How much do built-in bookshelves cost?
How much do built-in bookshelves cost?
$300 –$850 average cost per linear foot
$2,000 – $7,500 average total cost to build
Built-in bookshelves cost
Built-in bookshelves cost $300 to $850 per linear foot installed or $2,000 to $7,500 total on average. The price of built-in bookshelves depends on the size, style, materials, whether they're custom built-ins or premade, and if they include cabinets, drawers, or lighting features.
| Type | Cost per linear foot installed | Average total cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-made built-ins or bookshelves | $100 – $300 | $500 – $2,000 |
| Custom built-ins or bookshelves | $400 – $1,000+ | $2,000 – $7,500 |
Custom bookshelves cost per linear foot
Custom bookshelves cost $150 to $400 per linear foot installed with the cheapest plywood materials. Custom glass bookshelves cost $750 to $1,200 per linear foot total and are the most expensive type.
| Material | Cost per linear foot installed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | $150 – $600 |
|
| Hardwood | $500 – $1,200 |
|
| MDF | $150 – $400 |
|
| Metal | $450 – $850 |
|
| Glass | $750 – $1,200 |
|
Cost of built-in shelves by location
The total prices of built-in shelves vary by the installation location, as shown in the chart below:
| Location | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Entertainment center | $1,500 – $9,000 |
| Home office or bedroom | $1,000 – $8,000 |
| Kitchen cabinets | $3,200 – $8,500 |
| Kitchen pantry | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Around a window | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Around a fireplace | $1,000 – $8,000 |
| Shower shelf | $200 – $500+ |
Built-in cabinets cost
Custom built-in cabinets cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot on average, while semi-custom built-in cabinets cost $200 to $550 per linear foot. Custom cabinet pricing depends on the style, material, and layout, with complex designs priced at the higher end of the range.
Built-in entertainment center cost
A built-in entertainment center costs $1,500 to $9,000 on average, depending on the size and features. A large, floor-to-ceiling custom built-in entertainment center can cost more than $12,000 with multiple drawers or cabinets, shelf lighting, and hidden electrical outlets.
Home office built-in bookshelves prices
Built-in bookshelves for a home office cost $1,000 to $8,000, depending on the size, materials, and features. Prices fall on the higher end for custom built-ins with a fold-down desk, cabinets, or glass bookcase doors.
Kitchen or pantry built-in shelving cost
Built-in pantry shelving costs $1,000 to $5,000 on average, depending on the features. Total costs fall at the higher end of the range when adding slide-out shelves, pan racks, and other custom options.
Stock or semi-custom kitchen cabinets cost $160 to $380 per linear foot or $3,200 to $8,500 total installed for an average-sized kitchen. Fully custom kitchen cabinets cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot.
Built-in shelves around window cost
Built-in bookshelves around a window cost $2,000 to $8,000 on average. Placing a cushioned bench seat below the window is a popular design option for a reading nook. Extra storage shelves typically fit beneath the bench.
Cost of built-ins around fireplace
The cost of built-ins around a fireplace is $1,000 to $8,000 on average, depending on the style and project complexity. Costs increase when installing custom built-ins around a complex masonry fireplace. Floating shelves are a popular design choice to frame the mantle.
Fireplace installation costs $1,900 to $5,600, depending on the type, fuel source, and whether masonry work is necessary.
Built-in bookshelves installation cost estimates
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $600 – $1,500 |
| Installation labor | $1,400 – $6,000 |
| Total cost to install | $2,000 – $7,500 |
The following factors impact the cost to install built-in bookshelves:
Labor and construction – Labor is 70% to 80% of the total project cost and includes planning, designing, and building the shelving. Labor costs depend on the type of professional and whether the bookshelves are premade, semi-custom, or custom.
A carpenter charges $40 to $100 per hour to build and install custom or semi-custom built-in bookshelves.
A handyman charges $50 to $80 per hour to install premade shelving.
Materials / wood type – MDF and plywood are the cheapest options, while high-end materials like glass, marble, and premium hardwoods cost the most.
Size & depth – Standard shelving is 10" to 12" deep and 8' tall or less. Costs increase by 20% to 50% for bookshelves more than 8' tall, deeper shelves, or floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
Color – Painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of surface area.
Design – Custom accents, unique headers, decorative arches, or front surrounds increase the total cost.
Drawers & cabinets – Drawers add $100 to $250 each. Cabinet doors add $100 to $200 per set for wood doors or up to $400 per set for glass doors.
Lighting – Electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour to run new wiring for bookshelf lighting. The cost to install an electrical outlet is $150 to $350. Outlets on the back wall of built-in bookshelves allow for lighted displays without running visible cords along the shelf.
Crown molding – The cost to install crown molding is $7 to $16 per linear foot, including labor and materials. Crown molding adds a refined and classic look to built-in bookshelves.
Add-ons & accessories – Add-ons like a rolling library ladder and a fold-down or built-in desk increase the total cost.
Site conditions & prep – Costs increase if the floors or walls are uneven or need repairs first.
Built-in bookshelf styles
Custom built-in bookshelves can suit any size, style, layout, and storage needs. Common designs include:
Alcove – Equally sized bookshelves built into the alcoves on each side of a fireplace or wall-mounted TV
Shelf/storage combo – Built-ins with shelves at the top and cabinets or drawers on the bottom row
Shelf/desk combo – Built-in bookshelves positioned on each side of a matching built-in desk
Geometric – Built-ins featuring shelves of differing heights and widths, often forming a decorative geometric pattern
Floating – Built-in shelves with no visible mounting brackets
Open – Built-in shelving that is open and accessible from both the front and back, typically used to create separation between rooms while letting light in
Reading nook – Built-in bookshelves surrounding an armchair, sofa, or window seat to create a cozy reading space
Library / hallway style – Built-in bookshelves arranged to form a passageway or hallway
Under-stair – Bookshelves built into the unused space below a staircase, sometimes including a built-in bench for seating
Built-in bookshelves FAQ
Do built-in bookshelves increase home value?
Built-in bookshelves typically increase a home's value if they are well-designed, professionally made with hardwood or high-quality materials, and serve a functional purpose in that room.
What wood is best to use for built-in bookshelves?
Solid hardwoods are best for built-in bookshelves as they are dent- and scratch-resistant, hold more weight, and won't sag like MDF, particleboard, or softwoods like pine.
How deep should built-in bookshelves be?
Built-in bookshelves should be at least 10" to 12" deep. Shelves that will hold entertainment equipment should be 18" to 20" deep.
Who builds custom built-in bookshelves?
Carpenters, furniture builders, and cabinet makers build custom built-in bookshelves. A handyman can install premade bookshelves.
Getting estimates from custom built-ins & bookshelf builders
Before hiring a carpenter or furniture builders near you to make custom built-in bookshelves, be sure to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references and browse their portfolio of similar completed projects.
Select licensed, bonded, and insured companies that have 5+ years of experience.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before work begins.
Avoid choosing the lowest quote as it often indicates poor quality workmanship.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How long have you been installing built-in bookshelves?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Do you have a portfolio of past projects?
Which shelving material do you recommend for my project?
What are my painting and finish options?
How much weight will each shelf support?
Will the shelf heights be adjustable?
How long will the project take?
Does the estimate include cleanup?
Can you install electrical outlets behind the shelves? If so, how much extra do you charge?
How much extra does it cost to add glass doors for the bookshelves?