The Secrets to Designing Secret Doors: Hidden Door In Wainscoting With Pivot Hardware Part 1 of 2

In this video we look at key considerations for designing a hidden door. We talk about why pivot hardware is ideal for secret doors. I show how to go about installing Rixon Pivot hardware on this project I am starting. This hidden door will be concealed in a wall of wainscoting.

0:00 Into to Designing Hidden Doors
0:28 Pivot Points Are The Secret
1:55 Paint Grade vs Stain Grade Hidden Doors
3:01 My Current Hidden Door Project Design
4:26 Secret Door Design is Incredibly Challenging
6:49 Why I Like Rixon Pivot Hardware
7:52 How to Remove a Door With Pivot Hardware
10:12 Putting A Door Back On With Pivot Hardware
10:45 Starting the Process of Installing Pivot Hardware
11:25 Making a Template to Route the Hardware Mortise
12:50 Setting Precise Mortise Depth on Router Using Depth Stop
15:06 Routing The Mortise Into The Jamb
17:31 Drilling Holes & Cutting Slot for Pivot Mechanism
17:56 How the Finished Mortise Should Look
18:34 Using Drafting Program To Design Exact Pivot Location
19:12 Skinning the Door for Hidden Wainscoting Detail

-As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[wgush]

42 years in construction and you nailed it. thank you.

[aarongreenlee]

Spencer, great video as always! I have always been fascinated by secret doors. I am really enjoying this little series.

[garytrahan]

This gave me an idea for my daughter and son in law on their new house. They have a Secret room in the closet. Will do something with a mirror this way. Looking forward to Part 2. Thanks for the excellent explanations on all aspects of what you do.

[kiwdwks]

Thanks again Spencer. Appreciate your videos/expertise.

[tomgilberg]

Sweet tip on setting the router depth!

[tanner]

Can't wait to see Part 2! Would you mind giving us a link to the hardware you use?

[donwilliams]

Very good explanation of secret door installation. I agree using pivot door hinges is the secret to success.

BTW I like your custom glue spreader too!

[matthewgoetz]

Love this video. These are the most fun to watch

[davesdoorsandhomeimproveme]

Love it always like learning something new been doing doors 25 years and never have do one but I’m in

[clintprice]

That was a very interesting video, it’s a very clever design to attach the door.

[kevintconsidine]

This is brilliant and covers all my questions. 10/10

[GearheadDaily]

This looks fun! I have this project for myself coming up soon.

[thomastarner]

Same pivot hinge I used for a hidden door book shelf I built a few years ago. Very good quality and very heavy duty.

[hansangb]

@9:26 I can't believe they would use a standard screw! 😂 And @10:07 See....it would drive me nuts! LOL

[dwgetym]

Very impressive work though, appreciate this in depth video!

[IndianaJBird]

Nice video again. It is easier to set the router to “zero” after the template is set; just lower the bit down to the surface and then you only have to hold the hinge plate to set the routing depth.

[rinomite.]

Could it work to run the trim on the strike side continuous past the top of the door so the joint is up higher?

[Blackcreekstudios]

What is the smallest width door that can be used with this hardware? I assume the pivot uses up sone of the opening space .

[joes]

Cool episode. Can’t help but wonder if flooring is going to be a tell as it looks set up for carpet. Leads me to think about a baseboard curb. Would like to see some Indiana Jones push release to unlock. I heard rumor Pablo Escobar killed all his architects after each villa was done.

[henryshepherd]

Lots of helpful info in this video. Thanks! I'm building a tall shallow cabinet with doors that will hide a cabinet behind it. It will swing out and to the left. It's about 7" deep. I plan on using pivot hinges. But I do not have sketchup or any other software to help me determine the correct pivot point for such a deep door. Can't find anything helpful online either. How do you determine the point?