How Much Do Built-In Bookshelves Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,402 - $4,781
The typical cost to install built-in bookshelves ranges from $1,402 to $4,781, with the size of your library being the biggest factor in your overall cost.
If you love to read, you’re probably of the firm belief that you shouldn’t only keep 30 books. And with a built-in bookshelf, you can put them all on display while making the most of your wall space. Built-in bookshelves cost from $1,402 to $4,781 to install on average, with most homeowners spending about $3,002. The final cost depends on their style, the type of material, and whether you install them yourself or hire a professional.
“Whether completing a DIY kit install or hiring for a custom bookshelf build, focus on sturdiness,” says Andy Kilborn, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy’s Handyman. “The weight that the shelves will hold will need to be well secured.”
- Average
- $3,002
- Low end
- $400
- high end
- $9,000
Built-In Bookshelves Cost Factors
When installing bookshelves, the first decision you have to make is whether you want a custom job or a pre-made unit.
| Type of Bookshelf | Cost Per Linear Foot Installed |
|---|---|
| Pre-made | $150–$300 |
| Custom | $400–$1,200 |
Pre-Made
Pre-made built-in bookshelf units can be purchased at your local home improvement store, and prices typically start at $150 per linear foot. Buying pre-made shelves can be a great option if you’re looking to reduce some expenses. And you don’t have to DIY the installation—you can hire a local carpenter or a handyperson near you to ensure the installation is done correctly.
Custom Bookshelves
If you prefer custom built-in shelves, expect to pay more. Bookshelves built especially for your space can range from $400 to $1,200 per linear foot. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves typically cost $5,000 to $14,000 total.
Type of Material
There are different types of materials to choose from when selecting a built-in bookshelf, which influences the cost and look.
| Material | Cost Per Linear Foot Installed |
|---|---|
| Medium Density Fiberboard | $150–$400 |
| Plywood | $150–$600 |
| Metal | $450–$1,000 |
| Wood | $500–$1,200 |
| Glass | $750–$1,200 |
| Marble | $800–$1,300 |
MDF Bookshelves
Medium-density fiberboard, or MDF, is made from layers of pressed and dried wood fibers, giving it a smooth finish. They’re also sturdy, meaning they will easily hold up your entire Harry Potter collection.
If you’re on a budget or want to add your own personal touch by painting the shelf, MDF is a great option. But if you’re considering applying a varnish, the fiberboard will absorb the stain, making it hard to reach the desired effect. The average cost for an MDF bookshelf is $150 to $400 per linear foot, including installation.
Plywood Bookshelves
Plywood is another budget-friendly option made from various layers of wood fibers that are pressed together. Plywood may not be as visually appealing as a walnut or pine shelf, but a layer of varnish will spruce it up—you can also paint it to match your room decor. The average cost for a plywood bookshelf is comparable to MDF shelves, at $150 to $600 per linear foot installed.
Metal Bookshelves
Combining metal frames and wooden shelves creates a beautiful yet functional aesthetic. If you’re looking for something more modern, metal and wood built-in bookshelves cost from $450 to $1,000 per linear foot installed.
Wood Bookshelves
Wooden bookshelves provide a natural touch to any room. Each type of wood has its own unique coloring, patterns, and texture that add depth. You can choose from an array of hardwood options from birch, cherry, maple, or oak. The average cost for a solid wood custom bookcase ranges between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot installed, depending on the wood you choose.
| Type of Wood | Cost Per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Birch | $600–$900 |
| Cherry | $550–$850 |
| Maple | $700–$1,200 |
| Oak | $500–$800 |
Glass
Depending on the style of your home and the look you’re going for with your bookshelves, glass may be an option to consider. Usually supported by a wood or metal frame, tempered glass bookshelves typically cost from $750 to $1,200 per linear foot. Although the glass is tempered, it will still be more fragile than a material like wood or metal. If you have children who like to climb or have heavier books, you may want to consider a stronger material option.
Marble
Installing marble bookshelves can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,300 per linear foot for labor and materials. Marble is a sturdy material that is both flame-resistant and shatter-resistant, properties making it suitable for surrounding a fireplace.
Size of Bookcase
Everyone has their own preference for organizing their bookshelves. With books varying in size, from paperbacks to larger hardcover editions, you’ll have to decide if your shelves will all fit the largest books you own, or if you’ll create spaces for smaller paperbacks in some areas and larger shelves in other more suitable areas.
Most books will fit comfortably on a standard 10-inch to 12-inch deep shelf. Smaller paperbacks will fit on a 6-inch deep shelf. If you go floor-to-ceiling with your built-in bookshelves, an 8-foot tall bookshelf will likely match your ceiling height. Building deeper 14-inch to 16-inch shelves for larger coffee-table-sized books can add 20% to 50% to the cost of your bookshelves.
