I will be installing a set of matching bookcases on either side of a brick fireplace. I have never had to do an installation like this before. Do I attempt to scribe around every brick or is there a better way? The bookcases will fit between a wall and the fireplace.
Appreciate any advice- guidance
Clem
Replies
USUALLY I would not, if the brick is pretty straight. If way out of plumb or curvy, add a thin scribe moulding to the face frame, scribe it if needed, not the face frame.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
Thanks for the reply. I was hoping not to scribe. It is in an older home so I want the "it's always been there" look. Since I have your ear perhaps you could give me a little advice on the installation. All my other work has been free standing so I have not had to worry about fitting between two walls/ fireplace. I was think of extending the face frame out about 1/2 inch on the sides and trimming them back at an angle so when I squeeze it in I get a tighter fit and easier time scribing to the wall (not the fire place). Sound about right. Again I appreciate your help.
Clem
Excellent plan. I try to leave a hefty scribe when I make some built ins such as that.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
Its a personal taste of preference. Personally I would not scibe.
I think that a straight piece of wood scibed to fit to fit around all the bumps and curves just doesnt look right (plus you can spend an incredible amount of time get it to fit right). If the brick line is way out of plumb, I would scribe/ cut my trim to follow that angle/line. Take some mortar and fill in the brick to give a smooth/ flat/ straight surface for your bookcase to butt to.
Not sure if what Im describing is clear. If you could see the images in my head and my hands waveing it might be.
Once again, I think it comes down to personal preference.
-m2akita
Thanks! Another vote for not scribing. What I wanted to hear. I am now looking for installation advice ( please see the reply to the post above). I really appreciate all the help. I just opened a woodshop thinking once it was out the door my job was done. Wrong-looks like I have a lot to learn.
Thanks
Clem
Scribe to the wall but not the fireplace.
You'll get your most accurate, and possibly your best quality installation, by installing the carcass, then scribing and installing the bookcase/wall stile, then the bookcase/fireplace stile (not scribed to the brick, but going for an even reveal between the brick and the outside edge of the stile), then filling in the rails.
Tht requires work on site, though.
You can get sclose by doing what has already been recommended...leaving ears on teh face frame and trimming them as required.
Mongo
Thanks Mongo,
I forgot to mention they will each have a set of glass doors so I'd rather not mess with the stiles once the doors are made. I like your method though and I can see where it would provide an accurate fit. I'll put that in my bag of tricks.
Thanks