How Much Do Built-In Bookshelves Cost in 2025?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Built-in bookshelves add storage and style to any room. Most homeowners spend about $3,069 on average for built-ins, with projects often landing between $1,399 and $4,874. Your final price will vary based on materials, custom details, local labor rates, and other factors. Consider bringing in a handyperson or contractor for a safe, professional install.

Cost Factors for Built-In Bookshelves 

The cost of your built-in bookshelves will depend on size, materials, add-ons, and other factors. 

Bookshelf Size and Type

Built-in bookshelves come in various sizes and designs. The larger and deeper your shelves, the more they'll cost to install. The cost also depends on whether you choose custom or pre-made shelving. 

• For fully customized built-in bookshelves, you can expect to pay between $400 and $1,200 per linear foot. 

• If you opt for premade built-in units, the cost is between $150 and $300 per linear foot, installed.

Bookshelf Materials

You have plenty of material options for built-in bookshelves. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood—which are both engineered wood products— are the most budget-friendly picks.

Metal and solid wood are on the higher end of the price spectrum. For instance, a 2-by-4-foot sheet of MDF might cost less than $20, while a similar piece of oak could run over $35. High-end materials like marble, glass, and hardwood can cost up to $1,300 per linear foot but add a luxurious touch to your space.

Here’s how built-in bookshelf material affects the price: 

Accessories and Add-Ons

Custom touches—think sliding library ladders, glass doors, or a fresh coat of paint—can bump your total built-in bookshelf cost by as much as 50%. Some customizations might also require you to hire an electrician, who charges between $50 and $130 per hour on average.

Here are the average costs of common built-in bookshelf add-ons:

Cost of Built-In Bookshelves by Room

Where you install your built-in bookshelves can impact the price. Your design choices and shelf location might require add-ons like cabinetry, a built-in desk, or flame-retardant material.

A local custom furniture maker can help you plan your project. Custom cabinetry costs anywhere from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. The more ornate the design, the higher the price.

Here’s the average cost of built-in bookshelves for different rooms in the house: 

Labor Cost for Bookshelf Installation Pros

Labor often makes up 70% to 80% of your total budget. Complexity drives the price—installing a prefabricated unit may take a few hours, but an intricate custom build could easily run a full day or more.

If you want to ensure a safe and sturdy install, plan to hire a carpenter, contractor, or handyperson. 

• A local handyperson can handle simple installations of premade units and charges $30 to $130 per hour.

• The average cost to hire a carpenter is $75 to $125 per hour, and they specialize in woodwork, making them ideal for handling custom builds and intricate designs. 

• For larger projects, a general contractor charges $50 to $150 per hour to coordinate multiple aspects of the installation. 

Keep in mind that labor costs vary by region due to differences in demand and cost of living.

Do Built-In Bookshelves Increase Home Value?

Built-in bookshelves make the most of your square footage and give the room a polished, custom look that can boost resale value. Compared to other home improvements, built-in bookshelves can offer a favorable return on investment (ROI), especially when you use quality materials and hire a pro.

One factor contributing to home value is increased functionality, as the shelves provide practical storage solutions that appeal to a broad range of buyers. Additionally, built-in bookshelves improve the overall aesthetics of a room, creating a cohesive and refined appearance. Safety is also a consideration, as built-ins are securely attached and don’t risk tipping over like freestanding units.

To maximize your ROI, choose designs and materials that complement your home's style, and prioritize quality workmanship. While high-end materials like hardwood, glass, or marble can increase the initial cost, they may also yield a higher return due to their durability and visual appeal.

Budgeting for Built-In Bookshelves

Built-in bookshelves can fall into several price ranges. To keep your costs down, consider these tips:

• Stick with a simple and standard design.

• Pick durable budget materials—like MDF or plywood—with a quality finish.

• Choose prefabricated or semi-custom units instead of fully custom builds.

• Keep add-ons minimal; decorative trim or lighting quickly raises the total price.

• Compare quotes from local finish carpenters and contractors to lock in the best rate.

• Handle basic prep yourself, like removing old shelves and ensuring the wall is ready.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.