How Much Do Built-In Bookshelves Cost in 2025?

Normal Range: $1,399 - $4,874

Built-in bookshelves cost an average of $3,069, but the price depends on the size of your home library, the materials you use, and whether you hire a pro.

How we get this data
livingroom with custom built in bookshelves
Photo: Andy Dean / Adobe Stock
livingroom with custom built in bookshelves
Photo: Andy Dean / Adobe Stock
Highlights
  • Built-in bookshelf costs range from $400 for simple prefabricated shelves to $9,600 for custom shelves made with high-end materials.

  • Most homeowners will pay anywhere from $150 to $1,200 per linear foot

  • Prices largely depend on size, materials, customization, and labor rates.

  • Hire a professional carpenter or contractor to make sure your shelves are secure and built to last.

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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: 

Bookshelf MaterialPrice per Linear Foot (Installed)
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)$150–$400
Plywood$150–$600
Metal$450–$1,000
Wood$500–$1,200
Glass$750–$1,200
Marble$800–$1,300

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:

Bookshelf Add-OnAverage Cost Range
Paint$1–$3 per sq. ft.
Crown molding$75–$300
Wood panel 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 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: 

Bookshelf LocationAverage 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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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