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I’ve been asked to make a lot of great furniture recently — the kind of pieces families will keep in the family for several generations. It’s an honor to make these kinds of projects and share them with you guys, especially when I have such a great time doing them.
For this project, I got creative and built a reclaimed wood bookshelf. I realize that the people who watch my videos don’t always have a workshop full of tools at their disposal, which is why I challenged myself to only use products from the local home store. I made barn-style sliders using only what I could find in the home store – no welder, no custom cuts – and am super proud of how this project turned out. Try it out for yourself! Check out the video and step-by-step guide to this bookshelf with sliding bookshelf doors below!
You can purchase a full plan for these sliding bookshelf doors HERE!
This page contains affiliate links, but all ideas are my own. For more information, check out my disclosure page.
If you would like to attempt this project on your own, here are a few tools I recommend!
Begin by collecting your materials for the job. Pull out all of the nails if you’re using reclaimed lumber before milling. Flatten and joint each part according to the cut list in the sliding bookshelf door plans.
Once all of your rough cuts are square, glue up your panels. Start with the top, bottom, and two sides along with the back support. Once the panels dry cut and flatten them to final size according to the dimensions in the plans.
Mark and layout all of your joinery for the carcass assembly. Cut using the technique of your choice — I use my Domino XL because it makes assembly super easy. After clamping up the carcass, move onto the back panel.
Resaw or mill your back panel material of choice while the carcass dries. Cut rabbets in the carcass and in the panels. Use the interior measurement of the carcass for your back panel measurement. Place panels and attach with glue and brad nails.
Rough cut the door and shelf materials from the provided cut list. Glue up and clamp to dry, using brad nails for extra strength on the doors.
Cut all of your trim for the top and bottom according to the cut list. I use the carcass for reference while creating my molding. Cut a 1/4″ chamfer on all moldings. Cut mitres and assemble with glue and 23g brads.
Sand everything to 150 grit with random orbit or hand sander of choice. Stain if you prefer and apply clear coat. Re-attach hardware and there you have it: a DIY bookshelf with sliding bookshelf doors!
If you liked this plan, check out some of my other furniture builds:
Want to try this build out for yourself? Download the digital plan now for step-by-step instructions, measurements, and a detailed look at how to punch this project in the face.
I used to be an offensive lineman in the NFL, Now I run my own furniture business and am completely self taught. In my videos and posts you'll see a variety of wood and metal work as well as some tips and tricks. Enjoy!
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Pittsburgh-based custom wood and metal worker. Tool Reviews, DIY Projects, and a whole lot of yinzer pride. Join the movement & punch your next project in the face.
