I have a new project coming up, one that requires a hidden door that goes from one room to another. I have never actually done one before, but I have 95% of it figured out in my mind. The type of hinges I use will probably fill the other 5% if I can find the right ones. Then it occured to me that I’m sure one of you out there could offer some ideas on technique. So here is the scenario:

In this home theater, there is a door to the right of the movie screen that is left handed swinging into the room. The walls are very dark, and the hope is to create this “hidden door” so that it doesn’t distract you during a movie. I picture the baseboard running across the bottom of the door (cut of course), the door to be painted the wall color, no casing, no knob, and the only evidence of a door will be the 1/8″ gap around the door (there’s no other paneling on this wall to really hide the door). I think the dark walls will really help. I also picture using a magnetic catch that springs back at you when you push it in. There are two things that I haven’t totally figured out.

1. How do you have a wood jamb (for hinge strength) that is not seen from the front? I am planing on making the jamb 1/2″ narrower so that the sheetrock can hide it, and then using a special corner bead that has one finished side (some sort of plastic “L” moulding), I would wrap the corner. This way I only mud the front, and maybe caulk and paint the part laying on the jamb. Is there a better way to do this?

2. What type of hinge do I use and where do I get them? Since the door swings into the room it seems like the hinge would show. I assume that there is a special hinge that folds in a funky way to allow it to remain hidden.

I want to do it right because I’m a quality guy. Any advice?

QualityGuy1