How Much Do Built-In Bookshelves Cost in 2025?
Built-in bookshelves cost an average of $3,071, but the cost depends on the size of your home library, the materials you use, and whether you hire a pro.
Costs range from $400 for simple, prefabricated shelves to $9,600 for custom shelves made with high-end materials.
Costs depend on size, materials, customization, and location and range from $150 to $1,300 per linear foot.
Hiring a professional carpenter or contractor ensures proper installation and workmanship.
Built-in bookshelves increase storage space and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost of installing built-in bookshelves is $3,071, ranging between $1,398 and $4,874. Materials range from budget-friendly options at $150 per linear foot to high-end choices at $1,300 per linear foot. Depending on the complexity of your design, your project can benefit from hiring a handyperson or contractor.
If you're an avid reader, custom bookshelves can beautifully showcase your collection while enhancing your home's storage and aesthetics. You can choose from prefabricated, semi-custom, and custom designs—but the more customization you add, the higher the price. The following guide breaks down the cost factors you’ll need to consider when budgeting for your new bookshelves.
Size
Built-in bookshelves come in various sizes and designs. The larger and deeper your shelves, the more they'll cost to install. 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.
Materials
When building your built-in bookshelf, you can choose from several materials. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood are the most wallet-friendly. 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 square foot but add a luxurious touch to your space.
| Material | Price per Linear Foot (Installed) |
|---|---|
| MDF | $150–$400 |
| Plywood | $150–$600 |
| Metal | $450–$1,000 |
| Wood | $500–$1,200 |
| Glass | $750–$1,200 |
| Marble | $800–$1,300 |
Labor Cost for Pros
Labor is a significant factor when budgeting for your built-in bookshelf, accounting for 70% to 80% of the total cost. The more complex your bookshelf installation, the higher the labor costs. Simple, prefabricated designs can be installed in a couple of hours, while custom pieces might take more than a day.
A carpenter, contractor, or handyperson is the primary professional you can hire to assist you with your built-in bookshelf installation. 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 $40 to $120 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.
Additional Cost Factors
Additional factors, including accessories, extra features, and the room in which the bookshelf is installed, impact the total price.
Accessories and Add-Ons
Adding custom finishes to your built-in bookshelf will increase the total cost. Features like a sliding library ladder, glass doors, or custom paint can raise your price by up to 50%. Some customizations might also require you to hire an electrician, who charges between $50 and $100 per hour on average.
| Add-On | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Paint | $1–$3 per sq. ft. |
| Crown molding | $75–$300 |
| Wooden doors | $500 per door |
| Glass panel doors | $100–$200 per panel |
| Drawers | $100–$250 |
| Lighting | $20–$30 per light |
| Plugs and outlets | $200–$300 each |
Cost of Built-In Bookshelves by Room
Where you install your 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 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.
| Location | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Do Built-In Bookshelves Increase Home Value?
Built-ins maximize your space and offer a custom look that many buyers find attractive, potentially increasing your 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.
Factors contributing to increased home value include 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 project budget-friendly, consider these tips:
Choose a simple design with standard dimensions to reduce the need for complex custom work.
Select cost-effective yet durable materials like MDF or plywood with a high-quality finish.
Opt for prefabricated or semi-custom units, which can be more affordable than fully custom-built shelves.
Limit add-ons and accessories, such as decorative moldings or lighting, and stick to essential features.
Compare prices from local finish carpenters and contractors to find the most cost-effective option in your area.
Prepare the installation area yourself by removing old shelves and ensuring the walls are ready for installation.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a built-in bookshelf, always choose high-quality furniture-grade wood. Softer woods, like pine, and particle boards like MDF can sag under the weight of heavy books. Ideally, your shelves should hold 20 to 40 pounds per foot, so opt for scratch-resistant hardwood plywood or solid wood. Popular options include mahogany, cherry, koa, maple, oak, walnut, birch, and cedar.
Your built-in bookshelves should seamlessly blend into your space. Often, this means floor-to-ceiling units ending at a natural cutoff point like a door. You might also consider creating a custom corner unit or suspended units hung at eye level. If you're installing a prefabricated unit, you'll find sizes ranging from 24 to 48 inches wide, 10 to 12 inches deep, and 5 to 6 feet tall.
The installation time for built-in bookshelves depends on the complexity of the design, the size of the shelves, and the level of customization. A contractor can install a simple, prefabricated unit in a few hours, while an elaborate, custom unit could take up to a week. Installing add-ons like lighting could also extend the installation process.
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