Hidden Doorway Bookcase 2025 - Let's build a secret door
A buddy of mine has a Murphy Door bookshelf in his basement. Aka a bookshelf with a secret door. I was blown away by the design, how it converted a door to a utility room into a awesome secret passage. I asked, how do you make a hidden bookcase door? The next of course being, How much are secret bookshelf doors?
He told me that his was a Murphy Door Bookcase and after learning the cost of their finished models I went to the next logical and frugal question, How do you make a hidden bookcase door? Instructions out there were vague but after researching how much a secret door cost to make I became hooked (hint, it wasn't that bad!). A bookcase with hidden door is an awesome way to separate a space.
I debated for months about building one on my own outswing hidden bookcase door and scoured the internet for outswing hidden door plans as well as hidden door ideas. I looked up the cost of multiple kinds of hidden door kits, from budget hidden door bookshelf ikea designs to elaborate solid oak builds. I kept adding finished versions of the bookshelf door into my cart then removing them, a vicious cycle. Most of the videos online were for smaller attic style doors and while they were helpful, I found it difficult to find comprehensive instructions on full size secret door conversions, similar to the Murphy door.
I decided that the design wasn't too complicated, my budget minded brain could not justify the markup that companies were charging for finished hidden bookcase doors. I literally sold my N64 Gold Ocarina of Time cartridge to pay for the material, for you non nerds – that is about $300 (best game of all time though). Murphy doors that compare in design and finish are well over $1,000.
I had never cut a dado, ripped a board with a table saw, or drilled more than a handful of pocket holes but I was determined to get what I thought was the coolest door in the business – I documented the entire process so that I could help people like you do the same. I hope that you find this article helpful. If you do, feel free to send over pictures of your door. I would love to feature them here or on our IG account (@thecraftycatsman). Enough of the background, lets go create a secret room with a bookcase door!
Watch the Project in Action
This video shows our hidden bookcase door in action, revealing the secret arcade and bar space behind it.
Explore The Hidden Bookcase Door
March 2025 Update:
Guys (and gals), this page was the first page I ever made. A few years ago, I set out to learn how to build a website, and let's just say—it was a process. That first clunky mess was barely functional, and honestly, this page's structure is still pretty bad.
But you know what? It ranks at the top of Google because it has helped so many of you build the hidden door of your dreams. I've had the privilege of talking to dozens of you, guiding you through the process, and one of the top requests I kept hearing? A cut list.
The problem? Everyone's doorway dimensions are different. My cut list works for me—but not necessarily for you.
That's why I'm insanely proud to introduce a solution.
Secret Bookcase Door Cut List Generator
This tool lets you:
- ✅Set your doorway dimensions
- ✅Choose your wood species & plywood grade
- ✅Select the number of shelves
- ✅Get a clean, printable project cost estimate & cut list
I put a ton of thought into this. It should give you exactly what you need, but if it doesn't—let me know. Shoot me an email at TheCraftyCatsman@gmail.com with your feedback.
Constantly evolving here, and my goal is to get you whatever tools I can to help you along your journey.
Cheers, all!
Project Overview
Hidden Bookcase Door Project Details
Why Build Your Own Hidden Door?
Building your own hidden bookcase door allows for complete customization to your specific doorway, saving thousands compared to commercial options while giving you full creative control of the design.
Use our custom calculator below to generate a precise cut list for your doorway dimensions before starting this project.
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.
Watch the Bookcase Door in Action
These videos show our hidden bookcase door in action and help you decide if you should build or buy:
Tools You'll Need
These are the essential tools you'll need to build your hidden bookcase door. Quality tools will make the project easier and help ensure professional results.
Essential Tools
High-quality tools for your bookcase door project
Materials Needed
Here are all the materials you'll need to create your hidden bookcase door. Quality materials are crucial for a durable and functional result.
Required Materials
High-quality materials for a durable and functional result
Material Shopping Tips
For the best results, purchase high-quality plywood with minimal voids. For the face frame, select straight boards without knots to ensure your bookcase door stays square and operates smoothly for years to come.
The total cost of materials should be around $300-350, which is significantly less than pre-built options that start at $1,000+.
Measurements and Dimensions
Critical Measurements for Your Hidden Door
Getting your measurements right is crucial for a successful hidden bookcase door. Here are the key dimensions you should follow:
Door Opening
- Standard interior door: 30" - 36" wide × 80" tall
- Leave 1" clearance in width and 1-1/8" in height
Face Frame
- Stiles: Two 1-1/2" × 78-1/2" pieces
- Top Rail: One 2-1/4" × 31-3/4" piece
- Middle Rails: Two 1-1/2" × 31-3/4" pieces
- Bottom Rail: One 3-1/2" × 31-3/4" piece (wider for stability)
Bookcase Case
- Side Panels: Two 7" × 77-1/2" pieces (3/4" plywood)
- Shelves: Multiple 7" × 32-1/2" pieces (3/4" plywood)
- Back Panel: One 32-1/2" × 77-1/2" piece (1/4" plywood)
- Maximum Depth: 8" total (including face frame and back)
Dado Cuts
- Depth: 3/8" deep
- Width: 3/4" wide
- Spacing: Based on desired shelf configuration
Pro Tip
Always account for the thickness of your materials when planning. A standard 3/4" plywood sheet is actually about 23/32" thick, which can affect your final dimensions if you're not careful.
Hidden Bookcase Door Build Guide
Complete Step-by-Step Building Guide
Follow our detailed instructions to create your own hidden doorway bookcase
Custom Bookcase Door Cut List Calculator
Generate Your Custom Cut List
Every doorway is different! Use this calculator to get a precise cut list for your specific dimensions.
Why a separate calculator?
We've moved our interactive calculator to a dedicated page for better performance. The calculator includes advanced features like:
- Custom measurements for your exact doorway
- Material cost estimation
- Printable cut lists
- Visual diagrams and instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Hidden Bookcase Doors
Contact Me
Get in Touch
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
Don't forget to check out Part 2: The Speakeasy Arcade to see what's behind my hidden door!
I'm going to Level with you…
Like woodworking, I am learning how to design this website design as I go. One thing that helps a website gain attention is posting "short and sweet" articles, fun fact – humans are also inclined to look at lists first (that's one reason why you see "Top ten TVs" or "Five must see living room makeovers"). If you have made it this far then you are a trend bucker, you also have realized that I don't do short and sweet. That ish is for the birds, and you know what cats do to birds….
I support you and all of your dreams, however, if this page gets any longer those human brain picking robots may shove this super cool article so far down in the rankings that people like you never get to see it (go tell some friends, thanks).
For this reason, I think it is a logical place to end this part of the DIY Hidden Doorway Bookcase build.
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.
NOT TODAY! Click above to access Part 2 of the Hidden Bookcase Door build – I will show you how a Facebook marketplace treasure find resulted in the completion of what might be my favorite part of the Arcade Bar (named BarKode, you were paying attention above – right?)
