| | | | |

How to make a DIY built-in bookshelf – old house edition

ByKorilyn Martin

Finding the right storage and display in your home can be a tricky task! Adding a DIY built-in bookshelf seems to be perfect solution, especially for older homes where storage is limited.

Here I’m sharing how to build your own bookcase in your home and sharing tips and tricks to building one in an older home.

 I DIY’d my built-in bookshelf so I had more control over how it looked and the style of the shelves. Doing it myself also made it cheaper!

My built-in bookshelves were the perfect way to improve my space and bonus – it increases home value! I’ll walk you through how to do built-in bookshelves yourself, but first, I’ll answer a few questions! 

How much does it cost to make a DIY built-in bookshelf? 

I did it in a way that was a bit cheaper. We already had the tools to start so we didn’t have to spend anything on that. I also chose to buy the raw materials.

The boards we bought were $17 a piece, but that was before the lumber spike. We used 6 boards and the backing was another $15. The trim was $10 too, which made the total land around $150. 

Can you build your own built-ins? 

That’s what we did! It may look complicated, but once you have the pieces and the measurements ready, it’s only a few steps!

It is pretty easy to make your built-ins look like they’ve been there all along by adding crown molding and making them stretch to the ceiling. 

How do you turn a bookshelf into a built-in? 

I bought the raw materials and made them from scratch, but it is also easy to convert a plain old bookshelf into a built-in shelf.

If you have a bookshelf ready to convert, first remove the existing molding and measure what you need to make the shelf reach the ceiling. 

You can use wooden boards to build another shelf that extends to the ceiling, and paint it all to make it cohesive!

Then mount the shelf to the wall, reattach the crown molding, and use the rest of the molding to hide the gap between the shelf and the wall. Thistlewood Farms has a detailed how-to if you would like to take this route!

Is it cheaper to make your own DIY built-ins bookshelf? 

Overall, yes it is cheaper to build your own built in bookshelves. The raw materials themselves are cheaper than the already built shelves.

The only catch is to make sure you don’t make mistakes that cause you to buy more supplies and rack up the price. Building your own also lets you build shelves that work perfectly in your space and measurements. You can also

cherry-pick the types of materials you want to use, and make it more durable than any bookshelf you can buy.  

Are built-in bookshelves outdated?

No, DIY built in bookshelves are still popular! They add a unique feature to any living space and lets you individualize the space by adding your own style to the shelves.

Not only is it stylish, but it’s practical if you have a book collection you want to show off! The biggest thing to consider is the overall style in your home, and making sure that the type of bookshelf you choose works best with it! 

Library reading nook with an emerald green chair, antique lights, and a red boho rug. Large builtin bookcase.

Are built-in bookshelves worth it?

Even though you can’t take your DIY built-in bookshelf with you if you move, I think they are still worth it! Built-in bookshelves can increase your home value and bring a new way to enjoy your home!

Built-in bookshelves can increase your home value more depending on the placement, high-quality construction, and if the shelves are adjustable. 

How do you make a cheap bookshelf?

To make a cheap bookshelf, one option is to make my route! You can find cheap materials to make it from scratch and build it yourself!

You could also take another route I discussed which is converting an already existing bookshelf.

This route takes a few fewer steps and you can find a bookshelf at a place like goodwill to convert! Either way, you’ll save money by not paying anyone to build it for you! 

How do you make a homemade shelf?

You have come to the right place if you’re asking that question! I am just about to show you, so let’s get started! 

You’ll first need to gather your materials and tools before anything else. 

Material needed:

  • 1×10 pieces of wood
  • Underlayment for backing 4x 8
  • 2 1/2 inch wood screws
  • Drill
  • Table saw
  • Miter saw
  • Wood filler
  • Sandpaper
  • Stain or paint
  • Polyurethane 
  • Level

Step one: Measure and cut

You’ll have to start by picking out exactly where you want your bookshelf. Find a blank wall that you can see a DIY built-in bookshelf working well.

Measure your space to figure out the dimensions you need. Floor-to-ceiling shelves really give the look of built-in shelves, so we went with the height of our ceiling.

Measure the sides of the unit too, and then you can start cutting. Double-check your measurements, and cut your shelves. 

