Built-In on a Budget CREATE CUSTOM BOOKSHELVES WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
Built-in custom cabinetry and shelving are popular trends in home design and remodeling. They increase a house’s value and storage space. However, custom carpentry costs have soared, making DIY built-ins the only affordable option for many homeowners.
side pieces parallel to the longest dimension of the MDF. Use a miter saw to cut each 12-inch piece to the desired lengths for the sides and shelving. Next, cut two scrap-wood spacers as long as the planned distance between shelves. Begin assembling your bookshelf by standing each side piece on its side, using clamps to attach the shortest spacers to the bottom of each side piece. Place the bottom shelf on top of the spacers and drive finishing nails through the sides to secure them in place. Repeat the process with each shelf. THE GRAND FINALE The last shelf piece is the top of the bookcase and should lie flush with the sides. Attach a final support piece across the back, touching the bottom of the last shelf piece and lying flush with the backs of the bookcase sides. Stand the bookcase upright and use screws or metal brackets to attach the support piece to studs in the wall. Attach the footer and header strips to the top and bottom of the bookcase to achieve a more finished look. To make your creation appear more substantial, you can attach 2 1/2-inch strips of MDF to the front of each side piece and shelf. Sand the raw edges of the MDF, caulk the seams, and cover your entire creation with an oil- based primer. Then, top it off with two coats of semi-gloss paint.
If you envision a wall of custom bookcases but can’t afford a carpenter, here are three guidelines for DIY success.
SKETCH YOUR VISION Start with a sketch showing the
dimensions of the shelves, sides, footers, headers, and trim for your bookcase. For a pair of open bookshelves, your shopping list should include four sheets of 3/4-inch medium- density fiberboard (MDF), 2x4 scrap pieces to serve as
vertical spacers between bookshelves, oil-based primer, semi-gloss paint, and 1–2 tubes of caulk. Before you start, consider painting the wall behind the bookshelves the same color as planned for the shelves. MEASURE AND CUT A typical width for bookshelves is about 12 inches, with 4–7-inch footers and headers, and 2-1/2-inch trim pieces. Cut shelves and
Now, step back and appreciate your creation. You’ve achieved a master-carpenter look on a bargain budget!
THE CHAIR MAKES THE ROOM
Designing a new room often ends with a task that can be the most enjoyable of all: choosing the right accent chair. This piece may serve various purposes, like providing extra seating, adding a pop of color, or creating a contrasting design. Making the right choice requires finding a balance between form and function. A lounge chair invites users to kick back and enjoy. An armchair with comfy armrests suggests good conversation. For a smaller space, a side chair with a straight back and skinny legs works best. In choosing a design, feel free to bend a few rules by departing a little from your theme, such as adding a side chair with solid wood legs to a streamlined Danish modern theme. Now, with an accent chair that perfectly defines your living space, sit back and enjoy!
2 •
HuskeysPaint.com
(828) 214-7100
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator