Library Built-ins and Wainscoting

The white library built-ins are complete and turned out exactly like I hoped. The wainscoting is more beautiful than I imagined and the plank ceiling has more of an impact than I expected.  All in all — I LOVE it!  Get the free woodworking plans for these bookcases.

White Built-Ins

Big projects like this are always a lot of work…but totally worth it when they’re done.  I always have a few mid project changes.  I had to scrap  my accent lighting plan because the room is too small to make it work.   I wanted lights pointing at each bookcase.  In hind sight, I wish I would have installed pot lights IN each bookcase.  

BUT, I was planning on figuring out some way to get something to work so I didn’t.  Not pulling everything apart now to change that!  I also bought a cool pendant light that I decided was too big and someone would walk into at some point because the room is too small for a seating arrangement that would prevent a person from walking directly under the light.  Oh well.  (Maybe I’ll have Wes hold it in place now that the room is done and I’ll take another look at that.  It would be super easy to add that in.  I’d have to wire it with the recessed lights — on the same switch because I pulled the wiring out for the second switch when I decided it was a no go.)  We’ll see.

Wainscoting

The wainscoting is from a company that is no longer in business.   I will do a separate post on the wainscot because I know you want to know how I installed it, how easy was it to work with, what’s the pricing like, etc, but basically, it’s sheets of HDF, routed to your specifications.  They do all the math.  You just have to pick your details and install it.   

I don’t know how they get the corners sharp, but they are not the least bit rounded like you normally see with routered raised panels.  It looks like rail and style with separate raised panel.   Other than being heavy, it was incredibly easy to install.   Mine came sanded and primed but they have a DIY option that involves YOU doing a little more work but will save you some $$.  Plus, Sawdust and Paper Scraps readers get a 15% discount off their order.  (Just tell your sales rep when you call in to order.)

Excluding 2×6’s for the base and 2×4’s to frame in the columns, the built ins are made entirely out of MDF.  There are two fixed shelves in each case and the rest are adjustable.

Plank Ceiling

The ceiling is tongue and groove pine planks.  I primed and painted before I installed.  

Other than “decorating”, this is first room in the house that is totally and completely done!  Maddie’s room still needs a bathroom and closet remodel, my closet still needs a shoe cabinet, my workshop needs organization and a work bench…  

It feels great to finish one whole room!

I bought a Graco paint sprayer for this project.  I primed with a roller before I bought the sprayer.  I need a little practice so I don’t get drips — which require me to sand down and re prime and sand and paint — but it gave me a beautiful finish everywhere I didn’t have drips!