How to frame a bookshelf like this

framingshelving

Looking through the Houzz iPad app this weekend, I came across this

image

I want this. Got the wife's approval and I'm thinking about starting it this weekend (gutting the old fireplace / bookshelves and starting the electrical / structured cabling)

I was originally thinking about using 2×6's as they look like the size of the structural pieces, but now I'm thinking 1×2's to frame it out and drywall over.

Mine will be deeper as I want the components under the TV to be on the shelf and not on what looks like a separate insert.

Or do the masses think it was done with wood (real or engineered) and just painted white?

Best Answer

I'd frame it out and then clad with paint-grade MDF. That seems a lot easier than trying to tape and mud all those outside drywall corners.

Also...be sure to keep the center compartment big enough so you can continue to upgrade the size of your TV. ;)