adjustable built in shelves, floor to ceiling?

Question

I collect cookbooks and I own over 2000. I just bought a condo and decided I wanted floor to ceiling shelves. Last night a contractor came over and gave an estimate of about $2000 but he's a custom cabinet maker and I think he's used to making more elaborate furniture. I want these shelves basic in so not to take away from the look of the books. I was hoping that I could get this done for $1500 at the most.

What is a good way to a reputable place to do this? Someone said to go to Home Depot and put in a request for the work and they will find someone for me. Has anyone ever done this?

Answer 1

Just using some quick basic math, I estimate about 24 books (average size) would fit on a 24" wide shelf (I estimate using 1 inch per book). I figure you could stack 7 shelves on a top to bottom 8' high ceiling. Aprroximately 162 books would fit on such a unit. Dividing 2000 books by 162 books, you would need an area about 22' long and 8' high. Depending on the materials you would use), it could be a couple hundred dollars for oak or birch plywood. More exotic material could increase by thousands, it just depends on what's used. I consider myself a fairly experienced wood-worker and I could probably build such a unit in a couple of days. Anymore though labor is factored at least by the same cost of materials, so if I were you, I'd get some more estimates. I'm not a professional, so I understand these guys are working to make a living. Of course, anytime one does a self-help project he is prone to save money. Just so long as the person is able to build something to a decent standard. I've built many projects for friends and relatives that are high end. Perhaps you could as around and see if there's such a person near you. Seems everyone knows someone who is handy and willing to help others save some money.

Good luck and remember you get what you pay for when it comes to the business world. Get at least 3 to 4 estimates before you commit. At least you'll have a better understanding of what needs to be done.

I might also add, that most commerical modular shelving probably wouldn't be strong enough to support that number of books. Over time, they'd start to sag. I'm talking about the stuff that make with composite, then laminated with a slick finish...

Answer 2

Have you got any other bids other than the one contractor? I travel all over the country and do this for a living and it doesn't sound out of line to me at all. Depending on the actual size of the finished bookcases, there could be some difference in price. Did you or he specify what the shelves were to be made out of, any specific species of wood? That will make a difference in price also. To make shelves adjustable, there is a little bit of work involved to do it right. They also have to be strong enough to hold the weight of so many books, so the width cannot be that great or the shelves will sag in the middle. Were they to be finished (stained or painted)? I think if you want to have nice shelves, even simplistic ones you'll find that his bid was not way out of line. If you want it done cheap, then go to Wal-Mart and buy some bookcases. The choice is yours, your money, but don't condem the guy yet. Get other bids and then make a decision. Good Luck.

Answer 3

If you can hammer a nail, use a battery operated screw gun, use a saw and can paint, why don't you do it your self.

There are many companies that sell modular shelving systems that you can put together yourself. Most are quite attractive and there's nothing like the feeling, "I DID THAT"

I think $2000 for shelves is high, but many contractors will over charge you especially if you are a woman.

I built a bookcase for my daughter out of 1x12 pine boards for about 100.00. It was 6' tall, 4' wide and 12" deep. I finished it with Minwax poly shades which is the stain and polyurethane together.

Building a built in would not be that hard. Home depot or Lowes will have "How to" books to help you.

Answer 4

Depending on what you're putting on the bottom and top shelves, i say rest the bottom of the bookcase flush with the floor.. knowing its not level. do the same with the ceiling. But... when putting the shelving in, make sure those are level. with only a 1/2 to 3/4 difference, it shouldnt be too noticable to the naked eye. As long as the shelve in the middle are plum, and the focal point (just above center - eye level) is straight, i think it would look fine!

Answer 5

My company, Blinds Plus sells custom closet organizers for homes and offices. We can have a shelving unit made for you that has adjustable shelves If you like to see a sample of them go to our website at: www.blindspluscanada.com. If you would like a free quote, send us your measurements and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Our email address is [e-mail].

Answer 6

I have gotten referrals from HD. THey have a book of contractors you can look thru. Also- check out IKEA.