Adding upper shelving to built-ins

I decided to keep the uppers shallow as to not block the window..which  meant I could use MDF 12"x 8' boards which are under $6.00 each.... I was going to take a break and not install these uppers at this point but I figured why not just get it done now. 

I really love having 9' ceilings, these built-ins are so tall.

I used 1x3" pine to create these simple boxes I attached them using Kregjig pocket holes.

 Here I am testing out some shelf placement.

As you can see creating these boxes is really simple 4 boards and 2 sides that's it, this will all be hidden. I can use these pieces that lay up against the wall to attach the boxes to studs in the wall.

Today I will work on the shelves which will be thick 2" shelves....I just don't know if they will be painted or stained...I will know when I go shopping for materials.
See you soon.

Upgrading a ho hum built-in

 I am currently working on a re-vamp of an exsisting built in for a family in a near by town...we had a chance meeting when I bought a couple of shelves from Ellen about 4 years ago or so...I built her a couple of padded headboards and have done lot's of trim work and a banquette.
It was time to re-paint the family room but Ellen refused to repaint this less than beautiful built-in that they inherited when they purchased this home.
With a lot of re-working this will be a truly beautiful white fresh center piece of the great room.

 The plans were/are to remove the tile and mantel re tile and build new mantel, remove the tile from the hearth and clad with trim and wood painted white, add a shelf on either side, remove glass doors and middle vertical piece, fill in gap above unit and add crown moulding, face frame all the shelving and add bead board to the back of shelves.

This is the style and over all feel I am trying to create.

What has been added to the project,( these things happen all the time, you get in there and other changes become obvious )...remove angled hearth to create a flush with the flooring tile hearth, add foot detail to both base cabinets and new doors for the base cabinet.

Day one was demo day of course, for the most part this all went well a little messy but all that needed to came out successfully.

 Day two we searched and selected marble for the surround and hearth, Ellen picked a classic carrera marble subway tile, a great timeless choice.

 Removing this framing allows us to re shape the hearth, cutting the hardwood I can square this out. The previous owner was a contractor and he loved angles.

 Day three progress was good, I was able to add the two extra shelves, the shelf on the right went smoothly but the left shelf took over an hour because of the angled duct running up the left side, I had to create a template, let's just say it wasn't that easy...I'm just glad its over.

 I face framed the shelves for a nice thick look with the most beautiful poplar.

Today I will tackle a few more details...I will post the progress here, check back in a couple of days.

Built ins progress one week

Just a week into the build and things are really looking amazing... the desk is installed , the shelves are all in place and trimmed as well the crown moulding is on.
I just need to order the doors, sand, add more support for the shelves and add bead board to the upper open shelves then the painting begins. My hope is that this project will be done by Friday evening.
We will see!!!!

Built-ins are coming along , slowly but ...

 I am now at the one week mark with the wall of built-ins I am working on. Here are a few progress photos just for fun.

 There is one thing I just love and it's symmetry , these built ins are very appealing to me.I can't wait to tackle our master bedroom built-ins now, I am so inspired.

Here is how I left things yesterday, the shelves were all cut and positioned and the baseboards were re-installed. I primed and sanded them out of the room to save on mess and dust. Today the crown moulding will get installed and the shelves and desk top will all be installed , then moving onto the beadboard for the open shelving. I must get out to Marbel to order the custom doors for the bases. Painting is due to begin Wednesday.
There you have it , progress is good and steady and everyone is happy so far.
Off I go to start another busy day...have a good one.

Busy week

 I have been steadily working away on a full wall of built-ins. Built-ins take a lot of work , so many hours of detail work and these are "simple" built-ins.
What an enormous amount of storage. In between the bookcases there will be a desk surface. These are the biggest built-ins to date for me, it's hard to know how long it will take for a project this big. There are always little road blocks , challenges and details to work out along the way.

 The weather has been beautiful this week so I have been trying to squeeze in a little more outdoor time before it turns to fall...

In case anyone wanted to know how the composite decking was attached to the concrete porch, this is what was done, pressure treated studs were drilled into the concrete and the composite boards were attached to the studs, voila charming front porch. I now love love love my front entrance , it is so warm and welcoming now.

I hope you enjoy a nice weekend doing whatever makes you happy, enjoy xo!