Shelf Style
The style of bookshelves is largely determined by the area where you build them. The good news is that several options are available to fit your space and taste.
| Shelf Style | Defining Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Alcove | Surrounds a piece of furniture |
| Double-wide | Permanent divider in the middle |
| Library | Often uses a rolling ladder |
| Book Tower | Used to save space |
| Staircase Landing | Built on a staircase landing |
Bookshelf Location
The location of your built-in bookshelves helps determine the materials you use, the design, and the labor required to custom-build the units in place. Although the location of your bookshelves is entirely up to you, a few areas are more popular than others for the convenience of access and the aesthetic appeal of displaying your books, art, and other items. Here are some of the most common locations to put your built-in bookshelves.
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Home Office | $1,000–$11,000 |
| Entertainment Center | $1,500–$20,000 |
| Kitchen or Pantry | $1,000–$26,000 |
| Around a Window | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Around a Fireplace | $500–$5,000 |
| Around a Doorway | $800–$3,000 |
| Around a Headboard | $1,000–$8,000 |
| Around a TV | $1,500–$4,000 |
Preparations
Any prep work to the existing walls, flooring, trim, and molding required for the new shelving will add cost to the project. Removal of molding, changes, and repairs to any drywall will require time and materials for the contractor to perform, compared to walls that are ready for new bookshelves.
Customizations
Adding custom finishes and features to your bookshelves can help make them uniquely your own. Each feature added will increase the overall cost, of course. Some lighting is battery-powered, but most lighting and any plugs require electrical work. Hiring an electrician to run wires will cost around $50 to $100 per hour. Other customized features include:
| Customization | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crown Molding | $75–$300 |
| Wood Panel Doors | $500 per door |
| Glass Panel Doors | $100–$200 per panel |
| Drawers | $100–$250 |
| Lighting | $20–$30 per LED light set |
| Plugs and Outlets | $200–$300 each |
Paint and Finish
Choosing paint or finish for your wood, plywood, or MDF bookshelves can help tie your new addition to the rest of your home, creating a truly unique space. In general, the paint or stain for your new built-in bookshelves will cost around $1 to $3 per square foot.
Labor Costs
Hiring a carpenter can range from $30 to $130 per hour. The amount of time to build and install a bookshelf will depend on the design, features, size, and materials. When calculating costs, plan for installation to take anywhere from five to 20 hours.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Built-In Bookshelves Yourself?
You can install a DIY bookshelf over a weekend, and it can save you a pretty penny in installation costs. But it might not be as easy as you think—in addition to the shelves, you need to consider the costs of tools and hardware, which can add up quickly. And, without proper materials, cutting square and clean (without unsightly chips or splintering) will be difficult and make your bookshelf look less than its best.
DIY vs. Pro
Hiring a carpenter or handyperson may be worth it to ensure your bookshelves are placed along the wall correctly and are 100 percent secure. Trust us, you don’t want them tipping over. However, if you have extensive carpentry skills, you can go the DIY route for your built-in bookshelves. The value of saving on labor depends on how much your time is worth and how determined you are to end up with a professional-looking end product.
How to Save Money on Built-In Bookshelves
Aside from DIYing your built-in bookshelves, you have a few additional options for reducing the overall cost, including:
Using pre-made built-in bookshelves to save on the cost of customization. Pre-made, mass-produced lengths of bookshelves cost considerably less than bookshelves fabricated on-site.
Building standard shelf sizes reduces the time required to customize the shelves to your space.
Choosing a middle-of-the-road material, such as plywood or medium-density fiberboard, over higher-quality wood options like maple to build your bookshelves.
Knowing who to hire for built-in bookshelves can help you decide if you can bundle this project with another, like updating kitchen cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Walls are often considered dead space, but built-in bookshelves can be an opportunity to turn it into something useful. Plus, they can even add value to your home if they are made with high-quality materials. And you don’t have to be an avid reader to justify this home upgrade—the additional storage space gives you ample room to store board games, decorations, or other home essentials.
It’s important to have a clear idea of how you’ll fill up your built-in bookshelves, such as whether you’ll use them to display books, board games, decorative items, or all three. Having a clear idea of how it will be used will help determine the desired size and overall function of the shelves.
While a single shelf here and there doesn’t add value to your home, a built-in bookcase can increase your home’s value under the right circumstances. Not every built-in bookcase works in your favor here—those built from high-quality materials tend to provide a better ROI. If you’re looking for your bookcase to work for your home’s value, consider having a professional build it with luxury hardwood.
While there are cost-effective options for bookshelves that can be bought at a store, these options do not add value to your home. Building a bookshelf into your existing space typically costs more than the bookshelving options you’ll find at a store, but if you’re planning on living in your home for a while, they are worth the investment. And if you do choose to sell your home in the future, they are a great asset, unlike store-bought shelving that will typically travel with you.
Built-in entertainment centers cost an average of $9,000, which includes full-wall shelving, storage, and a TV mount. While most homeowners pay around this price, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000, with high-end entertainment centers reaching upwards of $30,000. Built-in entertainment centers offer the same kind of shelving as built-in bookshelves, with additional considerations for television and related storage.