How to Build Built In Bookshelves on a Budget
How to Build Built In Bookshelves on a Budget
Easily build custom built in bookshelves on a budget using MDF
If you give a DIY-er a nail gun, she’s going to build a bookshelf, it’s science…
Well maybe not science, science but you know what I mean.
Building bookshelves is a great way to add storage and function to any space. They can also add a custom craftsman feel to the room.
The best part is, you can build bookshelves pretty easily and inexpensively! I have lost count on the amount of times we have added built-in shelving to a room and I have learned new tips and tricks each time.
So today I thought I would share the easiest and most budget friendly way to build bookshelves in any space.
DIY Built In Bookshelves
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Supplies for Built In Bookshelves:
- 3/4″ MDF Sheets
- 2″ Finishing Nails
- Scrap 2×4 Pieces
- Clamps
- Nail Gun
- Large Square
- Level
There are different material options when it comes to building bookshelves. The two I generally choose are MDF or cabinet grade plywood.
You can check out when to use MDF and when to use Solid wood here!
I always lean towards using MDF for built-in projects because it’s easier to rip and I love the super smooth finish. There are some other steps that are necessary when working with MDF but I will cover those during the finishing part.
DIY Bookshelf Cuts
The first step in creating beautiful DIY built-in bookshelves is to plan out the sizing. I like to create a really simple drawing that displays the number of bookcases, shelves, and anything else being included in the built-in.
For this specific project I chose:
- 12″ wide x 94″ long bookshelf sides
- 12″ wide x 24″ long bookshelves
- 4-1/2″ footer
- 7″ header
- 2-1/2″ trim
Start by ripping the largest pieces down to size first, the bookcase side pieces.
One thing about MDF is that it is heavy. For this reason I like to first rip all the pieces down using a circular saw and a guide. Then I run the pieces through the table-saw to make sure all the cuts are straight (it’s easy to get a little crooked, even with a guide).
After the width cuts are all made I use a regular miter saw to cut the pieces to my desired length.
BIG TIP: When deciding on the bookshelf height, measure the height of your ceiling then subtract at least 4″ so that you will be able to stand the bookshelf up after it’s assembled!
Ripping down the MDF before assembling anything makes the process so much easier.
Assembling the Built-in Bookshelves
Now that all the pieces are ripped, it’s time to start assembling the bookshelves.
My big trick for making the assembly process easy is to cut scrap pieces of 2×4’s the distance I want in-between the shelves. So for these bookcases we cut scrap wood spacers at 4″, 18″, and 27″.
Assemble the bookcases laying down, standing each side piece on its side. Attach the 4″ spacers to the bottom using clamps.
Then place the bottom shelf on top of the spacers and check its square and levelness. Attach the bottom shelf from the outside using finishing nails.
Use a large square to guide where to shoot the nails, this method helps me to shoot the nails straight into the shelf. Clamps and squares are the MVP tools of this project.
After the bottom shelf is attached, clamp the next set of spacers to the bookcase wall and add the next shelf. Attach it the same way as the previous shelf.
Install each of the shelves the same way, the last “shelf” piece is actually the top piece of the bookcase. Attach it flush with the top of the bookcase side pieces.
Mounting the Built-in Bookshelves
After the bookshelves are assembled, attach a final board across the top back of the bookshelf. This board should touch the bottom of the top shelf and be flush with the back of the bookcase.
Next stand the bookcase upright and level it to the wall. Then use screws to attach the support piece to studs in the wall.
You could also use metal brackets to attach the bookshelves to the wall.
If I am installing multiple bookcases on a wall I also attach them to each other with screws.
Adding Trim to the Bookshelves
The trim is the cherry on top to these DIY built-in bookcases. It makes the shelves and sides look beefy and more built in.
Start by attaching the 4-1/2″ footer across the bottom of the bookcases. Use the same finishing nails that were used to attach the shelves in place.
After the footer is attached you can add baseboards on top of that if you want it to flow with the rest of the room.
Next, attach the 7″ header across the top of the bookcases. In this Upper Room the ceiling was far from level so I also ended up attaching the baseboard trim pieces upside down to act as a faux moulding and make the ceiling situation look a little less noticeable.
After the header and footer are installed use the strips of 2-1/2″ MDF to trim in the sides of each bookcase. Then you can cut down more 2-1/2″ trim to cover the front of the shelves.
These trim pieces give the appearance of thick shelves without the price tag!
Prepping the MDF Bookshelves
After everything is attached and in place it’s time to prep the DIY built-in bookshelves for paint.
Start by sanding the ripped edges of MDF that are visible. This should be the only not smooth part of the bookcase.
Next, caulk all the seams and fill all the nail holes. I usually go through about a tube and a half each time I build one of these.
After the caulk dries, prime the MDF with oil-based primer. Using an oil-based primer is 100% necessary! If you don’t use an oil-based primer the MDF will soak up the paint and expand, this will ruin the entire project.
One coat of primer should do the trick though!
How to Build Built In Bookshelves on a Budget Reveal
After the primer is completely dry, you can paint the bookshelves with regular paint. I also like to paint the wall behind the bookshelves before installing them, it’s just easier.
For this built-in project I chose Foxhall Green in a semi-gloss finish. I applied two coats total for complete coverage.
I am in love with this rich green color and how elegant it makes these built-in shelves look. This is my first time adding a little countertop area between the shelves.
This space will be perfect for a Keurig coffee bar type setup. I stained the wood in Varathane’s Early American to match the new window trim we installed.
The first time I tackled DIY built-ins I added a super cute storage bench in-between the bookcases.
In the office built-in project I got really fancy and added doors and drawers!
These built-ins turned out so good and they are the perfect addition to this space.
Cost Breakdown of DIY Built-in Shelves
The cost of building DIY built-in shelves will obviously fluctuate depending on how many individual bookcases you build and how many shelves you want to install.
This is the cost for the built-in for this space:
- (4) Sheets of 3/4 MDF $240
- Gallon KILZ Primer $32
- Gallon of Semi-Gloss Paint $40
- 2 Tubes of Caulk $8
Total Cost: $320
This total isn’t including the baseboards because we bought that in a bulk order for the rest of the space. It also doesn’t include the board for the middle countertop (that would add $20).
Not bad considering contracting built-in shelving can cost thousands and buying them pre-made is tough because not only can they be expensive but finding the right sizes can be difficult.
We are finally coming to the end of this Upper Room makeover and I am so excited to put the finishing touches on this space.
Let me know what you think of our new custom built-in bookshelves!
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How to Build Built In Bookshelves on a Budget
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