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High-quality furniture-grade wood will give you the best performance. 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, maple, oak, walnut, and birch.

Built-ins look best when they feel like part of the room, so many homeowners run them floor to ceiling and stop at a natural break such as a doorway. Corner or floating units are smart options for tight spaces. Prefabricated shelves typically run 24–48 inches wide, 10–12 inches deep, and 5–6 feet tall; use those ranges as a quick sizing guide.

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.

For optimal storage efficiency and aesthetics, built-in bookshelves typically feature a shelf depth of 10 to 12 inches. This depth strikes a balance between providing ample space for books and decor while maintaining a sleek, unobtrusive look in your room.