Building Secret Pivot Doors

Measure the width and height of the doorframe that you want hidden with a measuring tape. Purchase a bookcase that is slightly wider than the doorframe and as tall as the doorframe. The bookcase acts as your pivoting door that hides the doorframe.

Turn the bookcase upside down. Place a rolling caster on one corner of the bookcase. The caster has a square or rectangular metal plate on the top. Arrange the plate so that it sits even with the edges of the bookcase. Slide a 1-inch wood screw through one of the holes on the plate and tighten the screw into the bookcase with a screwdriver. Tighten a screw through each hole in the plate. Depending on the type of caster that you use, the plate should require three or four screws.

Repeat step two with three casters. Place one of the rolling casters on each corner of the bookcase’s bottom side. Tighten the screws into the caster, securing the caster to the bookcase. Turn the bookcase over so that it sits on the rolling casters.

Push the bookcase across the room and set in front of the doorway. Decide on which side you want the hinges. If you want the door to open and slide to the right, then use the hinges on the right side of the bookcase.

Arrange the metal hinges evenly down one side of the bookcase. Place one hinge 6 inches down from the top, one hinge 6 inches from the bottom and the third hinge in the middle. Sink 1-inch wood screws through each hole in the hinges. Once you have the hinges attached to the wall and the bookcase, you can open and close your secret door as needed.