How to Install a Hidden Door Bookshelf

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 bookshelf in your home. Whether you have skeletons to hide or just want the ambiance and extra storage, a hidden door bookshelf is a clever way to add intrigue and functionality to your home. 

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 the video above, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how to install a pre-made hidden door bookshelf, and we’ll outline those steps below.

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

In this video and guide, Silva installs a prefabricated kit into an existing closet door opening. This is the least expensive or time-consuming version of this project. Cutting a new door opening, on the other hand, will likely require professional contractors and building permits.

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.

Required Tools and Materials

To install a hidden door bookshelf, you’ll need the following.

Tools

• Circular saw
• Drill and drill bits
• Hammer
• Levels (small and large)
• Measuring tape
• Nailset
• Pencil
• Pry bar
• Sanding block
• Screwdriver
• Scribes
• Utility knife

Materials

• Pre-fabricated hidden door bookshelf kit
• Extra filler wood (matching the new jamb)
• Finishing nails
• Shims
• Wood filler
• Wood glue
• Paint or stain

Installation Process for a Hidden Bookshelf Door

Below, we’ll outline a step-by-step guide for replacing a standard door with a hidden bookshelf door from a prefab kit.

Step 1: Removing the Existing Door

First, carefully remove the current door and jamb.

1. Remove the current door from its hinges using a hammer and nailset to pop up the hinge pins.
2. Take off the old jamb and casing with a pry bar.
3. Clear the opening of any debris or protruding nails. Ensuring a clean, clear doorway is essential for a smooth installation of the new bookshelf unit.

Step 2: Preparing the Doorway

If the existing doorway is already plumb and level, you can skip this step. However, in older homes, like the one in our video, floors and walls have usually shifted over the years. Here’s how to compensate for that.

1. Place a piece of extra filler wood on the floor and adjust it until the top is level.
2. Set your scribes to the overall width of the filler and drag them along the wood to mark the necessary cut.
3. Cut the wood with a circular saw following the scribe line.
4. Glue the cut filler piece to the underside of the doorjamb to fill any gaps. This ensures a stable and level base for the bookshelf.
5. Repeat these steps for the back side of the jamb if needed.

Step 3: Installing the Jamb

Once the jamb is level, you’ll need to ensure it fits snugly in the existing doorway, using shims if necessary.

1. Position the jamb from the door kit into place.
2. Use a 6-foot level to check that it’s plumb. A plumb jamb is essential for the correct operation of the hidden door mechanism.
3. If adjustments are needed, place shims between the jamb and wall studs until the jamb is plumb.
4. Drill through the jamb and shims, then secure with screws.
5. Remove excess shim lengths on either side using a utility knife and hammer.

Step 4: Mounting the Bookshelf

With the jamb securely in place, it’s time to install the bookshelf.

1. Carefully lift the bookshelf and align it with the pre-fashioned pivot-point pinholes on the top and bottom of the jamb.
2. Gently lower the bookshelf onto the bottom pivot point. Ensure it is securely situated before moving on to the next step.
3. Align the top of the bookshelf with the upper pivot point and secure it in place. Double-check the alignment for smooth operation.
4. Test the door’s swing to ensure smooth operation. Adjust if necessary to achieve seamless operation.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

To complete the installation:

1. Glue trim to the jamb and secure it with finishing nails. 
2. Fill any nail holes with wood filler and sand smooth.
3. Paint or stain the bookshelf and trim to match your decor.
4. Install the shelves at your desired heights. 

Customizing Your Hidden Door Bookshelf

Once your hidden door bookshelf is installed, you can personalize it to suit your style and needs. 

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, but also ensure that children can’t become locked behind the door.
• Secure heavy items to prevent tipping: Avoid placing heavy or breakable items precariously on the shelves.
• Educate children about proper use and safety: Teaching children the correct way to open and close the bookshelf 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.