How deep should a built in bookshelf be?

How Deep Should Built in Shelves Be? Take stock of what you’ll be storing on them: trim travel guides or oversize art books, bulky board games or lidded baskets, collectibles large or small. Most shelves are built a minimum of 11 to 12 inches deep, but this is your chance to customize: Go for it!

Should I remove built in bookshelves?

You should remove built-ins if they no longer serve a functional purpose. Shelving around fireplaces often make a living room too cramped. Many built-ins dedicated to laundry and laundering are similarly outdated because they’re too small to be effectively used.

What are the parts of a bookcase called?

Parts of a Bookcase

  • Back. All bookcases require a back, two legs, shelves and shelf supports. …
  • Legs. The legs of a bookcase sit on either side, closing the shelves in. …
  • Shelves. The shelves, ceiling and floor of your bookcase are all cut to the same length and connect from one leg to the other. …
  • Supports.


How do you attach a built in bookcase to the wall?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: This is gonna put an angled hole into the wood that I can put a screw. And an angle from the backside.

Can you put a chair in front of a bookcase?

Even a sectional sofa or a small chair, a bed or a bench, placed directly in front of a bookcase or shelving system can add action to room design, creating a wonderful and cozy nook feel and pleasant home library-like atmosphere.

How high should built in shelves be?

For ease of shelf access, bookcases are generally no higher than 84 inches. Small bookcases are usually 30 to 42 inches high. The highest shelf in a bookcase should be as high as an average-sized person can comfortably reach – about 72 to 78 inches.



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Material Maximum Span w/o Sag
1 1/2″ Oak 78″

How do you demo a built in bookcase?

  1. Open the doors or door on the cabinet. …
  2. Hold a reciprocating saw vertically, with the blade centered on the front of the shelf. …
  3. Tap upward on one side of the shelf with a rubber mallet. …
  4. Tap on the pie-shaped section to break it off, if necessary, and remove it from the cabinet.
  5. Do built ins save space?

    Homework Alcove. Recessed built-ins require more planning and construction than ones that attach directly to the wall, but they are the best choice for conserving precious floor space.

    Can you move built in furniture?

    The built-in furniture when once constructed and installed cannot be moved. Such furniture mostly includes wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, bar cabinets, among others. These are generally designed to fit into the construction, secured using fixtures such as hinges, nut bolts, or construction adhesive.

    How do you build a built in bookshelf?

    Quote from the video:
    Quote from Youtube video: And these top clamps are really just holding that shelf in place and the sides up but i'm going to use this spacer to position this bottom shelf three quarters of an inch from the bottom of the sides.

    How do you build a bookcase?

    How to Build a Bookshelf in 8 Steps

    1. Step 1: Cut the Legs, Shelves, and Supports. Photo by Kolin Smith. …
    2. Step 2: Attach the Supports to the Legs. …
    3. Step 3: Assemble the Box. …
    4. Step 4: Level the Bookcase. …
    5. Step 5: Plumb the Bookshelf. …
    6. Step 6: Attach the Kick Board. …
    7. Step 7: Scribe the Trim to Fit. …
    8. Step 8: Apply Nosing to Shelf Faces.


    How do you build a built in bookcase around a fireplace?

    Here is the order:

    1. Demolition.
    2. Build base cabinet frame construction and dry fit. …
    3. Build bookcase frame and dry fit. …
    4. Install furring strips behind the base and bookcase spaces. …
    5. Dry fit everything together on wall. …
    6. Remove everything and take it to where you will be painting.
    7. Paint cabinets, shelves and all panels.

    How do you install built-in shelves?

    Steps for building custom built-in shelving units:

    1. Step 1: Size the parts.
    2. Step 2: Mark the sides.
    3. Step 3: Layout the pieces.
    4. Step 4: Assemble the pieces.
    5. Step 5: Add the dividers.
    6. Step 6: Add the shelf supports.
    7. Step 7: Size and install the back panels.
    8. Step 8: Build the face frames.

    How deep should shelves by fireplace be?

    To start, bookshelves are typically 11 to 12 inches deep, although you can alter this to suit your own space.

    How do you attach shelves to a fireplace?

    Quote from the video:
    Quote from Youtube video: Now the key to strong shelves is placing the end of the shelves on 3/4 inch side pieces. We also added a small one and a half inch strip. Along the back of the wall to support the shelf lengthwise.

    HOW MUCH DO built in shelves cost fireplace?

    It can also be $300 to $1,200 per linear foot, according to homeadvisor.com. The type of wood materials used is a factor that will determine the price of the built-in shelving and cabinet doors, like oak, maple, and high-grade plywood are common materials.

    How deep are built in cabinets?

    Depth is generally 24″ including the faceframe and back.

    What do I need to make a floating shelf?

    Floating shelves are made up two parts; a simple cleat that’s attached directly to the wall, and a hollow box that slides snugly over the cleat.

    How thick should floating shelves be?

    As mentioned in our answer, the ideal thickness for a floating wooden shelf would be 2 inches. Anything less, and there’s a higher possibility that your shelf may snap when loaded with objects. Note also that it’s assumed that the wood you are using is made out of hardwood.

    What type of wood is used for floating shelves?

    Best Wood for Floating Shelves



    The best wood is any hardwood like solid walnut, oak, pine, maple or mahogany to name a few. Rough cut wood is more raw and will show some impurities. Finished or unfinished? some floating shelves will come finished with a stain or clear coat and some will come unfinished and paintable.