DIY Cookbook Shelves

While not a complete cookbook addict like some, I've collected a respectable number of cookbooks throughout the years.

One of the things that we failed to plan for in our new kitchen was cookbook storage.  I was staring at the big blank expanse of cherry on the side of our pullout pantry(my baking pantry,) and a light went off in my head.  You can't tell in this pick, but there was a couple of inches to work with before the end of the wall.  Semi-custom cabinetry comes in standard sizes in 3" increments, you can customize the sizes, but it'll cost you.  So we just ordered our cabs short of the wall.

I quickly drew up a plan for Computer Genius, created a cut sheet, and we headed off to Lowe's to buy the wood.  We chose to build this out of poplar, because it has a clearer grain then pine, but is much cheaper than maple.  This was basically built like a ladder with doweling used to connect it all together.  CG forgot to take pics of the construction process, but it was pretty basic.  One of the quirks of this assembly, though, was that the right side needed to be a narrower depth to account for the face frame of the cabinet.

Poplar is a soft wood, and like pine will take a stain with some blotchiness.  To avoid that CG used Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner applied with a sponge brush.

CG then applied 2 coats of Minwax stain in walnut also with a sponge brush.

Once the shelves were dry, he clamped it in place using spare pieces of wood to keep from getting clamp marks on the soft poplar.

He removed the upper door, and the items from the pullout pantry, and attached the shelf unit from inside the cabinet.

While my arms are ridiculously long, I can't actually touch the ceiling from the floor, so the top section of the bookcase was built with a 10" header.

Perfect for showcasing my "Boulangerie" sign.  I picked this up years ago for just a few dollars at TJ Maxx, and it hung over the entrance to our previous kitchen.  It's been in storage since we finished the new kitchen.  A boulangerie is a bread bakery, not to be confused with a patisserie(regular bakery.)  Kind of funny in a gluten-free household.

And here's the whole cookbook display.  Not a bad way to use up the last couple of inches on a cabinet run.

Wondering why the walnut stain?  Here's why.  Our cherry cabs have walnut pegs in the corner.  I fell in love with this door style and had to have it.  This is the Lynchburg Mission door available from Kraftmaid through Lowe's.

Thanks for popping in and DIYing with CG.  I'm linking this up to Between Naps on the Porch's Metamorphosis Monday and Just Between Friends is hosting a Point of View linky.