Fans of mystery novels and Scooby-Doo will be delighted to learn that it’s easier than ever to buy and install a hidden door in your home. Whether you have a skeleton to hide or have a hobby you’d like to keep under wraps, hidden doors could be the way to go. Hidden doors allow you to decorate your home while also providing convenient access to closets, pantries, or other spaces.
Installing a hidden door bookshelf may seem like a complex project, but with a prefabricated kit and a little guidance, it’s achievable for many DIY enthusiasts. In this video, carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner install a bookshelf hidden door as a clever way to access his home bar.
Understanding Hidden Door Bookshelves
Hidden door bookshelves are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who want to maximize space and add a touch of mystery to their living areas. There are several types of hidden door bookshelves available:
- Pre-fabricated kits: Ideal for DIY enthusiasts looking for a ready-made solution
- Custom-built units: Tailored to fit specific spaces and design preferences
- Retrofitted existing bookshelves: Converting an existing bookshelf into a hidden door
- Pivot-style hidden doors: Rotate around a central pivot point
- Sliding hidden doors: Glide along tracks for a sleek appearance
Preparing for Installation of the Hidden Door Bookshelf
Before beginning the installation process, it’s crucial to properly prepare your space and gather all necessary materials and tools.
Choosing the Right Location
- First, select a suitable location for your hidden door bookshelf. Consider the following factors:
- Available wall space: Ensure there’s enough room for the bookshelf and door mechanism.
- Existing door openings: Choose a spot that will effectively conceal the hidden entryway.
- Room layout and traffic flow: The placement should not disrupt the natural flow of the room.
Structural support in the wall: Verify that the wall can support the weight and demands of the hidden door bookshelf. If you are installing a new door frame, it is extremely important that you check if the wall is load-bearing or not. Call a structural engineer or qualified professional to confirm.
How to Frame for Door
If you don’t have an existing door opening, you’ll need to go through some extra steps before you can install your hidden door. This part will likely require hiring professional contractors and building permits.
Step 1: Prep for Door Frame Installation
- Check if the desired installation wall is load-bearing or not. It is strongly recommended to call a structural engineer or qualified professional to confirm. A load-bearing wall will require extra safety protocols and possible professional assistance when installing the door frame.
- Decide what size door you’d like and placement to decide the rough opening outline. Add about 2-inches to the width and 2 to 2-½-inches to the height of the actual door size (check the door kit manufacturer’s instructions) to accommodate the door frame within the wall.
- Once you know the rough opening, remove or relocate live wires and switches in the way of the door installation. It’s best to hire a qualified electrician to make sure everything in the wall is off before the work starts and to code.
Step 2: Mark Layout
- Find the center of the wall and mark it with a pencil.
- Using a long level, mark the door kit’s rough opening measurements. This will be the distance between the two jack studs (the width) and between the floor and the header (the height). The RO is the hole that you will be creating, and the studs will be the structural frame built around the hole.
- Use a feeler bit to poke through the drywall to the other side of the wall on each corner of the rough opening layout. This will transfer the rough opening placement to the other side. Nathan used a twist drill bit on a drill as a feeler bit.
Step 3: Cut Rough Opening
- Use an oscillating tool with a drywall blade to cut along the rough opening. In most cases, you should only have to cut about ½-inch deep. Attach the oscillating tool to a vacuum or have someone vacuum debris with a HEPA vacuum as you cut.
- Once cut, pull the drywall out of the opening to expose the studs on both sides of the wall.
Step 4: Frame the Rough Opening
- Mark where to cut studs for removal. At the top of each stud within the opening, measure and mark 3-inches up from the top of the RO. This will be where a non-load bearing header will be installed.
- With an oscillating tool, make a relief cut on each stud in the RO to make it easier to remove. Cut all the way through the halfway height of each stud.
- Cut through the 3-inch mark at the top of each stud. These will become your cripple studs for the door frame. Remove each stud in the rough opening.
- Cut 2x4s to length for the 2 king studs (length from bottom plate to top plate), 2 jack studs (length from bottom plate to bottom of header), header (2 2×4’s on the flat, cut to length between each king stud) to fit around the RO.
- Install the two king studs on each side of the rough opening. These are full-length studs that run from the bottom plate to the top plate. Tap them in with a mallet or hammer. Screw and secure king studs into the top and bottom plates. Nathan used #10 x 3-1/8” multi-purpose screws.
