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How-To

Project House: Built-in Bookcases, Ep. 5 – Installing Trim

Justin learns that installing crown molding and baseboard in an old house creates some challenges

Mike likes to stick to parallel lines instead of plumb and level, but in his house there is no parallel. He had to go with plumb, level, and square. Mike and Justin scribed the baseboards to the floor and the crown to the ceiling for a tight fit. Mike’s simple design allowed him to mill the trim on site with the same tools he used for the rest of the job, adding only his homemade router table to cut the profile. A two piece baseboard meant they could shim for square corners. Trim and shelves installed, the bookcases were ready for paint and hardware.

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Videos in the Series

  • Introduction: Built-in Bookcases in an Antique Home

    Justin Fink visits Palermo, Maine, to help a veteran designer and woodworker build classic bookcases on site  

  • Project House: Built–in Bookcases, Ep. 2 – Making Boxes

    In this episode, Justin learns how to layout, cut, and build the bookcase boxes in the on-site cabinet shop.

  • Project House: Built-in Bookcases, Ep. 3 – Building Doors

    Justin and Mike split up to hang the cabinets and cut and assemble the doors

  • Project House: Built-in Bookcases, Ep. 4 – Installing the Doors and Mantel

    Justin and Mike start another big day with fitting the doors to the cabinets

  • Project House: Built-in Bookcases, Ep. 5 – Installing Trim

    Justin learns that installing crown molding and baseboard in an old house creates some challenges

  • A New Approach to Classic Cabinets

    Combine modern tools with creative techniques to build bookcases on site

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About This Video Series

We met up with Mike Maines at his 1830s Greek-revival home just in time for him to show us how to install a new fireplace surround. Mike is building all of the pieces he needs on site, mostly using tools the average remodeling carpenter would have on hand. The built-in features two symmetrical cabinets on either side of the fireplace, with bookshelves extending upward to the ceiling, and a mantel shelf connecting the two sides.… More about this Video Series

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