Installing Built In Recessed Bookshelves
Sometimes you find little crevices when doing home improvements. Now you could just wall this up with drywall to get a nice smooth wall, but that wouldn’t be very fun or exciting. Installing a recessed bookshelf helps to utilize space that would be otherwise wasted. Once it's finished it will leave others wondering how it fits into the wall. Here is 5 easy steps to make it happen.
Tools
Miter saw ~$200 - Amazon Link
Level ~$10 - Amazon Link
Measuring Tape ~ $20 - Amazon Link
Nail Gun ~ $200 - Amazon Link
Total: $430
Materials
2.5 Inch Construction Screws - Cost: ~$10 - Home Depot Link
Baseboard - Cost: ~15 - Home Depot Link
2x4 Lumber - Cost: ~$20 - Home Depot Link
31x38x76 cm Ikea Kitchen Cabinet - Cost: $36 but it can be up to $76 depending on size
https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/p/sektion-wall-cabinet-frame-white-10265472/#content
Dap - Cost: ~$3 - Home Depot Link
Total: ~$100
Lumber can be picked up at any local building supplies store like a Rona or Home Depot.
Process
Step 1: Framing
You are essentially building a nook inside your bigger nook (crevice) for your bookshelf to live.
You want to frame with an extra half inch gap all the way around just in case you miss measure or the lumber isn’t quite straight. If you are nervous make it a full inch since the trim will cover the gap. The crevice I was covering up is the plumbing behind a bath shower combo. Since these cupboards are just screwed in, worst comes to worst I can just take them out to gain access.
You will want to level the framing 2x4s so that the bookshelf is not crooked and the base is nice and level. This isn't too difficult but having it nice and plumb as they call it, will set you up for success when leveling the Ikea cupboards when that is installed.
Step 2: Drywall, Mudding, Priming, and Painting
You don’t want to mount the Ikea cabinets before drywall as it would be too easy to damage them while cutting out the hole from the drywall.
After drywall comes mudding which I recommend so that the mud doesn’t dirty up the cabinets. Same thing for priming and painting it's easier to get it done before the cabinet is installed.
Step 3: Installed
Slowly place the cabinets in the cut holes making sure it does not fall through. Make sure the cabinet is flush with the wall then slowly screw them in with the 2.5 inch screws at each corner. Two is enough but I would do four, one in each corner.
Step 4: Trim
Measure cut and nail the baseboard. I had it overlap on the top and bottom panel but it can be styled in any way you want. Make sure the nails are flush or sunken so they can be painted over easily.
Step 5: DAP
Dapping is the finishing touch. Small bead on each side then run your finger along to smooth out the bead.
Then add some books and trinkets then it's finished. For around $50 in material you can turn an empty cavity into a fun recessed bookshelf. A built-in bookshelf can add value to your home and is way more valuable than just a stand alone bookshelf.
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