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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.
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 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 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.
How do you build bookshelves?
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Is Pine Good for shelving?
For short length bookshelves, pine is a good material to work with. If you’re planning on building bookshelves in an alcove or with intermediate support, its strength comes into its own in plank form. Varnishing is recommended.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
What is the best distance between shelves?
The rule of thumb for spacing is 12 inches between each shelf but bump that up to 15 or 18 inches and you enhance that sense of exposure and accessibility.
How do you install a 2×4 wall?
You can locate the studs with a magnetic stud finder (nails), and nail the 2X4s to them with finishing nails sunken with a nail punch and hidden with wood putty, or drill thorugh the 2X4s, screw them to the studs, and plug the screw holes with wooden dowel plugs, and sand, paint or stain to suit.
