How to Make a Cabinet Door for a Small Bookcase

Measure the width and height of the bookcase, using a measuring tape and a pencil to write down the proper measurements. You'll use these measurements to make a cabinet door that covers the entire bookcase frame.

Place the wood you have chosen to use for your cabinet door down on a flat surface. Use the two measurements from the previous step to draw a rectangle on the wood, using a pencil and ruler. Two parallel sides must be equal to the width of the bookcase, while the remaining parallel lines must be equal to the length of the bookcase.

Cut out the cabinet door using a table saw. Follow the pencil lines you drew in the previous step, so you get a consistent and even cut. Sandpaper the edges and surfaces of the cabinet door, so you do not get splinters or cracks when installing and using the cabinet door.

Use a measuring tape and pencil to mark the dimensions of molding and trimming you wish to add to the cabinet door, if applicable. For example, you might wish to place only a 20 by 15 inch rectangle of molding on a 30 by 20 inch cabinet door. Cut the molding using the table saw following the marks you made, and sandpaper the edges briefly. Apply a line of wood glue on the back of the molding, and place it on the cabinet door. Nail the molding to the cabinet door. Hammer the nails on the molding where there is space for them, not on the decorative parts.

Apply a layer or two of paint or stain to the cabinet door and molding, so the color matches the bookshelf. Use a paintbrush to apply the stain or paint. Depending on the color of the paint, several coats might be required to get a solid look. Let the cabinet door dry before applying additional coats or continuing to the next step.

Divide the side of the cabinet door into three sections, and place the two hinges evenly among the three sections. The hinges must be placed on the side of the door that will face inwards once installed in the bookshelf, so they do not interfere with the molding on the front of the cabinet door. Take one screw, and screw it into the door through one of the small screw holes in the hinge. Continue this step until all the hinges are secure on the door.

Hold the cabinet door up to the bookshelf. Take a 1/4-inch screw and the screwdriver. Install the hinge in the same manner as the hinges on the door, using the small holes on the hinges for the installation screws.