How Much Should A Built-In Bookcase Cost?

Built-in bookcases are a great way to add customized storage and display space to any room. Knowing how much to budget for a built-in bookcase project is key. In this article, we’ll examine the factors that influence the cost of built-in bookshelves and provide average price ranges.

Factors Affecting Cost

The cost of built-in bookshelves can vary significantly based on several key factors:

Size

The overall size and shelf space of the bookshelves greatly impacts cost. More linear footage and taller bookshelves require more materials and labor. According to HomeAdvisor, built-in bookshelves range from $150-$1200 per linear foot depending on materials and customization.

Materials

The type of materials used is a major cost factor. Bookshelves made from premium hardwoods like oak or maple will be far more expensive than pine or MDF. According to BobVila.com, built-ins made from quality solid wood average around $2500-5000.

Custom vs. Stock

Fully customized built-ins designed for a specific space tend to cost more than pre-made modular stock units. Stock bookshelves can be installed right out of the box for lower labor costs. Custom work requires carpentry skills and unique construction.

Labor

Hiring a skilled carpenter or cabinetmaker to construct and install custom built-in bookshelves will add to labor costs. Simple stock bookshelves can potentially be DIY installed to save on labor.

Design

More complex designs with intricate moldings, panels, cabinetry and other custom elements will cost more in materials and labor. Simple bookshelf boxes have lower costs.

Average Cost

The average cost to install built-in bookshelves ranges from $1,401 to $4,754, according to HomeAdvisor. The size of your library is often the biggest factor affecting the overall cost. Angi reports an average cost of $100 to $200 per linear foot for basic bookshelves made from plywood or MDF. More luxurious built-ins with finished wood can cost $250 to $500 per linear foot installed.

For a small project around 6 linear feet, expect to spend $600 to $1,200. A mid-size library around 12 linear feet may cost $1,200 to $2,400. For an expansive built-in system around 20 linear feet, plan for a budget of $2,000 to $10,000, according to Angi.

Materials

The materials used to construct built-in bookshelves have a significant impact on the overall cost. The most common materials are:

• Solid wood – This classic material like oak, maple, cherry, or walnut costs between $400-1000 per linear foot according to HomeAdvisor. Solid wood provides an elegant, durable option.



• Engineered wood – Plywood and composite boards like MDF or particle board range from $200-500 per linear foot. Though less expensive, engineered wood is still attractive and functional, but not as durable as solid wood.

• Laminate – At $100-300 per linear foot, laminate delivers style at a more affordable price point while requiring less maintenance than solid wood. Many colors and patterns are available.

• Glass – Adding glass doors or shelves boosts costs. Custom glass for bookshelves averages $150-300 per linear foot (source). Glass protects contents while lending a modern aesthetic.

The type of wood or material chosen directly impacts the overall project budget. Luxurious exotic hardwoods or stone/marble cost much more than standard oak or plywood.

Labor

The cost of labor for installing built-in bookshelves makes up a significant portion of the total project cost. Hiring a professional carpenter typically ranges from $30 to $130 per hour, according to HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List (https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-do-built-bookshelves-cost.htm, https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/cabinets-and-countertops/built-in-bookshelves/). The total time required depends on the complexity and customization of the design.

Simple pre-made designs can often be installed in just a few hours, while more elaborate custom built-ins with intricate trimwork or other details require substantially more time. The typical range is anywhere from 5 hours for basic projects up to 40+ hours for intricate custom designs. At typical carpenter rates, labor alone for basic bookshelves may cost $150-$400, while highly complex projects can involve $1,200 or more just for the installation.

When getting quotes for your project, be sure to get an estimate of the number of hours required so you can budget appropriately. The more customized and specialized the design, the more hours of skilled carpentry it will require.

Design

The design complexity is a major factor affecting the cost of built-in bookshelves. Simple, stock bookshelves are at the lower end of the price range, while highly customized bookshelves with intricate built-ins can cost much more.

Stock or pre-made bookshelves that you can purchase at home improvement stores typically range from $100-$500 depending on the size and materials. These ready-made bookshelves simply need to be mounted on the wall securely. They offer a budget-friendly option, but have limited customization.

Custom-designed built-in bookshelves allow you to tailor the size, shape, materials, and features exactly as you wish. Custom bookshelves range from $300-$850 per linear foot installed. The more complex the design and the higher-end the materials, the greater the cost. Unique shapes, built-in cabinets, and specialty finishes will increase the price.

According to Homeguide, custom built-in bookshelves installed by a carpenter typically cost $500 to $850 per linear foot. This factors in construction, customization, labor, and installation not included with stock bookshelves [1].

Size

The size of the built-in bookshelves is one of the biggest factors affecting the overall cost. Bookshelves are often priced per linear foot or per square foot.

According to HomeGuide, the average price per linear foot for built-in bookshelves ranges from $300-850 installed. The typical range is $400-1000 per linear foot according to HomeAdvisor. So a 6 foot long built-in bookshelf would cost around $2400-$6000 on average.

When calculating price per square foot, sources indicate $100-300 per square foot installed is common for custom built-in bookshelves. The price depends on factors like materials, design complexity, labor, and location. Premier custom builders may charge over $500 per square foot.

Generally, the larger the bookshelves in terms of both length and height, the more affordable the price per square foot since fixed costs are spread over more area. Smaller bookshelves under 4 feet wide may have a higher per square foot cost.

To get an accurate price estimate, have quotes tailored to your exact bookshelf dimensions and design. Expect economy of scale benefits when installing longer and taller built-in bookshelves.

Location

The cost of built-in bookshelves can vary significantly based on location. Factors like local labor rates, material costs, demand, and competition all impact pricing from region to region.

For example, the average hourly rate for a carpenter is $52 in New York City, but only $43 in Dallas according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide. So the same built-in bookshelves might cost 20% more in NYC than Dallas due to higher labor costs alone.

Materials like wood and hardware can also be more expensive in some markets, driving up the base costs. In high-demand areas like Los Angeles or Seattle, there is more competition for qualified cabinet makers and carpenters, which enables them to charge premium rates.

The type of location matters too – whether it’s a downtown metro area, suburb or rural area. According to BobVila.com, built-in bookshelves can run 10-20% higher in major cities compared to surrounding suburbs due to the higher labor and material expenses.

Regional economic conditions also impact pricing. In wealthier markets, there is greater demand and ability to pay higher rates for custom work.

So when budgeting for built-in bookshelves, it’s important to look at typical costs for your specific area. Expect to pay more in major coastal cities and metropolitan areas compared to rural and suburban regions of the country.

Getting Quotes

To get accurate quotes for built-in bookcases, it’s important to provide detailed information to potential contractors or carpenters. Here are some tips:

• Provide the exact dimensions and layout you want for the bookcases, including height, width, depth, and any custom or decorative elements.
• Specify the type of materials you want used – hardwood, plywood, etc. Higher quality materials will increase the price.
• Include photos or drawings of the space where the bookcases will be installed and note any challenges like plumbing or electric.
• Ask if the quote includes labor and installation or just materials. Labor will add significantly to the total cost.
• Inquire about preparation needed – will drywall need to be removed or added, will the contractor do finish work like trim or painting?
• Request an itemized quote that breaks down specific charges for materials, labor, any custom fabrication or design work, installation, and taxes.
• Get quotes from 2-3 contractors to compare pricing. Be sure all contractors are providing quotes for the same specifications.

Being as specific as possible about your built-in bookcase project will help generate the most accurate quotes from professionals. It’s also wise to get quotes in writing rather than estimates over the phone or in person. Taking the time to get detailed quotes will ensure there are no surprises when it comes to the final cost of your custom built-ins. For more on built-in bookcase costs, check out this source.

Conclusion

The cost of installing custom built-in bookcases can vary significantly based on the size, materials, design complexity, labor, and location. However, most projects range between $100 – $200 per linear foot installed. For a typical 6-foot built-in bookcase, expect to pay around $600 – $1200 total. The major factors affecting cost are the type of materials used, with hardwoods like oak and maple being premium but metal and engineered wood like MDF providing cost-effective options. The amount of custom design, carpentry work, and installation labor required also greatly impacts the overall price. Location plays a role as well, with labor rates differing across the country. When getting quotes, find carpenters experienced in built-ins and make sure to get at least 3 bids to compare. With some planning and research, beautiful custom built-in bookcases can fit many budgets.