Bi-fold door bookshelf
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to make a bi-fold door bookshelf using two doors and scrap wood.
Use Two Bi-Fold Doors
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a great resource for buying surplus building materials such as doors. Bi-fold doors can be purchased at a reasonable price that doesn’t break the bank.
Please excuse the less-than-perfect photos taken in the basement shop. To begin, I removed the hinges and added 1x4s to the top and bottom of each door. If you look closely, you will see this was done with pocket hole screws from the inside.
Add Shelves
Shelves were cut from plywood. In this photo, I am trying to figure out how to space the shelves connected to the doors. Clamps are helpful to “hold” the shelves during this process.
How To Use Edge Banding
Have you ever used this Wood Veneer Edge Banding? This was my first time using it on the raw edge of the plywood.
To show you the difference in the outcome, here are two boards, one with and without it.
After ironing on the edging with my iron, I used the Quad Trimmer to cut off the overlapping edge.
I added cleats to the inside of the doors to support the shelves.
Cleats Help Support Shelves
I added some front facings to make the doors look a little less like doors. You can also see that I added a top and some trim.
Trim and Beadboard
You can see the bead board on the back and some extra trim around the bottom.
This thing is so tall that it barely fits in the basement because of the rafters and ductwork. To make painting easier, I set it up on some sawhorses and gave it a couple of coats of primer.
I decided to paint the bead board gray.
It sat finished in the basement for over a week while I waited for help to get it outside.
Recycled Bi-fold Doors Make a Great Bookshelf
A project like this may seem daunting. Breaking the task down into steps, I hope this tutorial will help you make your own bi-fold door bookshelf.
A bookcase like this is useful for corralling your books and displays your decor in a nice way.
It took me weeks to finish this because I worked on it here and there and painted many coats of primer and paint by hand. I’m so glad it’s done!
gail
Hello Gail,
Do you think the shelves and cleats are strong enough to hold books? Would love to try this.
Cindy,
To hold books, I would think you would need strong cleats secured with wood glue and screws. 🙂
I hope that helps!
gail
How did you attach the 1×4 at the top and bottom and the facings of the door? Nails?
I do almost all of my projects like this with finish nails and Gorilla Wood Glue. This was a few years ago, so I can only assume that’s what I did. If there is room, I’ll use screws, but with these doors, I’m sure there was minimal room. That Gorilla Wood Glue is good stuff!
gail
How did you attach the shelves to the cleats?
Curtia,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I didn’t attach the shelves to the cleats. They just are sort of locked in place by the front trim and the back of the shelf.
Hope this helps.
gail
There were several questions about the doors being hollow… Was hoping you might answer them?
Cindy,
I answered those questions via email when they came in initially. Yes, they were hollow doors. I added the cleats using Gorilla Wood Glue and brad nails with no problem.
What else would you like to know?
gail
It looks great!!!!
Never thought of it making a very classy beautiful bookcase out of doors!!!!
And of course if u try to go even lower budget go to a rehab store,I have seen them doors at $10 a piece.
Nice job.
Yes! ReStore is a great place to find cheap doors!
This must have been solid wood bi-fold doors. All the ones I see are hollow. Again you out did yourself! Such a beautiful job!
Gail-
As usual, you did a great job on this cabinet! You have come a long way– and all your work looks so professional now!
It looks great…and you styled it so well. 😉
Patricia
You are the queen of doors! I love that one. Nice job.
Another great and beautiful project!
Hip deep snow has gone, some melting the past few days has even shown some ground. Finally days above 30. Some day hopefully I can get into my garage and start a project.
Bi-fold doors are great for projects. I picked up some at a thrift store for a few dollars (they wanted to get them out!). I’ve used them to make a long firewood box for my porch and a built-in bench in the kitchen. I still have some left, so I may have to copycat your bookshelf project.
I cannot believe this. I just got home with two sets of bi-fold doors just like these that I got from thrift store! Thank you for great idea!!!!
It is beautiful Gail!! I really love it, and especially how you did the grey beadboard in the back! Your staging looks great too! Fun fun fun!!
This is a great piece, Gail! I love it. Were these doors solid rather than hollow? I wouldn’t have thought you could attach cleats to them!
Looks really good! I have never used that edging; looks like you do! I like your staging also.
That looks fabulous, Gail. I think I have the same doors, been sitting in my shop for a few years unfortunately. I have used the edging, it comes in white as well for melamine shelving. It’s great to use for plywood to make the edges look like real wood.
I love this Gail. The beadboard and the outside details of the bifold doors give it character. Well, that and the extra trim you added around the top and bottom. What a great idea!
Adina @ Simply Country Life
such a great idea! i love the size of this piece, too!
You brilliant woman! Now I know what to use to build a bookcase I need!
Thanks Gail!
xox
looks great! great job staging! 🙂
It turned out great! And I love the gray beadboard!
This is amazing! I can picture it in a bathroom filled with plush towels and toiletries! Beautiful job…as always!
I love it! I have louvered bifold doors that I saved and now I can tell my husband I wasn’t crazy for saving them! Perfect project to use up spare trim and tidbits.
You did a great job, I love it!