- Install the header between the king studs. Using two 2×4’s installed on the flat. Install and secure the first, screwing into each cripple. Then install the second header board, screwing it into the first.
- Install the jack studs under the header, against each king stud. Screw into the header, bottom plate, and king stud.
- Use an oscillating tool to cut the bottom plate at the edge of each jack stud. Use a pry bar or wrecking bar to pry it out of the opening.
Installing the Door Kit
- Build the hidden door according to the kit’s instructions. They typically come with everything necessary, including the jamb. With some door kits you can install the jamb to the rough opening first, then add the door. Some you should add the jamb to the door and install both at the same time. With heavy doors, like the one Nathan installed, this can be the easier option. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the door and jamb.
- After installing the jamb to the rough opening, use shims to create an equal amount of space all the way around the RO from the jamb and the rough opening studs. Place shims near the top, middle, and bottom of the vertical jambs.
- Double check that the threshold is level. Check that the jamb is close to being square in all 4 corners using a framing square. A plumb jamb is essential for the door installation.
- Secure jamb into place. Leave a ½” of the screw sticking out in case you need to adjust later.
- Lift the door and put it into place if you haven’t already. Attach to hinge pins.
- With both doors closed, check the seams all around the door. Make sure the center, top, and bottom all line up evenly.
- Remove the excess shims with the oscillating tool.
- Install case molding around the door with finish nails.
- Finally, fill the nail holes, sand the surface, and paint the doors for a clean, finished, and most importantly, hidden look.
Choosing the Right Books and Decor
You may already know what you want to store in or on your new bookshelves. However, keep in mind that this is also a functional door, so you’ll want to limit weight and forgo fragile decorative items. It’s a good idea to test anything you place on the shelves to ensure it won’t slide off. Consider using museum putty to stick small decorations in place without leaving residue on the shelf or the object.
Many prefabricated kit manufacturers sell additional hardware, like locks, key fobs, and extra shelves. Some even sell that mystery story staple, a hidden book latch for opening the door with the tilt of a fake book.
Maintaining Functionality
To ensure your hidden door bookshelf remains both secret and functional:
- Distribute weight evenly across shelves: Avoiding uneven weight distribution prevents sagging or damage.
- Avoid overloading the bookshelf: Excessive weight can impair the door’s functionality.
- Regularly check and tighten hardware: This maintains structural integrity and functionality.
- Keep the pivot points clean and lubricated: This ensures smooth and effortless operation.
- Inspect for signs of wear: Periodic checks can help catch and address issues early.
Safety Considerations When Installing a Hidden Door Bookshelf
While hidden door bookshelves are exciting additions to a home, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Proper installation and thoughtful use ensure that your innovative storage solution remains safe and functional.
Ensure your hidden door bookshelf meets local building codes, especially if it’s concealing an emergency exit in the form of a window or exterior door. Consider:
- Door width requirements: Verify that the hidden door complies with code specifications.
- Fire safety regulations: Ensure the installation does not impede any fire exits or safety measures.
- Accessibility standards: Make sure the hidden door is accessible to all household members.
Childproofing
If you have young children, take steps to childproof your hidden door bookshelf:
- Install childproof locks: Prevent unsupervised access to hidden areas while ensuring children can’t be locked behind the door.
- Secure heavy items to prevent tipping: Avoid placing heavy or breakable items precariously on the shelves.
- Educate children on proper use and safety: Teach them how to open and close the bookshelf correctly can prevent accidents.
Our Conclusion
Installing a hidden door bookshelf is an exciting project that adds both functionality and intrigue to your home. With careful planning and execution, you can create a secret space that serves as a conversation piece and practical storage solution. Remember to prioritize safety and functionality alongside the element of surprise for the best results.
Materials
Long wood screws (about 3-inch and #10 or larger)
Oscillating blade for drywall
Wood and metal cutting oscillating blade
2×4 lumber
Door threshold (Nathan ripped pine stock to ½”)
Twist drill bit
Drywall screws
Hidden door kit
Wood glue
2” to 2-1-2″ x 15-gauge finish nails
Wood shims
Tools
Resources
Door Installed
Hide-A-Way-Doors French Bookcase Door
(70” W, 80” H, 8-¼” Depth, Jamb 4-½”, 6 adjustable shelves, paint grade wood, ¼” ply bookcase backing, out swing direction, flat case molding)
