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This is a plain bookshelf-style case underneath, but the applied moulding is what sells the "fireplace" illusion — crown at the top, a substantial base moulding at the bottom, and applied 1x2 trim around the door openings that does double duty as both styling and door handles. Building the top trim as a separate assembly first, then attaching the whole thing at once, is the one sequencing trick worth following: it's much easier to get the top perfectly aligned as a unit than to fuss with each piece individually while it's already attached to the case.
Euro-style non-mortise surface-mount hinges are a good choice here since they don't require cutting a hinge mortise into the door or case — install, adjust, done. Fit each of the three doors to its actual opening rather than the plan's stated size before committing to hinge placement.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Pine, 1x12, 8 ft | 3 each |
| Pine, 1x12, 10 ft | 1 each |
| Pine, 1x3, 10 ft | 1 each |
| Pine, 1x6, 5 ft | 1 each |
| Pine, 1x2, 8 ft | 1 each |
| Crown moulding, medium profile, 8 ft | 1 each |
| Base moulding, 5-1/4", 8 ft | 1 each |
| Plywood or paneling, 1/4", 4x8 sheetOptional back panel. | 1 each |
| Euro-style concealed hinges, non-mortise surface mount | 3 pair |
| Pocket hole screws, 1-1/4" | 1 box |
| Brad nails, 1" and 1-1/4" | 1 box |
| Wood glue | 5 oz |
| Sandpaper, assorted grit | 5 sheet |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| TopPine | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 57 1/2" |
| SidesPine | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 39 1/4" |
| BottomPine | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 52 1/2" |
| DividersPine | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 33 3/4" |
| Center dividerPine | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 31 1/2" |
| Top headerPine | 1 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 57 1/2" |
| Bottom headerPine | 1 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 54" |
| FooterPine | 1 | 3/4" × 5 1/2" × 54" |
| Side doorsPineCut to fit the actual opening. | 2 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 31" |
| Middle doorPineCut to fit the actual opening. | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 31 1/4" |
| Side door trimPine | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 11 1/4" |
| Middle door trimPine | 1 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 31 1/4" |
| Back1/4" plywood or panelingOptional. | 1 | 1/4" × 54" × 40" |
Buy 10 boards at 8 ft.
5 boards
1 board
Build the case from the top, sides, bottom, and dividers using the 1x12s. Pocket holes are convenient but not required — 2" trim screws or 1-1/4" brad nails and glue work just as well.
Build the top trim assembly (header) separately first, then attach the whole assembly to the case at once — this gets the top perfectly aligned in one step rather than fighting individual pieces in place.
Attach the assembled top piece to the bottom header assembly from the previous step, then attach the whole thing to the case as one unit.
Cut the three doors to fit their actual openings. Install them on the Euro-style non-mortise hinges.
Add the 1x2 trim around the door openings to complete the fireplace look — this trim also functions as the door handles, so position it where a hand naturally reaches.
Miter the crown moulding corners and attach around the top with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue. Do the same with the base moulding around the bottom.
Cut the back panel with a circular saw or table saw. Attach to all shelves, dividers, and the sides with glue and 3/4" brad nails.
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2 boards
1 board
1 board
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →