Improve the look of a bookcase by framing it

Simple built-in bookcases will never fit in a modern space; on the contrary, they will have an unaesthetic aspect. Framing a built-in bookcase will certainly improve its aspect and will also give a special air to the room.

Things you will need:

  • crown molding
  • wood nails
  • measuring tape
  • nail set
  • reciprocating or circular saw
  • finishing nails
  •  wood putty- hammer
  •  fine-grit sandpaper

How to do it

  •  Measure the length of the upper part and sides of the bookcase.
  • Choose a crown molding type you want to use; determine its width and double the resulted dimension. Apply the result to the size of the highest part of your bookcase.
  • Measure each side of your unit and cut out a suitable piece of crown molding. For the top of the bookcase use a piece of crown molding having the same size as you did in the second step. To accomplish this task use a circular saw or a reciprocating saw.
  • Place the piece of crown molding that you have cut for the upper place of the unit over the top edge and fix it with nails. Use a hammer to finish nails every six to eight inches following the length of the molding.
  • Put the other pieces of molding along each side of the bookcase and build their ends against the edges that hang over on the upper part of the bookcase. Fix the molding with nails; finish the nails every eight to ten inches on the length side of the molding.
  • Cover every nail with a nail set and fix them together with a hammer until their heads are completely into the molding.
  • Use wood putty to cover the holes resulted from your previous action and let it get dry. Utilize a fine grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the bookcase.  This way you will give your unit a professional look.
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