Floor to ceiling bookshelves can greatly enhance the aesthetic of a room while providing ample storage space for books, decor items, and more. However, custom built-in bookshelves that span from floor to ceiling can be a significant investment. In this article, we will discuss the factors that influence the cost of floor to ceiling bookshelves and provide general price ranges to help you budget for this type of built-in shelving unit.
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Key Factors That Influence Cost
There are several key factors that will impact the total cost of floor to ceiling bookshelves:
- Materials – Hardwood shelves will be more expensive than pine or plywood. Exotic woods like mahogany or teak can command premium pricing.
- Quality of materials – Higher grades of wood that are free of blemishes and knots will cost more. Thicker shelves tend to be more durable and pricier.
- Shelf dimensions – The height, width, and depth of the shelves will determine material needs.
- Number of shelves – More shelves means more materials, additional hardware, and more labor for installation.
- Structural supports – Bookshelves may require anchored brackets, cleats, or cabinets at the base for support.
- Doors and cabinets – Including glass doors, drawer cabinets, or other built-ins will increase cost.
- Trimwork – Crown molding, baseboards, and decorative trim will add to the overall price.
- Labor – Hiring carpenters or contractors will be more expensive than DIY installation.
- Location – Prices are typically higher in areas with higher wages and material costs.
Now that we’ve looked at the key cost factors, let’s examine typical price ranges for floor to ceiling built-in bookshelves.
Price Ranges
On average, expect to pay the following for floor to ceiling bookshelves:
- Basic pine bookshelves – $150-$300 per linear foot
- Stained oak bookshelves – $300-$500 per linear foot
- Painted maple bookshelves with trim – $400-$650 per linear foot
- Cherry or walnut bookshelves – $600-$800 per linear foot
- Exotic wood like mahogany – $800+ per linear foot
These are ballpark figures assuming a depth of 12″ per shelf. Deeper shelves, additional trimwork, lighting, or other upgrades will increase the overall price. Expect to pay hourly rates of $50-$100 for carpentry and installation labor.
Material Cost Breakdown
To give you a better idea of the cost breakdown for materials, let’s look at an example:
- Pine boards for shelving – $50
- Pine trim boards – $30
- Shelf brackets and supports – $20
- Wood glue, nails, sandpaper – $15
- Wood stain supplies – $30
- Carpentry labor (10 hours @ $70 per hour) – $700
For a 6 linear foot stained pine floor to ceiling bookshelf unit, the total cost would be around $845 for materials and labor. This breaks down to approximately $140 per linear foot.
Cost to Hire a Carpenter
Rather than taking on the DIY project yourself, consider hiring an experienced carpenter. Here are typical carpenter rates to install custom bookshelves:
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Apprentice Carpenter | $40-$60 per hour |
| Carpenter | $60-$80 per hour |
| Lead Carpenter | $80-$100 per hour |
Most carpenters will charge by the project rather than hourly. Get multiple bids and ask for estimated hours and material costs to compare pricing.
Saving on Floor to Ceiling Bookshelves
Here are some tips for saving on built-in floor to ceiling bookshelves:
- Use lower cost wood like pine rather than pricier hardwoods
- Opt for simple designs without ornate trimwork or detailing
- Shop sales and clearance for discounted lumber and supplies
- Hire apprentice or novice carpenters rather than highly skilled pros
- DIY the project if you have woodworking experience
- Purchase stock shelves and supports rather than custom built
- Install in a room with less visible walls to save on cosmetic finishing
Factors That Increase Cost
Be prepared for the following factors to increase the total cost of your bookshelves:
- Hardwood materials like oak, cherry, maple, etc
- Thicker shelving boards
- Integration of cabinets, closed storage, or display cases
- Glass doors
- Electrical – lighting, outlets, switches
- Extensive crown molding, baseboards, or decorative trim
- Painted or specialty finishes
- Unusual designs requiring custom work
- Removal of existing wall materials or prep work
- Difficult access areas requiring extra labor
Conclusion
Floor to ceiling bookshelves can range dramatically in price due to the variety of materials and designs available. Expect to invest at minimum around $150 per linear foot for basic pine shelves, while exotic wood built-ins with ornate detailing can cost $800 or more per linear foot. Carefully consider your budget, needs, and style preferences when planning a floor to ceiling bookshelf project. With some smart planning, you can get beautiful custom shelving that enhances your space without overspending.