Table of Contents
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.
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 material is used for built ins?
What I use for paint grade is either mdf for a cheap line or birch plywood for better quality. Either will paint very well. The edges of both materials should be covered with solid wood or veneer tape. There is a paper tape also available for use with mdf.
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.
Should built ins go to ceiling?
When it comes to living room built-ins, there’s no need to always build from floor to ceiling. In this case, made by the Orren Pickell Building Group, built-in cabinets were installed about halfway up the wall, beneath windows on either side of a mantel.
How much space should be between desk and credenza?
Leave at least 30 in. (76 cm) between your own desk and credenza. On the other side of the desk, allow 48 to 60 in. (122 to 152 cm) for additional chairs and tables.
How deep are built-in desks?
They vary in size with the small ones 48 inches wide and 30 inches deep. The average size is between 60 and 72 inches wide and between 36 and 42 inches deep.
Is it hard to build a bookcase?
In-the-wall bookcases are elegant, but they can be difficult and expensive to construct. Basically consisting of three plywood boxes fitted with a hardwood face frame, this piece looks built-in because it spans from wall to wall, and is trimmed with molding at the ceiling and floor. I used 3/4-in.
What wood is used for shelves?
If you are making shelves where the color and grain of the wood is an important part of the design, look for oak, maple, or cherry plywood—these options will still offer durability, but will help keep costs down compared to with non-manufactured hardwoods of the same species.
Is it easy to assemble a Billy bookcase?
They are even easy to assemble alone, although I think the directions recommend two folks. I had no problem putting them together by myself. I assembled the first Billy shelf in the office. That worked great until it was time to slide the back into the bookshelf.
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.
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.
Is MDF good for built ins?
Built-ins like this could go either way. MDF is, again, less expensive. And it can be carved to create molded-look doors like these. But if the natural charm of wood is desired, even if it’s the texture showing from underneath a coat of paint, hardwood plywood might be the better choice.
Is MDF good for bookshelves?
MDF is a good material for making shelves because it’s cheaper than plywood, it’s strong enough to carry light to medium loads, it’s easy to cut to size, has a smooth surface, and paint applies well to it. Additional stiffeners and supports can be added to the MDF shelves to allow for heavier loads.
How long can a shelf be before it sags?
The eye will notice a deflection of 1/32 inch per running foot so that a fully loaded (70-80 pounds) bookshelf that is 3 feet wide, should sag no more than 3/32 inches. For most shelves made from 3/4 inch stock, a practical span is 30 to 36 inches.
What is the strongest wood for shelves?
Koa. If you want wood shelves that last for a long time, you should consider using Koa wood. This is considered to be the hardest among commercially available wood types. Even so, Koa is lightweight and has beautiful shellac qualities.
How do you keep wooden shelves from warping?
By following these simple instructions, you can prevent your wood from warping: Do not allow lumber that is drying to dry too slowly, which could allow moisture to stay long enough to cause warping. Keep drying lumber from being exposed to moisture or humidity. Do not cause cracks by over-drying wood.
How much weight can a 2×4 shelf hold?
A 2×4 can hold up to 40 pounds or 300 pounds when laying on its edge without sagging when laying horizontally. Several factors can lower or increase a 2x4s strength, including wood species, lumber grade, and moisture content.