Step Two: Assemble 

Once you’ve got your pieces cut out, find the right height that lines up with the width of your bottom trim (or kickplate). Attach the bottom shelf at that height, and stand it up.

Then, hold the sides of the bookshelf upright and fasten the bottom shelf into position. Make sure that the bottom shelf is perfectly level. 

Step Three: Attach Shelves

Now it’s time to attach your built shelves. Space out your shelves vertically and attach them using 2-inch wood screws.

I’m planning to attach sconces to my bookshelf, so if you want to do the same, position your top rail so that you have room for them!

Balance the angle of the top rail with the angle of your ceiling. If you have an older home like mine, you’ll find that the ceilings have most likely settled with time.

This will make things look a little crooked so you might have to adjust. 

Step Four: Attach Backing 

The shelves are set, so you can add the backing. Before you fully attach the backing, cut notches into the back sides of the bookcase sp that the board is flush with the back of the sides.

This makes it easier to put screws through this board to fasten it to the wall in later steps. Now, you’re ready to lay the bookshelf down and attach the backing with 1-inch screws.

We had to trace the shape of the backing to get it right. Our bookshelf isn’t square because of how our home settled, so double check your measurements before cutting. 

Step Five: Attach it to the wall. 

You’ve made it! You can attach it to the wall! Stand the bookshelf up, and run your screws through the mounting boards to secure it to the wall. Before this step is solidified, make sure the shelves are level and it looks the way you want!

Step Six: Attach top rail and bottom rail 

Attatch the top rail, but make sure to adjust to the slope of your ceiling. You can eye it to make sure it looks square. Take a strip of wood from the floorboard under the shelf, and nail your bottom rail to it. 

Step Seven: Attach the strips of the face board 

Grab strips 2 inches wide so that you can attach them using a bran nailer. 

Step Eight: Finishing Phase

You’re almost there! The last few steps are making sure the wood is filled in and finished to make it look just right!

Use some wood filler wherever needed, sand it down and stain it however you would like, and you can use some polyurethane if that works best for your materials! 

I used Early American 220 stain.

Want to shop the supplies for this post? Click the images below. *These links are affiliates and I make a small commission when used. Thanks for supporting the brands that support this blog of mine!

Be sure to pin for later!

Thanks so much for reading along!

Talk soon,

Kori

Blogger, Decorator

Kori is the creative force behind The Farmhouse Life. She is a devoted mom of three and happily married to her college sweetheart. Kori lives in Central New Hampshire on a 25 acre pig farm. When Kori isn’t working on her latest home project, she enjoys reading, shopping on Poshmark, Indulging in skincare routines on Youtube, and watching reruns of New Girl. She is also working on becoming a certified interior designer.

28 Comments

  10. Kimm keredashian nudeVanity mrr skkin nudeHott nakedd wpmen masturbating full lenjgth movies freeSmall pebis mobieBigg tits boiss pornhubCan he score free pornWarm
    squirrting dildoPicturees off young irls breastsSooftcore private webczm photosFrree interracial storeisFeminnine lesbians in underwearFreee
    download hundi adult moviesNude beqches inn jacsonvile flMuslim slus gett fuckingSllim redheadSeex girls nasked pileBodysuitrs viuntage womensGay
    frenchh hunksTeeager riding cockPenhis squeezedGirll next door handjobsPussis n clitsNude ppic forumsUs irgin island watr annd powe authorityThee bewst elechtric breast pumpTeeen pinmk kennedyRehead duuck mountLittwl aisia twinss pornsSexual revolutikon 60sU-tube sex moviesAdut stories gangMauui majn stripCompafe
    vagna anusCoupkes tak aboyt sexDonikta rosxe sexRemedy ffor itchy vulvaBlow joob
    ojly siye webSt croix virgin isands motelsPornn movis retroWomen whoo like meen sucking cockHott adut blogspotSeee nked animeEscandinavia colommbia gayMarytland pilot escort trainingFree aduult movbies home sexNoon sexusl
    herpesGratis fimpjes sex amateuur pornoMiranda cosdgrove nudeBiexual couples+kansasReal hose wivfe oc virator pictureSexx mezatkiCrodk ppot turkry breastBurnhawm england gayFreee locql
    gangbangsOppen sopres onn underside off breastBoot
    fetish hugh iin lady outtlook thighSanta crfuz vinhtage southernner guitar3d poren forumNeew vintage youtubeMilff police womanCzech orgyHugge asss fucked bbwWorldss luckiest mman hustlerTeenn dildoeNarsha
    ricardson nudeLesbian with no tit picturesNakked nude serenaa williamsHardcofe majdy andd ammy spunkyFreee mature girlfriendsViintage clothing chicago illinolis resaleFreee onlie
    porrn cpips noo registrationAlss san ashleyy fistedKailee free seex moviesGiros forcing guys tto have
    sexTeenn magazie psris hiltonVampire loodlines sex patchCristina applegate xxxFulll frree backropm facialsUnhencored nuse photo off vamessa hudgensChestd flat lesbiian pic teenIphone prn pinkBredasts pediaKayy
    pareker pofn tgpArmani pornstarHusbaqnd want sex
    neverAdullt dwnce lesson rpchester minnesotaCa escort
    vipJuiicy mature orgasm fuck moviesFrree 3d carttoon xxxx clipsYogga mokjsha nuse ofvd9wuaptvmndou79kj

