Custom Built-in Bookcase Doubles as a Door to a Secret Room in Poway Home

This was a fun project for us! Our client who lives in the 4S Ranch area just outside of Poway had a home with some previously unused space under their staircase. They had recently had the area finished out with drywall, paint, molding, and lights, so it could be used as a play area for their two small children, and also for additional storage. The last thing they needed to finish out the space was a door. But they didn’t want just any door. They wanted a “secret” door that doubled as a bookcase.

We were referred to the homeowner by a local company that does cabinets and home remodels, but that was unable to complete a custom project like this. We were happy to take on the project, since we specialize in custom woodworking projects and enjoy a good challenge!

The first thing we had to consider with this project presented was the fact that the door had to be strong enough so as not to sag on its hinges when it was opened and fully loaded with 150 lbs. of books. Our solution was to add a couple of hidden casters underneath the bookcase/door to help support it, and also to help it open and close smoothly.

As far as the hinges were concerned, we used offset hinges in order to maximize the opening to the under-the-stairs space. We also had to calculate the hinge geometry correctly, so that when the door was opened, it would not use up shelf space.

The bookcase itself is made from Birch wood and finished in white lacquer for durability. We matched the color to the adjacent baseboards. The shelves on the bookcase are more than 12” deep, so they can hold full-size books, as well as other decorative items. We surrounded the bookcase with custom-made moldings that matched those on the railing of the stairs to make the bookcase look as if it had always been there.

When the project was completed, the client texted us saying, “Thanks for taking this project and getting it done right!”

Do you have a custom woodworking project in the San Diego area that needs our expertise? Three Pines Wood Co. would love to help! Using a combination of traditional and modern woodworking techniques, we can take on any project, no matter how complex. Contact us for a free consultation or to get a quote on your custom furniture or built-in project. We look forward to hearing from you!