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How to Build a Bookshelf in 8 Steps Step 1: Cut the Legs, Shelves, and Supports. Photo by Kolin Smith. Step 2: Attach the Supports to the Legs. Step 3: Assemble the Box. Step 4: Level the Bookcase. Step 5: Plumb the Bookshelf. Step 6: Attach the Kick Board. Step 7: Scribe the Trim to Fit. Step 8: Apply Nosing to Shelf Faces.
How much do bookshelves cost to build?
The cost to have built-in bookshelves installed averages $2,676 or between $1,275 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 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.
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.
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.
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 thick should bookshelves be?
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.
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.
How do you make a bookshelf sturdy?
Options for stabilizing a bookcase on carpeting Option 1: Carpet shims. Pull back the carpet. Option 2: Adjustable feet. Drill holes and install adjustable feet on the bookcase corners to level it from front to back and side to side. Close-up of adjustable feet.
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.
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.
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.
How tall 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 far can a shelf span without support?
Span Limits The span limit is defined as the maximum distance apart that you can place the shelving supports. Glass, particleboard, solid lumber, plywood, and other common shelving materials can have span limits that can range from 18 inches to almost 5 feet.
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.
Does Home Depot cut wood for you?
Home Depot and Lowes both cut lumber (like 2x4s) and sheet goods (like plywood) purchased in-store. The first few cuts are free, but the stores reserve the right to charge for excess cuts.
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.
