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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 shelf?
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.
Can I build my own bookshelf?
Bookshelves are an excellent woodworking project for the ambitious DIYer. With a table saw, plywood and some imagination, you can build a custom bookshelf for your home. Different plywoods will give you different benefits. You’ll also learn tips on applying trim, stain or paint for a finished look.
How deep do bookshelves need to be?
Shelf depth is determined by the size of the items to be stored, generally within the range of 6 to 24 inches. 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 bookshelf?
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.
Are built ins a good investment?
Built-ins can be an investment depending on how custom you want to go, and they’re a permanent addition to your space. “Absolutely built-ins add value to a home. Buyers go wild over built-ins,” says Bynum.
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 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.
How shallow can a bookshelf be?
Remember, you want to have a little bit of extra space on the shelf so that the book can sit comfortably on the shelf. Likewise, if you own a lot of mass paperback books that do not measure about four inches, you could get your bookcase down to about six inches.
What is the standard height between shelves?
Average Shelf Spacing A good average spacing for shelves is between 8 and 12 inches. If you have oversize books to store, you might prefer to increase the spacing to 15 inches.
What height should shelves be?
How High Should I Hang My Shelf or Shelves? Like artwork, shelves should be hung at about eye level or about 4 to 5 feet from the floor. If you’re hanging the shelf above furniture, measure about 10 inches from the top of the desk or couch.
How do you measure a shelf for a bookshelf?
How to Measure for Bookshelves Measure the height of the wall on which or against which you plan to put bookshelves. Measure the horizontal width of the wall space for the bookshelves. Determine how far you want the bookshelves to extend into the room, and measure that distance outward from the wall.
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”.
Are built in bookcases worth it?
This is why they can increase home value. Built in bookshelves are also a great way to include very creative and personal design elements in the home while simultaneously maintaining a neutral backdrop for resale. Done right, built in bookcases will increase the resale value of the home.
Does built in furniture add value?
“Built-ins tend to add the most value when they are part of a bigger package that contributes to the overall quality of a home,” Fries further explains. “One single upgrade is really difficult to quantify.”Jan 31, 2021.
Are built-ins still popular?
Built-ins are an incredibly popular aspect of interior design in homes from all eras, from homey Craftsmen with charming woodwork to soaring modern homes with sleek, minimalist shelving built right into their walls.
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.
Is plywood good for shelves?
Plywood is the industry standard for shelving, so it’s a good choice for bookshelves. However, there are a number of sturdy woods with which you can construct bookshelves.
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.
Are Floating shelves expensive?
You can buy floating shelves in stores or online for $20 to $80 each. But before you do that, consider building your own. For about the same cost, you can get the exact size, thickness and look you want. You can even finish them to match your trim or furniture.
