tight against the wall, and nail it to the edge of the side panel.
- Insert shelf pins in the side panels, install the middle shelves, and edge them with narrow wood trim.
- At the top of the unit, install a shelf as high as possible, and add a piece of wood trim that extends from the ceiling over the edge of the shelf to form a little lip. At the bottom, place a shelf as low as possible on the unit, then add a trim panel from the top of the shelf to the floor (figure E).
- Patch nail holes in the trim with putty.
- Use caulk to seal any spaces where the unit is not perfectly flush to the wall (figure F).
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