A home library is a dream for many. We'll show you how to design and assemble a bookshelf yourself that will hold the weight of your collection.
Custom Home Library - Do It Yourself
Standard store-bought bookshelves often don't fit our alcoves or sag under the weight of books. The solution is a custom bookshelf you design and assemble yourself.
Step 1: Load Planning
Books are heavy. A linear meter of books can weigh up to 30-40 kg (65-90 lbs).
Therefore, when designing, remember:
- Board Thickness: Standard 18mm board may sag if shelf is wider than 60-70 cm.
- Up to 60 cm: 18mm board OK
- 60-90 cm: 25mm or 36mm board (thickened)
- Over 90 cm: Vertical support divider required
- Back Panel: This provides rigidity. Don't use thin HDF (3mm) nailed on if the bookshelf is tall. Better to groove in a 10-18mm board or screw it solidly to the sides.
Step 2: 3D Design
Use the [free furniture designer](/projektowanie-mebli-online/) to layout your shelves.
Design Tips:
- Variable Heights: Not all shelves need to be equal. Plan taller ones for albums (35-40 cm) and shorter for fiction (22-25 cm).
- Plinths: Don't place the bookshelf directly on the floor. A 5-7 cm plinth makes cleaning easier and looks better.
- Wall Mounting: A tall bookshelf MUST be screwed to the wall (bracket at top). Otherwise, it may tip over.
Step 3: Choosing Joints
How to connect shelves to sides?
- Confirmat Screws: Cheapest and strongest, but screw heads visible on sides.
- Cam Locks: Invisible from outside, but harder to install (requires precise drilling).
- Shelf Pins: Allow height adjustment, but the shelf doesn't stiffen the unit.
Recommendation: Mount structural shelves (top, bottom, one middle) permanently (cam locks/confirmats). The rest can be on pins.
Step 4: Assembly
- Lay sides on the floor
- Screw in cam pins or prep holes for confirmats
- Install structural shelves
- Check diagonals (is the unit square)
- Nail/screw the back (key moment for stability!)
- Stand up and screw to wall
How Much Does It Cost?
Bookshelf 200x80x30 cm from 18mm laminated board:
- Cut and banded boards: approx. $100-150
- Accessories: $15
- Total: approx. $115-165
A ready-made bookshelf of this class from a carpenter costs around $400-600.
