The Foundation of All Things
The planning is over. With the base assembled, the dining room built-in finally begins taking shape.
It's real now. The old bookshelves are gone, and now the base to the built-in has been, well, built!
The First Cut
Working Smarter When You're Working Alone
When you're working alone, it's always good to have hacks to make the work easier. Recently I saw a suggestion in Family Handyman magazine to use rigid foam insulation to support the boards when crosscutting. It worked like a charm! I used 2x10s for the base, and they're way too awkward to cut on sawhorses by yourself.
Building the Base
One problem I ran into was that the 2x10s were only 8 feet long (96") but I needed 101". So I married an extra length using pocket screws. It also gave me an opportunity to use my new Stanley smoothing plane, and my new random orbital sander! I also had to notch out one end:Each plank…can have only one ideal use. The woodworker must find this ideal use and create an object of utility to man, and if nature smiles, an object of lasting beauty. - George Nakashima
One of the things we love about 173 is the woodwork. It's never been painted (except back in the day in the bathroom), and not trusting my skill level, I thought it better to notch around the quarter-round and base molding rather than cutting it.
I suppose I could have removed the quarter-round and base molding, built the project, and installed new trim afterward. It certainly would have been faster. But one of the quiet promises I've tried to keep at House 173 is to disturb as little of the original craftsmanship as possible. Every time I can work around something instead of replacing it, it feels like I'm cooperating with the house rather than imposing my will on it.
And now the base is in!
Seeing the Vision
This gives you the idea of where it's headed, with the fireplace positioned slightly forward of the bookshelves. Let's cross our fingers!
'Til next time!
George
This is one of those posts that woodworkers quietly appreciate.Not because the joinery is complicated.Not because the project is flashy.Because this is the stage where mistakes become permanent. I smiled when I saw you notch around the original trim instead of reaching for the pry bar. That's the decision someone makes who wants the built-in to belong to the house instead of simply fitting inside it.Most people will look at the finished bookcase years from now. I'll remember the base. Because everything that comes afterward depends on getting this part right. - Anonymous
Frequently Asked Questions
Why build a custom built-in on a separate base?
A separate base creates a perfectly level foundation for the cabinets or bookshelves above. It also allows the finished unit to sit above uneven flooring and makes installation much easier.
Why use rigid foam insulation when cutting lumber?
Rigid foam fully supports long boards while allowing a circular saw blade to cut safely through the workpiece without damaging the floor or requiring multiple sawhorses. It's an inexpensive trick that many professional carpenters use.
Why notch around existing baseboards instead of removing them?
In older homes with original woodwork, preserving the trim helps maintain the character of the house. Carefully notching the base allows the built-in to fit tightly while leaving the historic molding untouched.
Are pocket screws strong enough for a built-in base?
Yes. When properly installed, pocket screws create very strong joints for cabinet bases, especially when the structure is later secured to the wall and supports additional framing.
Keywords
dining room built-in, built-in base, pocket hole joinery, rigid foam cutting support, custom bookcase, DIY built-in, woodworking project, House 173, preserving original woodwork, fireplace built-in