The Deep Shelf Hidden Bookcase Door is a real-wood, load-bearing hidden door designed for homeowners who need more interior shelf depth than our standard single bookcase door.
Built with the same solid hardwood construction, concealed heavy-duty hinges, and smooth swing operation, this version offers deeper shelves for storing larger books, décor, or display items — without sacrificing balance or performance.
Shelf Depth & Opening Requirements
• Total door depth: 12-1/4″ (outside to outside)
• Interior shelf depth: approximately 11″
• Designed for openings between 32″ and 48″ wide
Important Notes:
• Maximum wall depth for in-swing doors: 6-1/2″
• No wall depth restriction for out-swing doors
• If your opening width allows, framing modifications can accommodate a Deep Shelf Door (see attached diagram)
Need a standard-depth option?
View our Single Hidden Bookcase Door designed for smaller shelf depth.
Our bookcase doors are engineered to carry real books and everyday storage items when loaded properly.
For narrower-width doors, we recommend a maximum load of up to 300 lbs. For wider doors, weight capacity depends on proper distribution — with heavier items placed closer to the hinge side of the door for optimal balance and long-term performance.
If you plan to store heavier objects or want additional reinforcement, we strongly recommend upgrading to ¾″ backing, which provides added strength, rigidity, and durability.
Many hidden bookcase doors on the market are built using MDF, particle board, or lightweight components. While these materials may look fine initially, they often lack the structural strength needed to support real books over time.
Hide-A-Way Doors takes a different approach. Our bookcase doors are built from solid hardwood construction and engineered specifically to function as a true, load-bearing bookshelf — not just a decorative cover.
By combining real wood, concealed heavy-duty hinges, and precision balancing, our doors are designed to remain smooth, quiet, and properly aligned even when fully loaded.
Our hidden bookcase doors are designed to install into a properly framed doorway opening. Because these doors are load-bearing and precision balanced, solid framing is critical for long-term performance.
We recommend installation into a framed opening with solid wood studs or engineered framing on both sides of the opening. Doors should not be installed into metal studs or unsupported drywall.
While many customers choose professional installation, experienced DIYers with framing and finish carpentry experience can successfully install our doors. For best results, carefully review the installation guide before ordering or contact our team with questions about your specific opening.
Every Single Bookcase Hidden Door is built using solid hardwood construction — not MDF, particle board, or hollow-core materials.
Real wood provides superior strength, better screw-holding capability, and long-term durability, especially in load-bearing applications like bookcase doors.
This construction method ensures the door remains aligned, smooth-operating, and visually consistent over time, even when fully loaded with books and shelving.
All of our bookcase doors are built to order, not mass-produced. Because each door is handcrafted and configured for your specific opening, production lead times can vary based on size, finish, and current shop volume.
Typical lead times are provided at the time of order and should be considered estimates, not guarantees. This allows us to maintain quality, proper curing times for finishes, and careful final assembly.
If you have a specific deadline or project timeline, we encourage you to contact us before ordering so we can help determine the best path forward.