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How do you turn a bookshelf into a built-in?
Step 1: Screw the bookcases together. Assemble bookcases if needed. Step 2: Cut trim for bookcases. Step 3: Attach the smaller trim. Step 4: Nail the larger trim. Step 5: Touch up and decorate built-ins.
How much does it cost to build built-in bookshelves?
The cost to have built-in bookshelves installed averages $2,673 or between $1,274 and $4,091 for a carpenter to do the job. If you buy the materials yourself, you can usually get a handyman to install them for $30 to $130 per hour. For high end custom work, expect to spend $150 to $1,200 per linear foot.
Do Billy bookcase shelves sag?
Why do Billy Bookcase Shelves Sag? Billy bookcases sag because they are made out of particle-board. This material, while cheap, is not as durable as pure wood or other shelf materials.
Is it cheaper to build your own shelves?
The pros of DIY shelving include: Lower Cost – Generally, buying the materials for your garage shelves should be cheaper than purchasing prefab – just make sure you do everything right the first time. Durability – As long as you choose quality materials and a solid design, your DIY shelves will be more durable.
How deep should bookcases be?
Shelf depth for a general purpose bookshelf is usually 10 to 12 inches. Shelf spacing will generally range from 7 to 15 inches with 8 to 12 inches being common for bookshelves.
What tools do I need to build a bookcase?
As for basic tools, you’ll need a portable circular saw, hammer, block plane, combination square, tape measure, metal rule, two clamps, nail set and putty knife. Other supplies include glue, nails, sandpaper, wood filler and varnish or paint and shellac.
What can I use instead of built ins?
Just take a look at these 5 Ways to Fake Built In Shelving. Bookcase with a Bump-out. Breakfast Nook Bench. Character-Adding Closets. Tall Library Shelving. Mudroom for Less.
How do you make built in shelves?
Steps for building custom built-in shelving units: Step 1: Size the parts. Step 2: Mark the sides. Step 3: Layout the pieces. Step 4: Assemble the pieces. Step 5: Add the dividers. Step 6: Add the shelf supports. Step 7: Size and install the back panels. Step 8: Build the face frames.
Why are white BILLY bookcases cheap?
The third reason that Ikea products like the Billy bookcase are so inexpensive is that they are made of cheap materials compared to handmade furniture. Instead of being made of strong wood, the Billy bookcase is made of particle board, a cheap alternative to pure wood made from wood chips and resin.
How do you strengthen a Billy bookcase?
To correct and strengthen your BILLY, all you need is a few more nails (consider using double the nails as suggested in the original instructions) and some wood glue. Place the flimsy backing piece back on your bookcase as directed, but use more nails hammered more closely together.
How thick should Wood be for shelves?
Use 3/4-inch thick materials for shelves and bookcase structure. If you’re using hardwood solids, it’s OK to boost the thickness to 1 1/4 inch for almost unlimited support. This type of shelf looks more like a mantel and is expensive, but adds the opulent look of craftsmanship.
Why are shelves so expensive?
Bookshelves made from high-quality strong woods are very expensive, especially when you have to buy a ready-made one. Their superior structure and durability make them so expensive that you will have to think twice before buying.
What size are built in bookshelves?
You can also find classic bookcases in standard sizes of 24 inches wide, 36 inches wide, and 48 inches wide. Standard heights are usually 36 inches, 48 inches, 72 inches, 84 inches, or roughly 90 inches tall. The average depth of a bookshelf is between 11 and 12 inches, though it can be shallower for media storage.
What is Ikea Billy bookcase made of?
Construction. The shelf parts are made of plastic-coated or veneered particle board. The edges are covered with plastic strips. The shelves are placed on metal support, the holes in the side walls have a distance of 32 mm.
Can you use pine for a bookcase?
Avoid using particleboard, MDF, and softwoods like pine for bookshelves. They sag under a lot of weight, dent and scratch easily, don’t offer long-term rigidity, and require extra support for long spans.
What is the backing of a bookshelf called?
I’ve used 1/8″ luan to back a bookshelf before and it did well. It’s also known as “door skins”.
How do you remove built in bookshelves?
Hammer the tip of a pry bar beneath the shelf between it and the cleat. Pry upward to loosen the shelf. Repeat along the length of the shelf and on both sides to free the shelf from the cleats. Remove the shelf from the cabinet.
How thick should Plywood be for shelves?
The most common size used in shelving is a 3/4 inch thickness. Cabinetry, furniture, and smaller decorative projects might generally use a combination of 1/2 and 3/4 and occasionally 1/4 inch.
What can I make with one sheet of plywood?
15 Cool Projects You Can Make From a Single Sheet of Plywood 1 Plywood Table. Aaron Wojack. 2 Plywood Hand Truck. 3 Eames Chair. 4 Plywood Stool and Standing Desk. 5 Kids Storage Bench. 6 Rock Back Chair. 7 Plywood Media Console. 8 Plywood Doghouse.
What can I use instead of bookshelf?
Wall shelves are a great alternative to a bookcase. They don’t take up any floor space, but limited wall space can also be a challenge in a small room. This set of bookshelves can be arranged to fit your needs. If you have a narrow strip of wall, stack them vertically.
What can I use for bookshelves?
18 Cheap and Attractive Ideas for Bookshelves An Old Ladder. This looks daunting, but doesn’t require too many DIY skills. Ladders and Boards. A Book. Skateboards. Stacked Tables. Boards and Bricks. Bottles and Boards. Ropes and Boards.
