Transforming a chimney breast into a bookcase is indeed possible, according to a DIY expert, and here's the methodology:
In the heart of a home, a large, obsolete chimney breast in the spare room was transformed into a functional and stylish bookcase. The project was a collaborative effort, with the homeowner's partner Alice coming up with the idea and her father Mik working out the execution.
The author, seeking to make the most of the unused space, consulted a structural engineer to ensure the project could be accomplished safely. The engineer determined the maximum space within the chimney breast that the bookcase could safely occupy, and which bricks needed to stay in place. He also advised the installation of a galvanized steel lintel at the top of the space to support the chimney stack above.
With the safety aspects taken care of, the building process commenced. The author ordered plywood for the bookcase from 1.8 cm-thick for the top, bottom, sides, and shelves, and 0.9 cm-thick for the backboard. The wood was cut to size using B&Q's in-store timber cutting service.
A stable base was created by screwing together four pieces of 2 x 6" wood into an 'E' shape and fixing it into the wall using 10mm concrete bolts. The base was then attached to the floorboards in front of the chimney breast.
Plastic sheeting was wrapped around the top, back, and sides of the bookcase for precautionary measures against damp. The backboard was attached using wood adhesive and screws, and adjustments were made to some of the pre-cut plywood boards to fit the irregular shape of the chimney breast.
The bookcase was screwed together, starting with the base, sides, and top boards, then adding the shelves in-between the outer boards. Once assembled, it was installed within the chimney breast recess and secured with Corefix Heavy Duty Dot and Dab Wall Fixings.
For this advanced DIY project, a wide array of tools and materials were required. These included a SDS+ drill, lump hammer, bolster chisel, cold chisel, craft knife, plunge saw, tape measure, spirit level, circular saw, joiner's bench, clamps, combi drill, screwdriver bit, screwdriver, masonry drill bits, wood drill bits, set square, jigsaw, plastic sheeting, goggles/safety glasses, work gloves, dust mask, steel-toe-capped boots.
The roofer was also enlisted to cap the chimney to prevent water ingress and potential damp issues. Additionally, the outdated fireplace breast was removed by the building expert, ensuring no damage to surrounding walls, and then replaced with the custom-built furniture shelf.
The transformation of the chimney breast into a bookcase not only utilised an otherwise unused space but also added a unique, personal touch to the home. The project serves as a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness that can be found when tackling DIY projects with careful planning and the right expertise.
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