DIY Hidden Doorway Bookcase - Secret Door Project Guide
Transform your home with this budget-friendly secret door project
Project Overview
Introduction
A buddy of mine has a Murphy Door bookshelf in his basement - a bookshelf with a secret door. I was blown away by the design and how it converted a door to a utility room into an awesome secret passage. After learning the cost of finished models, I decided to build my own outswing hidden bookcase door for about $300 - much less than the $1,000+ for commercial options.
Why Build Your Own Secret Door?
- ✦Create a magical experience in your home
- ✦Save over $1,000 compared to pre-made options
- ✦Customize dimensions to fit your exact doorway
- ✦Add a unique conversation piece to your home
- ✦Gain valuable woodworking experience
Why Build a Secret Bookcase Door?
Four compelling reasons to tackle this project
Dramatically Enhance Your Space
Transform an ordinary doorway into a conversation piece that amazes everyone who discovers it.
Save Thousands of Dollars
Build for approximately $300 in materials versus $1,000-$3,000 for commercial options.
Customize to Your Space
Design the perfect dimensions, style, and finish to match your exact doorway and decor.
Add Functional Storage
Create additional shelf space while cleverly disguising a doorway.
Critical Design Considerations
Before starting your hidden bookcase door project, keep these crucial factors in mind:
- Door Swing Direction: Decide between inswing (swings into hidden room) or outswing (swings into visible room). Outswing is easier for first-time builders.
- Maximum Depth: Keep total depth under 8" for most doorways to ensure proper clearance when opening.
- Weight Distribution: Lighter is better - each shelf adds significant weight. The Tambee hinges can support up to 110 pounds.
- Frame Squareness: The door frame must be perfectly square and plumb or your door will bind.
- Clearance Requirements: Allow 3/16" gap on all sides for smooth operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with proper insulation and construction techniques, they can be soundproofed to some degree. Consider using weather stripping around edges and sound-dampening materials in the construction.
Styles can range from modern minimalistic, traditional, to rustic. Your choice depends on the overall décor of your home. We chose a rustic back to go with the theme of the room behind it.
Strong and durable woods like oak, maple, or cherry are often used, though the choice may also depend on your color and grain preferences. Try not to "cheap out" as your bookcase door is a functional piece of furniture. Not only does it need the durability of a bookcase but it also needs to be strong enough to handle constant motion.
Yes, with additional hardware and expertise, a bookcase door can be automated. You can certainly replace the bolt latch with a fingerprint reader or keypad that unlocks the door.
The weight limit depends on the strength of the supporting wall and hinges. It's important to keep the weight manageable to prevent strain on these components. The Tambee pivot hinge that we recommend has a weight limit of 110 pounds.
Need More Help?
I hope these hidden bookcase door plans help you in your process! If you have questions or want to share photos of your completed project, please feel free to reach out to me at thecraftycatsman@gmail.com
Ready for Part 2? The Secret Door Back Design
Part 2 focuses on something that almost every other hidden bookcase builder neglects – THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR. That's right! Believe it or not, the hidden doorway bookcase has a back that people will inevitably see. Typically, these backs lack wow factor and are forced to listen to people compliment how cool the other side is, while they sit hidden away.
See the Secret Door Back Design