Fake a Built-In With Prefab Cabinets and Bookcases

With the clever use of ready-made bookshelves and kitchen base cabinets, you can get the look of a custom built-in bookcase at a fraction of the cost.

White Cabinet and Shelf With Red Wall

With the clever use of pre-fab bookshelves and kitchen base cabinets, this storage area has the look of a custom built-in at a fraction of the cost. The black-and-white backing of the bookshelves is an eye-catching contrast with the red walls.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Related To:

Materials Needed:

kitchen base cabinets
8' sheet of 3/4"thick paint-grade plywood
ready-made bookcase (either tall or short)
measuring tape
screwdriver or drill
level
sawhorses
pencil
circular saw
decorative molding
liquid bonding adhesive and caulk gun
nail gun

brads
belt sander (or orbital sander)
tack cloth
2" angled paintbrush
roller handle and cover
paint pan
quart of semigloss paint
2" wood screws
putty knife and wood putty
sanding block
wallpaper, wallpaper paste and wallpaper smoothing tool (optional)

Take Proper Measurements

Use a measuring tape to determine what size built-in you need. Referring to these measurements, purchase ready-made kitchen base cabinets and bookcases. Place kitchen base cabinets in the proper location then measure to determine the dimensions needed for a plywood top (Image 1). Note: Kitchen base cabinets don't come with a top surface because the countertop is installed separately.

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Cut Plywood Top Surface

Referring to measurements, mark then cut plywood to size (Image 1). Tip: Use a level as a straight edge to create a perfectly straight line (Image 2). Place cut board on top of kitchen base cabinets to ensure a proper fit (Image 3).

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Sand Plywood and Paint

Before painting plywood top, use a belt sander (or orbital sander) to smooth any rough surfaces (Image 1). Next, use a tack cloth to remove dust. Then apply several coats of semigloss paint, allowing the paint to fully dry between coats (Image 2).

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Secure Plywood Top to Kitchen Base Cabinets

After allowing at least one hour for paint to dry, attach plywood top to kitchen base cabinets with 2-inch wood screws installed through the bottom of the plywood top (Image 1).

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Assemble Then Attach Bookcases

Assemble ready-made bookcases following manufacturer's instructions then place them on top of the kitchen base cabinets. You can leave the bookcase back panel as-is or add a little designer flair by painting it a different color or covering the panel in wallpaper or fabric.

Attach Molding and Paint

Based on dimensions of bookcases, measure, mark and cut trim molding to size, mitering the corners. Next, use a caulk gun to apply liquid bonding adhesive along bookcases' faces before attaching trim and securing it with a nail gun (Image 1). Patch any holes with wood filler and a putty knife. After approximately one hour, use a sanding block to smooth dried putty then paint trim to match bookcase (Image 2).