Built-In Bookcase And Mantle Installation

By Robert Robillard on Finish Carpentry

Built-In Bookcase And Mantle Installation

Finishing the Face Frame

After checking the dry fit, I add glue to all of the slots, insert the biscuits and then clamp the face frame together with bar clamps. When building bookcases, it’s important to have long bar clamps.  If you don’t then you need to join your bar clamps.  To do this see my post on Size Matters.

I let the face frame dry in the clamps over night, often times planning this for the end of the day.  If possible I sometimes move it off to a side of the shop to continue working.

Once the face frame was dry it I remove the clamps it and give the entire face frame a thorough sanding.  I pay special attention on getting the joints smooth as well as removing all of the mill marks that were on the face of the wood and from my edge jointing. After sanding if is time to apply the face frame to the bookcase frame.   I do this with wood glue and a finish nailer.

porter-cable random orbital sanderInstalling The Bookcase Face Frame:

My nailer of choice is the Paslode cordless finish nailer.  I’m a recent convert to cordless nailers and this tool allows me the precision, reliability and speed of a pneumatic nailer all without the cord.See my Paslode Cordless 16 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer Review

After applying the glue to the bookcase carcase edge I clamp the face frame in place and work it along the edge to maintain the proper reveals and to keep edges flush.

After letting the face frame dry in the clamps I fill all nail holes as well as force wood putty into and seams that were glued.  I do this because sometime minor imperfections at the plywood edge cause a depression and show up like a sore thumb with paint. After the wood putty is dry everything gets a thorough sanding with special attention to face frame edges and seams.

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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