How to finished recessed bookshelves

Posted by Aaron Fude on October 13, 2009, 9:41 pm

Hi,

I'm recessing these shelves inside a wall in the attic (there's space
under the roof):

http://www.furniturebuzz.com/products/Sauder/403247.htm

I'm not sure how to finish them on the outside. Should I have matching
trim that will cover about 1/2" of the side walls of the shelves? Or
should I finish the corner in drywall and have a niche look? Not sure if
I'm asking clear questions, happy to clarify.

Many thanks in advance,

Aaron

Posted by aemeijers on October 13, 2009, 10:30 pm

Aaron Fude wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I'm recessing these shelves inside a wall in the attic (there's space
> under the roof):
>
> http://www.furniturebuzz.com/products/Sauder/403247.htm
>
> I'm not sure how to finish them on the outside. Should I have matching
> trim that will cover about 1/2" of the side walls of the shelves? Or
> should I finish the corner in drywall and have a niche look? Not sure if
> I'm asking clear questions, happy to clarify.
>
> Many thanks in advance,
>
> Aaron

Uh, you do realize these aren't real bookshelves, right? 'Sauder' is
chipboard covered with imitation woodgrain stuff. I certainly would not
go to the bother of building a flushed alcove for them.

If I was gonna do such a project, I'd frame in a box made out of plywood
or 1x boards (depending on how deep I needed), with a plywood back, and
case it out like a door. A drywall corner looks neater, but is quite
prone to dings, especially if this a room a kid will use. Shelves could
be hard-mounted in the box, or use the vertical rails on each end that
take the little clips for adjustable shelves.

If this knee wall you are making the hole in is insulated, remember you
have to add insulation behind the shelves to avoid a cold spot.

--
aem, who grew up in a house with built-in shelves all over the place,
sends...

Similar Threads	Posted
carpet for finished basement	October 27, 2005, 10:38 am
Lacquer-finished furniture	March 1, 2006, 8:44 pm
Shower on finished concrete	June 18, 2006, 9:23 am
Bathroom remodel finished	July 17, 2007, 9:25 pm
Pre-Finished Stair Treads?	October 9, 2008, 10:25 am
Pre-Finished quarter round	January 8, 2009, 2:03 pm
adding heater to finished second story	October 13, 2005, 8:19 pm
Finished Attic: No Insulation...Questions	October 9, 2005, 9:00 am
painted cabinets on site or pre-finished?	February 13, 2007, 7:46 pm
Cutting a pre-finished granite slab	March 5, 2007, 11:49 am