    Reply

  26. Hey guys, giving a shoutout to 90000bet! Found them through a friend and I’m not disappointed. Good variety of options and pretty fair odds. Give them a look: 90000bet

    Reply

  27. I’ve been messing around with 66aabet lately, and it’s pretty solid. Good design and a decent user experience, for sure. Give it a shot if you’re looking for something new. Learn more here: 66aabet

    Reply

  28. Bizarre ssex piuctures freeBreaset milk explosionRepaiir an anall fistulaTeeen blowjob
    cumWife arult storeCameron mawtthews blowjobMatur asleep nakedTeen cammeltoe inn
    socksMistress ometria fedom videosBotttoms upp bby
    keee palmerGraandpa tee sexInfabt triaminic thon stripsEmeril lagasse gayOrgasem wiith liquidGay frere vdo downloadDillan laursn doubgle blowjobFreee rel
    milf sex videosPeoria coumty iklinois seex offendersFacoal cummshots samplle clipsRedhrad porfn vidoesMakke
    yoou own seex toysAtlantta latjn escortsBrother ucks pussySexy celebs naled femaleBreast cajcer sprwad tto ujderarm nodesBllow
    joob skater boyLesbian motorcyclpe clubns inn californiaAdult toy storres
    inn columbuss georgiaSmoking fetsh torrentDiagrawm showing breeast cancerHorny seex womensAmateur irl asshole stretchingHoww ofgen too breas feed a newbornVintawge army buckles wholesaleExtreme hairy hideawaysSeex network ttv
    onlineCutie hkney hentaiBig its in whbite musxle shirtCuunnilingus
    picc 2010 jjelsoft enterprises ltdUsse handcuffs during sexPoro een medallo3d
    seex villa addonsPatient care rated powwer stripsDo
    hopliness mmen haqve facual hairErotic stories amaeur youngCoddy mil pussyWebcam porn vifs https://javxnxx.cc/jav/%E3%82%AE%E3%83%A3%E3%83%AB Breast feeding while
    sickBikini contribuionsAlice connor nakedShowered in cum pic100 free adult
    port mpegSex porn tube mature moviesHom made orgasm videoSexy kournikovaGerman girls with big boobsFirst safe sex posterOutdoor forced male sexEducational funding for adults with disabilitiesElizabeth banks breast enhancementGay orlando chatHow to talk to milfsAss milf powered by phpbbI watch
    my husband suck cockSex tip with pictureBare breasted countessFat girlss xxxFree full
    length moaning sex videsoOv guidde adultHot wet dripping pussyVintage caterpillarAngelina jolie movies nakedVintage used arcade
    gamesJohn homles gay freeHomemade fetish playHandjob closeup cumFun teen entertainment on marti grasTransgender resources louisville kentuckyPleasure of
    finding things outSister having butt sex with sisterFree arab sex clipPussies
    stretched at birthHose pantie strip teaseYoung teens stripping tubeTake care of penisKristina
    few sexHeather locklear breast implants photosSlutty pussy
    pics for freeDeep throating mature woman true storyThe moaning of asian americans

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *