Libraries are an integral part of many interiors, both functional and decorative. However, if you want to keep your books in perfect condition and protect them from dust and damage, adding doors to your bookcase is the perfect solution.
How to Add Doors to a Bookcase: Simple and Practical Solutions
Adding doors allows you to close off your bookcase and create a protective shell around your valuable books. Doors can also give your library a complete and elegant look or hide all your books behind a durable surface. In this guide, you will see how easy and practical it is to add doors.
Before you begin installing doors, you need to decide which doors and styles are right for your library. Choose from a variety of materials, from classic to modern, including glass, wood, and plastic. Your choice of material and style will depend on your personal preferences and the overall design of the room.
Preparation
Before adding a door to your bookcase, there are a few preliminary steps you need to take to get it rolling smoothly and without problems. First, it is important to decide on the door material to choose. It should match the overall style and design of the cabinetry.
Objects should be removed from the closet shelves to allow the door to be used in empty spaces. Note that the door may be heavy, so it may be worth asking a household member for help or using shelves to temporarily hold the shelves.
You should also pre-measure the dimensions of the hole in which the door will be placed. This will ensure proper preparation of the material and avoid possible installation errors. If the library is on order, it is advisable to contact a craftsman who can advise on how to measure.
An important step in the preparation is to select the necessary tools and materials. Basic tools include screwdrivers, drills, saws, screwdrivers, hammers, tape, and iron. You will also need the appropriate links, hinges, corner supports, and door materials.
Material Selection
When selecting materials for bookcase doors, it is not only the appearance that is important, but also their durability, longevity, and interior style compatibility. It is important to consider the properties of each material and its ability to handle and refurbish
- Wood. Wooden doors are a classic choice and are suitable for a variety of interior styles. They add warmth and naturalness to your wardrobe. It is important to remember that wooden doors require special attention and regular renewal of the protective coating.
- Glass. Glass doors are an elegant and modern choice. Besides, glass gives lightness and visual volume to the library. It may be completely transparent, frozen, colored, or printed. Glass has a tendency to scratch and should be handled with care.
- MDF and chipboard. MDF (medium density fiber) and chipboard (multi-layer chipboard) are practical and affordable materials for bookcase doors. They can mimic the texture and color of wood or have other finishes. It is important to select quality panels and to ensure that their surfaces will not be cut or scratched over time.
- Other Materials. Depending on the interior design and personal preferences, it is advisable to consider other materials for bookcase doors. An example is metal, which is very resistant to moisture and gives a modern, industrial look or plastic that can be easily cleaned.
Ultimately, the choice of bookcase door material depends on your own taste, needs, and interior style. It is important to consider the appearance and function as well as the function of the material you choose so that the library door is durable and meets all your requirements.
Measuring the Opening
Before starting a door to a library, the opening should be measured. This will help determine the size and number of doors to be used.
First, measure the height, width, and depth of the opening. For more accurate measurements, use tape or a ruler. Pay attention to the measurements to avoid confusion later.
If you have many openings, it is recommended that you measure each one separately. It is recommended to be careful and accurate, as hole sizes may vary slightly.
Once you have the proper dimensions, you can begin selecting the door for the bookcase. Note that the doors must be slightly larger than the opening and therefore her bone tight and must prevent dust and dirt from entering the library.
If you plan to use more than one door in your bookcase, note that there should be a gap between them as the doors open. It is recommended that a gap of approximately 1-2 cm be left between the doors to allow them to open freely and not interfere with each other.
Hinge Installation
Hinge placement is one of the most important steps when adding doors to a library. Hinges must be placed within the library in the area where the door will be located. First, measure the distance between the top and bottom edges of the door and mark the library.
Then the hinges must be placed in the bookcase. For this purpose, you will need to use the mounting holes for the hinges. The holes should be approximately 3 to 4 cm from the edge of the cabinet. Hinges are usually secured with screws or self-adhesive screws, which must be included in the hinge.
After the hinges have been placed in the bookcase, the next step is to place the doors on the hinges. To do this, use special hinges that are usually included with the hinge. The plate must be placed behind the door. The door should then be carefully hung on the hinges and checked to ensure that it opens and closes without problems.
Once the hinges are in place, make sure the bookcase door is well secured and opens without problems. If you experience problems with the hinges when using the library, they can be adjusted or replaced. To do this, review the installation instructions that accompany the hinges or contact a professional who can assist you in repairing or replacing the hinges.
Markings and Predictors
Before choosing to place a door in a bookcase, the location of the hinges should be highlighted. This should be done not only for aesthetic reasons but also to ensure that the closet can be opened and closed easily.
Once the location of the hinges has been determined, holes must be drilled for their fastening. This will avoid damage to the cabinet material if the door is installed incorrectly. The size of the holes must match the size of the fasteners to be used.
It is important to note that when drilling the holes, a gradual increase in rotational speed should be used with the drilling. This will prevent splitting of the wood and create a uniform hole.
Merging Hinges
The process of adding a door to a library involves the placement of hinges. Hinges ensure that the door not only opens and closes freely, but also that it can be held safely in place. Tools such as screwdrivers, hand drills, and power drills, as well as screws and fasteners such as screws must be used to secure the hinges.
First, determine where the hinges will be placed on the housing and door. Typically, hinges are placed an equal distance from the top and bottom of the door to the sides of the edge. It is recommended that a measuring tool or level be used to achieve uniform and symmetrical placement of the hinges.
Once the hinge locations are set on the closet and door, they should be placed. Use a screwdriver or drill with the appropriate nose for this purpose. Place the hinges in place and secure them using the screws or threads that normally accompany hinges. When securing the hinges, make sure that the screw or screws are tightened steadily and evenly, with no gaps or irregularities.
It is important to note that hinges should take into account the size of the door. If the door is particularly heavy or large, additional hinges may need to be used to ensure stability. It is also advisable to check the strength of the hinges after installation to ensure that their use is safe.
Posting Door Hinges
Placing door hinges in a bookcase is the final step in the process. A well-positioned door not only completes the look of the library, but also protects the books from dust and other negative influences.
Before beginning the door installation, make sure that all furniture furnishings and the door itself are at the proper level and have the appropriate fastening tools and accessories. Proper adjustable hinges can be used during installation.
- The first thing to do is to connect the hinges to the body of the library. Use the holes provided by the manufacturer for this purpose. Adjust the hinges so that they are at the same level as the closet and do not project beyond its limits.
- Next, place the hinges on the door. Before doing this, highlight the position of the hinges to avoid slippage. Remember that the hinges must be placed in a straight position so that the door opens smoothly and without blocking.
- After installing the hinges on the door, check the door to make sure it opens and closes smoothly. If necessary, adjust the hinges for optimal results.
- Connect the remainder of the hinges to the body and the door. Typically, three hinges are sufficient for stability and to hold the closet door firmly in place.
- Ensure that the door closes, opens and closes smoothly. If necessary, make additional settings on the hinges.
After the door is in place, make sure it is secure and will not fall or move when the bookcase is used. Also ensure that the door opens and closes easily and smoothly. If necessary, paint or treat the door after installation to get the desired look and additional protection.
Setup and Final Touches
After the doors are installed or shelves are lined up in the bookcase, adjustments may need to be made to ensure proper application and tight closure. This can be accomplished using special adjustment screws located on the door hinges. By turning these screws to the left or right, the optimal position of the door and perfect fit to the closet can be achieved.
Once the bookcase door is adjusted, it can be further processed to obtain a neat and harmonious appearance. For this purpose, it is recommended to use a variety of finishing materials such as borders, panels, and lath. This helps to hide joints and stucco, which will appear when the doors are integrated into the library from the outset.
Decorative elements can also be added to bookcase doors to give them a unique and elegant look. For example, you can place elegant doors on doors or place them with wooden or glass inserts. This will emphasize the individuality of the library and add a touch of sophistication.
Remember to pay attention to the library door handles. These are both functional and decorative. Choosing the right handles will help complete the look and make the bookcase more user – friendly.
Make sure your hinges are functioning properly
After you have installed hinges on your bookcase doors, you need to make sure they are functioning properly.
First, make sure that the hinges are well secured to the closet door and body. Make sure they apply firmly to each other and have no gaps or play.
Next, make sure the door closes and closes smoothly and effortlessly. Smooth movement of the door should be easy and trouble free.
Make sure the hinges do not produce scratching or friction noises as the door opens and closes. If an unpleasant sound is heard, the hinges may need lubrication or adjustment.
Also note that the door must remain in the open position without closing or spontaneously opening. If the door changes position on its own, the hinges may need to be adjusted or replaced.
If there are problems in checking the operation of the hinges, it is advisable to contact a professional carpenter or repairman to correct the problem. Working with hinges may require some skill and tools, so rely on professionals to ensure the reliability and security of your bookcase.
Caring for the Bookcase
Once the library is assembled and the doors are in place, surface preparation is required. Editing will improve appearance and extend the life of the bookcase.
- Initially, before starting the treatment, the surface should be cleaned of dust and dirt. A soft cloth or brush can be used for this purpose. It is important to remove all dirt so that the surface is ready for further treatment.
- Second, after cleaning the surface, the application of a protective coating can begin. For libraries, it is recommended to use a special wood surface such as varnish or oil. This will protect the surface from moisture, scratches, and dirt.
- Third, the surface must be scraped before applying the protective layer. Grinding helps to remove anomalies and smooth the surface. Sandpaper or abrasives can be used for this purpose.
- Fourth, for the most uniform application of the protective coating, a brush or roll can be used. Uniform application prevents unevenness and preserves the appearance of the closet.
- Fifth, the final coating must be allowed to dry completely after application. The drying process typically takes several hours or days. Therefore, it is important not to touch the surface until it is completely dry to avoid damage.
- Sixth, after drying, the process can be finished by wiping the surface with a soft cloth or sponge. This will remove any traces and leave the surface shiny.
Conclusion and Common Questions Answered
As you rebuild your bookcase and adjust the doors, don’t forget to organize its interior. Keep shelves in their proper place, and organize books and accessories in a way that makes them easy to find and close together. In this way, your bookcase is not only functional but also an elegant part of your interior space.
Q: Can I add a door to an existing bookcase?
Answer: Yes, you can. You will need to disassemble the bookcase, place the hinges and doors according to the door addition instructions, and reclassify the library. However, if you are placing a door on a cabinet that is already assembled, be careful not to damage other parts of the cabinet.
Q: What should I do if the bookcase door won’t close?
Ans: If a bookcase door will not close, due to the fact that the hinges are incorrectly installed or the library is slightly bent. In this case, make sure the hinges are properly positioned and correct the position if necessary. If you are unable to correct the problem, you can call an expert for help.