How Much Do Built-In Bookshelves Cost? [2024 Data]

Normal range: $1,398 - $4,868

The typical built-in bookshelves costs range from $1,398 to $4,868, with the size of your library being the biggest factor in your overall cost.

How we get this data
Home library with built - in bookshelves
Photo: Sveta / Adobe Stock
Gemma Johnstone
Written by Gemma Johnstone
Contributing Writer
Andy Kilborn
Reviewed by Andy Kilborn
Owner, Andy's Handyman Service
Updated June 6, 2024
Home library with built - in bookshelves
Photo: Sveta / Adobe Stock

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 $1,398 to $4,868 to install on average, with most homeowners spending about $3,056. 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.”

See the price installing built-in bookshelves in
your area
How we get this data
Normal range for U.S.
$1,398 - $4,868
  • Average
  • $3,056
  • Low end
  • $400
  • high end
  • $9,600
LOWHIGH

Built-In Bookshelves Cost per Linear Foot 

The bigger the bookshelf, the more it costs to build. Pricing varies widely depending on the shelving's height, width, and shape. You could pay $450 for a basic plywood floor-to-ceiling bookshelf that is a standard 3 feet wide. A wall-to-wall custom bookshelf made from glass or high-quality wood that’s built in place or in sections could cost up to $12,000.

The table below outlines the costs for a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf with standard 10-inch-deep shelves to help you budget.

Bookshelf Width (Linear Feet)Installed Cost Range
3$450–$3,600
5$750–$6,000
10$1,500–$12,000

Built-In Bookshelves Cost Factors

Home library with built - in bookshelves
Photo: Sveta / Adobe Stock

When installing bookshelves, the first decision you have to make is whether you want a custom job or a pre-made unit.

Type of BookshelfCost 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.

MaterialCost 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 of built-in bookshelves made from MDF 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 WoodCost 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 StyleDefining Characteristic
AlcoveSurrounds a piece of furniture
Double-widePermanent divider in the middle
LibraryOften uses a rolling ladder
Book TowerUsed to save space
Staircase LandingBuilt 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.

LocationAverage 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:

CustomizationAverage 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. Hiring a Pro

Hiring a local cabinet maker, carpenter or handyperson may be worth it to ensure your bookshelves are placed along the wall correctly and are 100% 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.

Ready to get a quote for your project?
Answer a few questions, compare reviews, and choose the pro you want.
Learn more about our contributors
Gemma Johnstone
Written by Gemma Johnstone
Contributing Writer
Gemma has been a freelance writer and editor in the home and lifestyle space for the past five years and has a bachelor's degree in communication studies.
Gemma has been a freelance writer and editor in the home and lifestyle space for the past five years and has a bachelor's degree in communication studies.
Andy Kilborn
Reviewed by Andy Kilborn
Owner, Andy's Handyman Service
Andy Kilborn has 20 years of experience in home repair and remodeling. He has experience in fixture installation, wall and siding repair, deck installation and repair, woodworking, and plumbing.
Andy Kilborn has 20 years of experience in home repair and remodeling. He has experience in fixture installation, wall and siding repair, deck installation and repair, woodworking, and plumbing.
The homeowners guide to Cabinet Making
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.