7 Tips for Adding Built-In Bookshelves

Part of making your house a home is getting to customize it with your interests. Put your personality and hobbies on display when you design a built-in bookshelf.

Built-in bookshelves complement your home, and you can use them as a focal point instead of furniture. Additionally, built-in bookshelves are customizable, easy to organize and make the space look bigger. Our real estate agents put together this guide to help you add built-in bookshelves after buying our Raleigh homes for sale to customize them to your taste.

1. Take Measurements
   Where would you like your bookshelf to be? Measure the room's height and width. Just like with any home improvement project, measuring multiple times is a good way to ensure a successful project. Most people prefer their built-in bookshelves to be by the window. So, check the window placement as well. If the room has no windows, you can place the bookshelf by the center. Next, come up with the bookcase details. How many columns and rows do you need on the shelf? What will be the width between partitions?
   
   
2. Gather Materials
   Pick out the materials you'd like to use for this home improvement project. Cut your wood to the dimensions of the bookcase details. Assemble the wood and use the glue sets to assemble the partitions.
   
   
3. Cut and Assemble the Shelves
   After assembling the partitions, let the glue dry as you cut the shelves. From the measurement of the first step, you have an idea of shelf length. You can make them an inch longer and trim them to ensure the perfect fit. Lengthening the shelves a little more makes it easy to align them perfectly.
   
   
4. Trim the Brackets
   Using a jigsaw, carefully cut out the brackets. You can use sandpaper to smoothen the carve. Mark any intersections, and use a pencil to draw a smooth line that will connect the dots. Then, cut out the shape using a jigsaw.
   
   
5. Build the Partition
   Since built-in bookshelves don't have enough weight to support them as other cabinet face frames do, nail the frame parts together. Nailing makes the bookshelf more stable.
   
   
6. Add Wall Cleats
   Use wall anchors and reliable construction adhesives to fasten wall cleats on your drywall. If you have carpeting on your floor, roll it back to avoid making a mess. If you don't have drywall, you can also check the right anchor to attach your wall cleats. The cleat helps support the partition and acts as a cleat for the bookshelf's fascia.
   
   
7. Fasten the Brackets, Fix the Nails, Sand, and Finish Off
   Tip the partitions carefully and one at a time to avoid scaring the ceiling. Then add the brackets by gluing them to the partition sides. Next, nail them to the partition and filet. Once you fix the nails, sand the wood and finish the bookcase. You can paint it in your desired color.

Are you ready to find your next home and customize it? Contact us with your needs and preference, and let us help make your search easier.